Union City, NJ Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Hudson County presents one of the most challenging recreational drone environments in the nation due to dense layered airspace. Newark Liberty International (EWR, 7 miles south), Teterboro Airport (TEB, 5 miles north), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA, 10 miles east across the Hudson) all project Class B and Class D controlled airspace across Hudson County. The FAA B4UFLY app shows that essentially all of Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City, West New York, Weehawken, Secaucus, and North Bergen require LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization even for recreational flights, despite the Exception for Recreational Flyers under 49 USC §44809. All drones over 0.55 lbs must have FAA Remote ID and owner registration. TRUST test certificate required. The 400-foot altitude ceiling applies. Jersey City Parks ordinance and Hoboken Park Rules prohibit drone launches and landings from municipal parks. Liberty State Park (NJ DEP managed) prohibits recreational drone flight without a special use permit. Flight over Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Hudson River crossings, and PATH infrastructure is a federal security violation.