Drone Laws
in Rhode Island (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 Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

Rhode Island State Drone Laws
These laws apply in the entire state.

Department of Environmental Management – Parks and Recreation

  • The use of UAS over a Public Reservation will be allowed only upon receipt of an official written permission.
  • UAS may not be used in a manner that harasses or disturbs users, wildlife, or other natural resources at a Public Reservation.

Ref Parks and Managements Area Rules and Regulations

 

House Bill 7511

Declares that the Rhode Island State and Airport Corporation has exclusive authority to regulate UAS activities and pre-empts all attempts of local governments to craft their own laws on UAS regulation.

Ref House Bill 7511


Rhode Island State Pre-emptions

Rhode Island State Legislature maintains pre-emption for all rules and regulations that concern recreational and
commercial drone use.

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

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

 

Town of Narragansett

Prohibits launching or flying drones in any airspace within 500 feet or over the Town Beach during beach season, any large venue special event, and over public parks, road, and facilities during large venue special events.

Narragansett Town Council UAS Ordinance (2016)

Scored % on their FAA Exam