Virginia Statewide Rule

Virginia Commercial Drone Operations Under State Preemption

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Virginia (2026)

Key Facts

Federal Rule: FAA 14 CFR Part 107
State Preemption: Va. Code 15.2-926.3
Local Limit: Takeoff/landing on city land
Police Drone Limits: Va. Code 19.2-60.1

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Virginia Legislative Information System

Summary

Commercial drone operators in Virginia follow FAA Part 107 rules and are shielded from most local regulation under state preemption, with limited exceptions for locality-owned property and specific privacy crimes.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit (i) the take-off or landing of an unmanned aircraft by a commercial operator in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, or as deemed reasonable or necessary by private or public entities for emergency or maintenance support functions or services, including the protection and maintenance of public or private critical infrastructure; (ii) the landing of an unmanned aircraft by an operator in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations as deemed reasonable or necessary by the operator in the event of a technical malfunction of an unmanned aircraft system

Source: Virginia Legislative Information SystemView official code

Full Breakdown

Commercial unmanned aircraft operators in Virginia must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Va. Code Section 15.2-926.3 preempts localities from regulating commercial drone ownership or operation, allowing only narrow time-place-manner controls on locality-owned takeoff and landing sites. State law does not require additional commercial UAS licenses beyond FAA. Section 19.2-60.1 limits law-enforcement drone use to specific authorized purposes such as search and rescue or warrant-supported surveillance.

Violations & Penalties

Operating commercially without a Part 107 certificate violates federal law; state preemption invalidates most conflicting local commercial-drone ordinances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Virginia locality require its own commercial drone permit?

No. Section 15.2-926.3 preempts local commercial-drone licensing. A locality may restrict use of its own parks or buildings as launch sites, but not flight operations broadly.

Do I need state authorization on top of my FAA Part 107 certificate?

Virginia does not issue a separate commercial UAS license. Operators must hold the FAA Part 107 certificate, register the aircraft, and follow Part 107 operating rules.

Sources

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