Oregon Statewide Rule

Oregon Commercial Drone Rules And State Preemption Framework

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oregon (2026)

Key Facts

Federal rule: 14 CFR Part 107
Public-agency registry: ORS 837.360
Preemption: ORS 837.385
Weapon ban: ORS 837.365
Regulator: FAA and Oregon DOA

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Oregon Public Law

Summary

Commercial drone operations in Oregon are governed by FAA Part 107 plus ORS 837.300-837.390. Public agency UAS must register with the Oregon Department of Aviation, and ORS 837.385 preempts most local commercial drone regulation.

837.385 Preemption of local laws regulating unmanned aircraft systems. Except as expressly authorized by state statute, the authority to regulate the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft systems is vested solely in the Legislative Assembly. Except as expressly authorized by state statute, a local government, as defined ORS 174.116, may not enact an ordinance or resolution that regulates the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft systems or otherwise engage in the regulation of the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. [2013 c.686 §17; 2015 c.315 §12]

Source: Oregon Public LawView official code

Full Breakdown

FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs all commercial small-UAS operations nationwide, including remote-pilot certification, daylight or waivered night operations, visual line of sight, and registration. Oregon adds ORS 837.360 requiring every public body that owns a UAS to register the aircraft with the Oregon Department of Aviation and adopt written use policies. ORS 837.365 bars weaponized UAS regardless of operator. ORS 837.385 places UAS regulation primarily with the Legislative Assembly, preempting cities and counties from imposing operational rules on commercial flights beyond ordinary land-use, trespass, and privacy laws of general application.

Violations & Penalties

Operating a public-agency drone without state registration violates ORS 837.360; commercial flight without FAA Part 107 certification can trigger federal civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Oregon city require its own commercial drone permit?

Generally no. ORS 837.385 reserves UAS regulation to the Legislative Assembly, and the FAA preempts most operational rules. Cities may only enforce neutral land-use, trespass, or privacy laws.

Do public agencies in Oregon need to register their drones?

Yes. ORS 837.360 requires every state and local public body operating a UAS to register the aircraft with the Oregon Department of Aviation and maintain written operational policies.

Sources

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