Drone Rules in Massachusetts (2026)
10 rules on the books across Massachusetts, 3 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Recreational Drones
Local rules for flying drones as a hobby, including where you can fly, altitude limits, and restrictions near parks and public events.
Massachusetts: statewide
StatewideSignificant RestrictionsMassachusetts has no statewide omnibus drone statute, so recreational flying follows federal FAA rules. But across the…
Read full rule →Newton
Significant RestrictionsNewton lets residents fly recreational drones under 55 pounds but bans operating them over private property without…
Read full rule →Chicopee
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Chicopee, Massachusetts, anyone flying a drone for nonbusiness or noncommercial purposes must follow the…
Read full rule →Commercial Drones
Additional permits and requirements for using drones for business purposes like photography, delivery, or inspections.
Boston
Heavy RestrictionsCommercial drone operations in Boston require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and LAANC authorization for…
Read full rule →Chicopee
Light RestrictionsChicopee's drone chapter draws no separate business tier. In the City of Chicopee, Massachusetts, § 186-4(A) and (B)…
Read full rule →Park Drone Restrictions
Bans on launching, landing, or operating drones in city and county parks, with exceptions for designated model-aircraft fields.
Chicopee
Significant RestrictionsIn the City of Chicopee, Massachusetts, Chapter 186 of the Code bars any aircraft or drone from operating over property…
Read full rule →Newton
Significant RestrictionsLaunching or landing a drone on land run by Newton's parks, recreation and culture department, or any other…
Read full rule →Airport Proximity Rules
No-fly zones near commercial airports, FAA controlled-airspace authorization (LAANC), and additional state/local proximity rules.
Event Drone Restrictions
Temporary flight restrictions over stadiums, parades, and major public events, plus the federal sports-stadium TFR rules.
Chicopee
Significant RestrictionsIn the City of Chicopee, Massachusetts, no operator can fly a drone over a crowd or persons not directly participating…
Read full rule →Newton
Significant RestrictionsGroups that want to fly drones as part of an organized event on city land need an event permit under Newton City Code…
Read full rule →