South Dakota Recreational Drone Operation Rules

Federal Aviation Administration rules under 14 CFR Part 107 and the Recreational Flyer exception preempt most airspace regulation. South Dakota supplements federal rules through SDCL 50-13-15.1, which prohibits flying drones over state correctional facilities or military installations without authorization. SDCL 22-21-1 makes it a misdemeanor to use a drone to observe or photograph another person in a private place without consent. Operators must register with the FAA when required, complete TRUST education for recreational use, follow visual line-of-sight rules, and avoid restricted airspace. Local airspace bans generally cannot override federal authority.

Privacy violations under SDCL 22-21-1 are Class 1 misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year jail and $2,000 fines. Restricted facility flights are class 6 felonies.