Drone Laws
in Indiana (2023)

Welcome to this wiki. The goal of this wiki is to crowd-source drone information. Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

Indiana State Drone Laws
These laws apply in the entire state.

Indiana Administrative Code Article 8 (2018)

This 2018 law states that no person shall operate a drone in any Indiana state park or recreational space. Exceptions to launch drones and film from above are possible in certain cases. UAS operators must apply for a Special License from Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Ref 312 IAC 8-2-8

 

House Bill 1246 (2016)

HB 1246 prohibits the use of drones to scout wild game during the hunting season.

Ref House Bill 1246 (2016)

 

Senate Bill 299 (2017)

  • The law creates criminal offenses related to drone use.
  • A Sex offender who uses a UAV to contact, follow or record images or recordings of another person is called the “sex offense unmanned aerial vehicle crime”. The conditions prohibit them from using a drone to follow or contact people, as well as to capture images of people without their consent.
  • A drone pilot who interferes with a public safety official’s duties will be charged with “public safety remote aerial interference offense.” – Both are Class A misdemeanors. For repeat offenses, it will be upgraded to a Level 6 crime.

Ref Senate Bill 299 (2017)

 

House Bill 1013 (2016)

This Indiana law allows drones to capture images or record videos at traffic crash sites.

Ref House Bill 1013 (2016)

 

City and County
Drone Laws
These laws apply in some areas.

Local drone laws in Indiana refer to policies and regulations that are enacted and enforced at the county, city, or town levels.

 

City of Fort Wayne

Drone pilots must notify the City before flying drones in these areas:

  • Above the Downtown Aerial District
  • Above or within 500 yards of a city-permitted public event (festival, parade, or block party)

Ref City Ordinance – Regulation of UAS (2019)