Los Angeles bans launching, landing, or operating drones over all city parks and beaches under LAMC 56.31. Recreational pilots must follow FAA rules: stay below 400 feet AGL, keep line of sight, and register drones over 0.55 lbs with the FAA ($5, valid 3 years). The B4UFLY app shows restricted airspace.
Recreational drone operations in Los Angeles are governed by both federal and local rules. Under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. § 44809), the FAA preempts regulation of navigable airspace, but cities retain authority over takeoff and landing on local property. Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.31 prohibits operating any model aircraft, drone, or unmanned aerial system in or over any city park or beach, including iconic sites like Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, and Venice Beach. Recreational pilots must register drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds with the FAA, pass the free TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test), keep the aircraft within visual line of sight, fly below 400 feet AGL, yield to manned aircraft, and avoid emergency response operations. Flights near LAX, Burbank, or Van Nuys airports require LAANC authorization.
LAMC park violations carry fines up to $500 plus possible drone confiscation and misdemeanor charges. Failure to register a qualifying drone with the FAA is a federal civil penalty up to $27,500 and criminal penalties up to $250,000 plus three years imprisonment. LAPD also enforces TFRs.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle recreational drones.
See how Los Angeles's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
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