Utah Statewide Rule
Utah Commercial Drone Operations Under Federal and State Law
Key Facts
- Federal rule
- FAA Part 107
- State preemption
- Utah Code 72-14
- Remote ID
- Required
- Government UAS
- Limits in 63G-18
- Wildfire airspace
- Off limits
Summary
Commercial drone use in Utah is governed primarily by FAA Part 107 with Utah's UAS preemption statute limiting local interference. State law adds restrictions for emergencies, wildfires, and correctional facilities applicable to all operators.
(3) (a) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, a political subdivision may require an advanced air mobility business to obtain a business license if the advanced air mobility business does not hold a current business license in good standing from another political subdivision in the state. (b) A political subdivision may only charge a licensing fee to an advanced air mobility business in an amount that reimburses the political subdivision for the actual cost of processing the business license. (4) A political subdivision may not require an advanced air mobility business to: (a) obtain a separate business license beyond the initial business license described in Subsection (3)(a); (b) pay a fee other than the fee for the initial business license described in Subsection (3); or (c) pay a fee for each employee the advanced air mobility business employs.
Full Breakdown
Commercial drone operations in Utah require a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, drone registration, and compliance with Remote ID. Utah Code Title 72, Chapter 14 reserves UAS operational regulation to the state and federal governments, so cities and counties may not require additional commercial UAS permits or fees that conflict with federal rules. Operators must avoid temporary flight restrictions over wildfires, sporting events, and emergency scenes. Utah has also enacted privacy provisions (Utah Code 63G-18) restricting government use of UAS for surveillance and limiting weaponization. Commercial operators flying for hire over private property still face state trespass and privacy tort exposure.
Violations & Penalties
Flying without a Part 107 certificate or registration risks FAA civil penalties up to $32,666; state criminal exposure applies for emergency-scene, wildfire, or correctional-facility incursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Utah require a separate commercial drone license beyond FAA?
Can a Utah city require a commercial drone permit?
Sources
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