Utah Statewide Rule
Utah Drone Law Preempts Local Recreational Rules
Key Facts
- Preemption statute
- Utah Code 72-14
- Wildfire UAS
- Criminal offense
- FAA rules
- Apply statewide
- Remote ID
- Required
- Local airspace bans
- Preempted
Summary
Utah expressly preempts local regulation of unmanned aircraft systems, reserving authority to the state and federal governments. Recreational drone operators must follow FAA rules and Utah-specific restrictions on emergency scenes and wildfires.
(2) A political subdivision of the state, or an entity within a political subdivision of the state, may not enact a law, ordinance, or rule governing the private use of an unmanned aircraft or the private use of an advanced air mobility system, unless: (a) authorized by this chapter; or (b) the political subdivision or entity is an airport operator that enacts the law, rule, or ordinance to govern: (i) the operation of an unmanned aircraft or an advanced air mobility system within the geographic boundaries of the airport over which the airport operator has authority; or (ii) the takeoff or landing of an unmanned aircraft or an aircraft operated as part of an advanced air mobility system at the airport over which the airport operator has authority.
Full Breakdown
Utah Code Title 72, Chapter 14 (Unmanned Aircraft) establishes that the state and federal government have exclusive authority over the operation of unmanned aircraft, preempting most municipal and county regulation. Recreational pilots must follow FAA recreational rules, including registration of drones over 250 grams, Remote ID compliance, and altitude and visual-line-of-sight limits. Utah specifically prohibits operating a drone over a wildfire (Utah Code 65A-3-2.5), and over correctional facilities and active law-enforcement incidents, with criminal penalties. Local governments retain limited authority over takeoff and landing on city-owned property and noise and trespass enforcement.
Violations & Penalties
Wildfire UAS interference is a class B misdemeanor or higher; flying over a correctional facility is a class A misdemeanor; FAA rule violations carry separate federal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Utah city ban recreational drone flights citywide?
What happens if I fly a drone over a Utah wildfire?
Sources
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