Oregon Drone Regulations: Rules, Permits & Laws 2024

Oregon has no single statewide drone permit. You must comply with federal FAA rules, which apply everywhere, and Oregon-specific statutes covering privacy, trespass, and restricted locations. Violating either can lead to civil fines, criminal charges, or certificate suspension.

Quick Answer: Are Drones Regulated in Oregon?

Yes. All drone operations in Oregon fall under federal FAA rules. Oregon state law adds a second layer of regulation covering surveillance, weaponization, and flight locations. While there is no single state-issued drone permit, multiple authorizations may be required depending on the nature and location of the flight.

Who enforces what:

• FAA enforces federal airspace rules, registration, Remote ID, and Part 107 certification nationwide.
• Oregon Department of Aviation (ODA) holds authority under ORS Chapter 835 and serves an advisory and coordination role for state aviation policy. ODA does not issue routine drone permits.
• Oregon State Police is the primary state enforcement body for violations of ORS 837, which covers privacy, weaponization, and trespass-related drone offenses.
• Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) enforces drone rules within state parks under OAR 736-010-0040.

Hobbyist vs. Commercial: Key Obligations at a Glance

Oregon State Drone Laws: Statutes You Must Know

Oregon's primary UAS statutes are found in ORS 837.300 through ORS 837.380. While the FAA governs airspace, Oregon law regulates drone use related to privacy, trespass, and weaponization.

ORS 837.300: Definitions

ORS 837.300 defines key terms used in Oregon's UAS laws, including "unmanned aircraft system" and "critical infrastructure." These definitions determine when other provisions apply to an operation.

ORS 837.320: Surveillance Prohibition

ORS 837.320 prohibits using a drone to conduct surveillance on a person or privately owned real property without consent. A violation is a civil offense. A person surveilled without consent may bring a civil action to recover actual damages and, in some cases, attorney fees. This statute applies to all operators.

ORS 837.340: Weaponized Drones

ORS 837.340 makes it a crime to operate a weaponized drone. Penalties escalate based on the type of weapon involved.

ORS 837.360: Law Enforcement Use

ORS 837.360 governs drone use by Oregon law enforcement agencies. A warrant is generally required, with exceptions for emergencies, search and rescue, and other specified circumstances.

ORS 105.170: Trespass and Low-Altitude Airspace

ORS 105.170 addresses property rights in airspace. Flying a drone at low altitude over private property without permission may constitute trespass. The statute does not define a specific altitude, making any determination fact-dependent. Hovering at low altitude over a private residence without consent creates significant legal risk under both this statute and the surveillance prohibition in ORS 837.320.

Civil vs. Criminal Liability Summary

FAA Requirements That Apply to All Oregon Drone Pilots

Registration

Any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA under 14 CFR Part 48. The fee is $5 per drone, and registration is valid for three years. The registration number must be marked on the drone's exterior.

Recreational Flyers: TRUST

Recreational flyers must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying, per the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Section 349. TRUST is free, administered online by FAA-approved providers, and does not expire. Carry proof of completion during flight operations.

Commercial Operators: Part 107

Flying for any commercial purpose requires a Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. This requires passing a knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center. Consult testing providers for current fees. The certificate is valid for 24 months, after which a recurrent knowledge test is required to maintain currency (14 CFR Part 107.65).

Remote ID

Under 14 CFR Part 89, all drones requiring registration must broadcast Remote ID information. Drones manufactured after September 16, 2023, must have this capability built-in. Operators of older drones must retrofit them with a Remote ID broadcast module. Without Remote ID capability, a drone may only be flown at an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA).

Airspace Authorization

Oregon has multiple airports with controlled airspace, including Portland (PDX), Eugene (EUG), and Medford (MFR). Flying in controlled airspace requires authorization. For many locations, this can be obtained in near-real time through the FAA's LAANC system. For other areas, a manual Certificate of Authorization (COA) must be requested through the FAA DroneZone portal (14 CFR Part 107.41).

Standard Operating Rules

Under 14 CFR Part 107, operators must adhere to the following rules unless they hold a specific waiver:

• Maximum altitude: 400 feet AGL (above ground level)
• Flight during daylight and civil twilight only; anti-collision lights required for twilight
• Maintain visual line of sight with the drone at all times
• No flight over moving vehicles or people
• No flight from a moving vehicle

Waivers for operations such as night flights or flights over people are available through the FAA DroneZone but require a detailed safety case.

Oregon-Specific No-Fly Zones, Restricted Areas & Special Rules

Oregon State Parks

Drones are prohibited in Oregon state parks without a written permit from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) under OAR 736-010-0040. This rule applies to all operators and includes launching from any location within park boundaries. Submit permit applications to OPRD well in advance of any planned operation.

Oregon State Forests and BLM Land

The Oregon Department of Forestry and the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manage large tracts of land in Oregon. Neither agency has a blanket drone prohibition, but both may impose temporary or site-specific restrictions, particularly during fire season. Contact the relevant district office for the specific area before flying.

Wildfire Temporary Flight Restrictions

Wildfire TFRs are common in Oregon during fire season (roughly June through October). The FAA issues TFRs over active wildfires under 14 CFR 91.137. Unauthorized drone flights in a TFR are a serious federal violation that can interfere with aerial firefighting and endanger lives. Check for NOTAMs before every flight.

Critical Infrastructure

ORS 837.300 defines critical infrastructure, and federal law adds restrictions around sites like dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Consult the relevant state or federal agency, such as the Army Corps of Engineers or Bonneville Power Administration, before flying near any dam, power plant, or similar facility.

Tribal Lands

Tribal lands are sovereign jurisdictions. While FAA airspace rules apply, you must obtain permission from the specific tribal government before launching, landing, or operating a drone over tribal land.

Wildlife Refuges

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) may restrict drone operations in national wildlife refuges to protect wildlife. Consult the USFWS Pacific Region office or the specific refuge manager before flying in or near a refuge.

Portland Urban Airspace

Portland International Airport (PDX) is surrounded by Class C airspace. While LAANC is available for many areas, authorized altitudes vary by location and may be zero in grids closest to the airport. Check the FAA's B4UFLY app for current grid authorizations.

How to Check Before You Fly

• FAA B4UFLY app: Airspace status and advisories by location.
• SkyVector: Sectional charts and TFR overlays.
• FAA DroneZone (dronezone.faa.gov): LAANC and COA applications.
• FAA NOTAM system: Official source for current TFRs.

Permit Fees, Timelines & Requirements Comparison

Oregon does not have a statewide drone permit fee. Fees are associated with federal requirements or site-specific authorizations from land managers.

For OPRD permit fees and processing times, contact the agency directly. Fee schedules are subject to change.

Insurance note: While Oregon state law does not mandate drone liability insurance, OPRD and other land managers often require it as a condition for commercial use permits.

What Changed Recently: Oregon Drone Regulatory Updates

FAA Remote ID Enforcement (March 16, 2024)

The FAA began full enforcement of the Remote ID rule on March 16, 2024. Drones requiring registration that operate without broadcasting Remote ID (either built-in or via a module) are out of compliance unless flown at a FRIA.

FAA Part 108 Drone Delivery Rulemaking

The FAA is developing Part 108 to govern drone delivery operations. This federal rulemaking is ongoing and will establish the framework for future commercial delivery services in Oregon.

HB 2780 (2019 Oregon Regular Session)

HB 2780, which proposed changes to drone use for emergency response, failed to pass. The bill died in committee upon adjournment of the 2019 session (OpenStates record, last updated 2020-04-29). Emergency response drone operations remain governed by existing ORS 837 statutes and FAA processes.

Oregon 2023-2024 Legislative Sessions

Consult the Oregon Legislative Assembly website (oregonlegislature.gov) for any UAS-related bills from recent legislative sessions.

OPRD State Parks Policy Review

OPRD periodically reviews its policies, including the drone rule under OAR 736-010-0040. Contact OPRD directly to confirm current rules and permit procedures.

FAA BVLOS Rulemaking

The FAA is developing rules to enable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This federal rulemaking will be critical for future long-range commercial drone applications in Oregon, such as infrastructure inspection and package delivery.

Next Steps: Who to Contact & How to Get Compliant

Compliance Checklist

1. Register your drone at faadronezone.faa.gov if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs (14 CFR Part 48).
2. Pass TRUST (recreational) or obtain a Part 107 certificate (commercial).
3. Verify Remote ID compliance for your drone.
4. Check airspace using B4UFLY before every flight and obtain LAANC or COA authorization for controlled airspace.
5. Check for TFRs via the FAA NOTAM system, especially during fire season.
6. Obtain site-specific permits for state parks (OPRD), tribal lands, or other managed areas.
7. Review ORS 837.300-837.380 to ensure your operation complies with state privacy and safety laws.

Key Contacts

Oregon Department of Aviation Website: oregon.gov/aviation Contact for state-level aviation policy questions.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Website: oregon.gov/oprd Contact for drone permits within state parks under OAR 736-010-0040.

FAA DroneZone Website: dronezone.faa.gov Use for registration, Part 107 applications, LAANC, COAs, and waivers.

Oregon State Police Contact local or state police to report suspected illegal drone activity, such as surveillance (ORS 837.320) or weaponization (ORS 837.340).

FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Oregon Chapter Website: faasafety.gov Provides free safety workshops and resources for local pilots.

Aviation Attorney For complex commercial operations (BVLOS, flights over people, critical infrastructure) or difficult waiver applications, consult an aviation attorney.