Drone Rules in Virginia (2026)
12 rules on the books across Virginia, 8 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Recreational Drones
Local rules for flying drones as a hobby, including where you can fly, altitude limits, and restrictions near parks and public events.
Virginia: statewide
StatewideFew RestrictionsVirginia preempts most local drone regulation, reserving aircraft operation rules to the state and FAA, while…
Read full rule →Alexandria
Heavy RestrictionsAlexandria sits inside the FAA's Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) around…
Read full rule →Herndon
Heavy RestrictionsUsing a drone to observe, photograph, or record persons in areas where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy is…
Read full rule →Norfolk
Heavy RestrictionsRecreational drone operation in Norfolk is heavily constrained by federal airspace restrictions surrounding Naval…
Read full rule →Fairfax County
Some RestrictionsFairfax County's Noise Ordinance bars flying drones outdoors between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., since drones are defined as…
Read full rule →Richmond
Some RestrictionsRecreational drone operation in Richmond governed by FAA Part 107 and VA Code 15.2-926.3 which preempts most local…
Read full rule →Vienna
Some RestrictionsVirginia Code Section 18.2-324.2 prohibits using drones or other technology to peep into dwellings with intent to view…
Read full rule →Suffolk
Few RestrictionsSuffolk has no local recreational drone ordinance. Virginia Code § 15.2-926.3 bars localities from regulating drone…
Read full rule →Commercial Drones
Additional permits and requirements for using drones for business purposes like photography, delivery, or inspections.
Virginia: statewide
StatewideFew RestrictionsCommercial drone operators in Virginia follow FAA Part 107 rules and are shielded from most local regulation under…
Read full rule →Richmond
Some RestrictionsOperating a drone for commercial filming on Richmond public grounds requires an FAA-licensed operator and a $125.00…
Read full rule →Suffolk
Some RestrictionsSuffolk requires no local commercial drone permit, because Virginia Code § 15.2-926.3 preempts local drone regulation…
Read full rule →Park Drone Restrictions
Bans on launching, landing, or operating drones in city and county parks, with exceptions for designated model-aircraft fields.