Utah Statewide Rule

Utah Drone Law Preempts Local Recreational Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Utah (2026)

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.

Key Facts

Preemption statute: Utah Code 72-14
Wildfire UAS: Criminal offense
FAA rules: Apply statewide
Remote ID: Required
Local airspace bans: Preempted

Source: Utah State Legislature

Full Breakdown

Utah Code Title 72, Chapter 14 (Unmanned Aircraft) and Utah Code 11-65 establish 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 Part 107 community-based or recreational rules, including registration of drones over 250 grams, Remote ID compliance, and altitude/visual-line-of-sight limits. Utah specifically prohibits operating UAS over wildfires (Utah Code 65A-3-2.5), 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/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?

No. Utah Code Title 72 Chapter 14 preempts local airspace regulation; cities may only restrict takeoff and landing on city-owned land and enforce noise or trespass.

What happens if I fly a drone over a Utah wildfire?

Utah Code 65A-3-2.5 makes operating an unmanned aircraft over a wildfire suppression area a criminal offense with fines, jail, and civil liability for suppression costs.

Sources

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Utah city ban recreational drone flights citywide?

No. Utah Code Title 72 Chapter 14 preempts local airspace regulation; cities may only restrict takeoff and landing on city-owned land and enforce noise or trespass.

What happens if I fly a drone over a Utah wildfire?

Utah Code 65A-3-2.5 makes operating an unmanned aircraft over a wildfire suppression area a criminal offense with fines, jail, and civil liability for suppression costs.