Ontario, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Hobbyist and recreational drone flying in Ontario is primarily governed by federal law. The Federal Aviation Administration requires all Unmanned Aircraft Systems weighing 0.55 pounds or more to be registered under 14 CFR Part 48, and recreational flyers must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) under 49 USC 44809. Because Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a Class C tower-controlled airport, a 5-nautical-mile radius of controlled airspace covers most of the City including downtown, Ontario Mills, and much of the residential core south of the 10 Freeway. Flying inside that airspace requires LAANC authorization through an FAA-approved app (Aloft, AirMap, Skyward) or prior ATC approval. Maximum altitude is 400 feet above ground level, and drones must be kept within visual line of sight, below manned aircraft, and not over people or moving vehicles unless rules are met. California Penal Code 402 prohibits flying over emergency scenes, and Civil Code 1708.8 creates a private cause of action for paparazzi-style drone invasion of privacy. Ontario parks also prohibit drone takeoff or landing without a permit under OMC Title 14.