Los Angeles, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum altitude
- 400 feet above the earth's surface
- Operating hours
- Daylight only (official sunrise to official sunset)
- Airport buffer
- 5-mile radius requires prior ATC authorization
- Visual line of sight
- Required; FPV goggles alone do not qualify
- Minimum clearance from people (in flight)
- 25 feet (excluding takeoff/landing)
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor; up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail
Summary
Recreational drones (Model Aircraft) in Los Angeles must stay within the operator's unaided visual line of sight, below 400 feet AGL, and operate only during daylight hours. Flying within 5 miles of any airport requires prior authorization from the airport air traffic control tower.
SEC. 56.31. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS. (Added by Ord. No. 183,912, Eff. 12/2/15.) (b) The following shall apply to the operation of any Model Aircraft within the City of Los Angeles: 1. No Person shall operate any Model Aircraft within the City of Los Angeles and within 5 miles of an airport without the prior express authorization of the airport air traffic control tower. 2. No Person shall operate any Model Aircraft within the City of Los Angeles in a manner that interferes with crewed aircraft, and shall always give way to any crewed aircraft. 3. No Person shall operate any Model Aircraft within the City of Los Angeles beyond the visual line of sight of the person operating the Model Aircraft. People other than the operator may not be used in lieu of the operator for maintaining visual line of sight. 4. No Person shall operate any Model Aircraft within the City of Los Angeles other than during daylight hours defined as between official sunrise and official sunset for local time. 5. No Person shall operate any Model Aircraft within the City of Los Angeles more than 400 feet above the earth's surface. 6. Excluding takeoff and landing, no Person shall operate any Model Aircraft within the City of Los Angeles closer than 25 feet to any individual, except the operator or the operator's helper(s).
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 56.31 defines Model Aircraft as drones or UAS operated strictly for hobby or recreational purposes, and sets six specific operating restrictions. FPV goggles and vision-enhancing devices alone do not satisfy the visual-line-of-sight requirement: the operator's own natural vision must track the aircraft at all times. Operators must always give way to crewed aircraft and may not fly in violation of FAA temporary flight restrictions or NOTAMs. The 25-foot clearance from bystanders applies during flight but not during takeoff and landing.
Violations & Fines
Violations are a misdemeanor under LAMC § 11.00(m), punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in county jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly my drone near LAX or Burbank Airport?
Can I use FPV goggles to fly my drone in Los Angeles?
What is the penalty for breaking LA drone rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California drone rules overview
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Recreational Drones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recreational drones.