Indiana regulates recreational drones through IC 35-46-8.5 (remote aerial harassment, voyeurism) and IC 35-33-5-9 (warrant requirements). Federal FAA Part 107 and recreational rules apply, while state law adds privacy and trespass protections.
Indiana law makes it a Class A misdemeanor under IC 35-45-4-5 to use a drone to commit voyeurism (capturing images where a person has reasonable expectation of privacy). IC 35-46-8.5-1 prohibits remote aerial harassment of hunters, anglers, and trappers, a Class B misdemeanor. IC 35-33-5-9 requires a warrant before law enforcement uses a drone for search, with exceptions for exigent circumstances, search-and-rescue, and traffic crash reconstruction. Operators must follow FAA rules, including registration of drones over 0.55 lbs, Remote ID, and 400-foot altitude limits. Local ordinances cannot regulate flight operations, only land use and takeoff/landing on city property.
Drone voyeurism is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $5,000 fine). Aerial hunter harassment is a Class B misdemeanor. Federal violations may add $27,500+ FAA civil penalties.
See how Hamilton County's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.