Drone Laws
in Montana (2026)

FAA rules apply everywhere in Montana. The state and local laws on this page add to them.

Recreational Flying Made Easy: 2 hours of video on the rules and airspace for flying your drone.

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 Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

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

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Rule 12.8.816

Prohibits launching or operating a drone from a state park unless authorized by a commercial or special user permit, or if done in an area specifically designated for such activities by the park manager.

Ref Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Rule 12.8.816

 

Senate Bill 196

Any information collected by a drone unlawfully or without a warrant cannot be used as evidence in a court of law.

Ref Senate Bill 196

 

House Bill 644

  • Prohibits drone operations that may impede or interfere with lawful aerial wildfire suppression response by a state or local government.
  • Prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinance governing the private use of unmanned aerial vehicles in relation to a wildfire.

Ref House Bill 644

Know a state law we missed? Suggest an edit.

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

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

 

City of Missoula

Prohibits flying or launching drones in any Missoula City park, trail, or conservation land without written permission of the Parks and Recreation Director.

Ref Municipal Code 12.40.065

Know a local law we missed? Suggest an edit.