Senate Bill 49 (2026)
- Flying a small drone in violation of FAA Part 107, as it stood on July 24, 2025, is a state offense: a violation for a first offense and a misdemeanor for a repeat offense.
- News media drone operators must comply with Part 107 to be exempt from the offense of interfering with emergency responders.
- Laws 2026, Chapter 6. In effect from May 19, 2026.
House Bill 1444 (2026)
- From January 1, 2028, state agencies and local governments may only buy drones that meet the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act requirements and are not on the FCC's covered list. Contracts that break this rule are void.
- It applies only to government purchases. Laws 2026, Chapter 95, in effect from July 27, 2026.
New Hampshire State Parks
Prohibits the landing or launching of drones within the boundaries of all New Hampshire State Parks.
Ref New Hampshire State Parks Drone Policy
US Forest Service Order R9-22-19-01
Prohibits the landing of drones within Alpine Zone, Alpine Ski Areas, or within 0.25 mile of a national forest system road, trail or area. Specific restricted areas are listed in the reference document.
Ref US Forest Service Order R9-22-19-01
Senate Bill 222
Prohibits the use of drones to conduct video surveillance of private citizens who are lawfully hunting, fishing, or trapping without the prior written consent of the person being surveilled.
NH Code of Administrative Rules 312.02
Prohibits the use of drones for hunting and fishing activities. Forbidden applications include locating and surveilling wildlife, communicating with people on the ground to locate wildlife, and using drones to harass wildlife.
Ref NH Code of Administrative Rules 312.02
NHDOT Directive No. Aero D2
All drone operations landing or launching from NHDOT-Controlled Properties will not be permitted unless approved by the NHDOT or Bureau of Aeronautics. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis after submission of the proponent’s contact information and operation plan.
