San Bernardino, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Federal law through 14 CFR Part 107 and 49 USC 44809 preempts most airspace regulation, but San Bernardino and state law add local use restrictions on where pilots can launch, land, and operate. Recreational pilots must pass the FAA TRUST safety test, register any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds, broadcast Remote ID if the drone requires it, maintain visual line of sight, fly below 400 feet above ground level, avoid controlled airspace (including the Class D airspace around San Bernardino International Airport, formerly Norton AFB) without LAANC authorization, and fly only during daylight or civil twilight unless equipped with anti-collision lights. Under California Civil Code 1708.8 drones may not be used to record individuals engaged in private activity on their own property, and Penal Code 402 bars interference with emergency responders. San Bernardino Municipal Code 12.32 prohibits taking off or landing in city parks without a special permit, and operating drones at public events requires permission from the event organizer. Flights over Seccombe Lake Park, Perris Hill Park, and Patton State Hospital are particularly restricted due to sensitive uses. Operators causing injury or property damage can be held civilly liable and may face criminal charges for reckless operation. County parks, national forest lands in the San Bernardino Mountains, and wilderness areas have their own separate rules.