Ohio Statewide Rule

Ohio Recreational Drone Rules Under Revised Code 4561.51

Light RestrictionsApplies statewide across Ohio (2026)

Key Facts

Governing statute: Ohio Revised Code 4561.51
Effective: April 9, 2025 (H.B. 77)
Baseline rule: Follow all FAA drone regulations
Responder interference: Fourth-degree misdemeanor if reckless
Local control: Cities may regulate park flights

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Ohio lets you fly a recreational drone as long as you follow the FAA, but Revised Code 4561.51, effective April 9, 2025, adds state teeth: you cannot disrupt police, firefighters, or EMS on duty.

(A)(1) Except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, no person shall operate an unmanned aerial vehicle in the air space over this state if the operation is prohibited by either federal law or federal regulations, including any federal aviation administration regulations. (B) No person shall operate an unmanned aerial vehicle in a manner that disrupts, interrupts, or impairs the operations or activities conducted by law enforcement personnel, fire department personnel, or emergency medical services personnel while such personnel is on duty.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Recreational flyers in Ohio still answer first to the FAA: pass TRUST, register anything over 0.55 pounds, and stay clear of controlled airspace. Ohio Revised Code 4561.51, in force since April 9, 2025 under House Bill 77, layers state offenses on top. Division (A) makes any FAA-prohibited flight a state violation. Division (B) bars operating a drone in a way that disrupts, interrupts, or impairs on-duty law enforcement, fire, or EMS personnel. Section 4561.52 lets cities, townships, park districts, and counties regulate hobby flights over their own parks and public property.

Violations & Penalties

A reckless violation of the emergency-responder ban is a fourth-degree misdemeanor; a knowing violation jumps to a first-degree misdemeanor, and a repeat knowing offense becomes a fifth-degree felony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ohio require a separate state license to fly a recreational drone?

No. Ohio has no state registration or license. You follow the FAA, pass the TRUST test and register drones over 0.55 pounds, plus Ohio Revised Code 4561.51.

Can Ohio cities ban recreational drones in local parks?

Yes. Section 4561.52 lets municipalities, townships, park districts, and counties adopt rules for hobby drone flights over parks and other public property they own.

What happens if my drone gets in the way of firefighters or police?

Under Division (B) of 4561.51, disrupting on-duty responders is a fourth-degree misdemeanor if reckless, rising higher if the interference is knowing.

Sources

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