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 Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

Federal Drone Laws

The Federal Aviation Administration controls where you can fly your drone
and under what conditions throughout the United States. You should become familar with the FAA's rules before flying.

Check FAA Drone Laws

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South Dakota State Drone Laws
These laws apply in the entire state.

Senate Bill 80 (2017)

  • Modifies the illegal surveillance crime to include the use of drones to spy on people in places where there is reasonable expectation of privacy.
  • Prohibits landing of drones on private property without consent.
  • Classifies the act of flying drones over military and correctional facilities as a Class 1 misdemeanor and the act of transporting and delivering contraband to correctional facilities as a Class 6 felony.

Ref Senate Bill 80 (2017)

 

Senate Bill 22 (2017)

Exempts drones that weigh less than 55 lbs. / 25 kg. from aircraft registration requirements.

Ref Senate Bill 22 (2017)

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

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

 

City of Aberdeen

Prohibits recreational drone flight over private property without the consent of the property owner, and over property owned, lease, or operated by the city including parks, lake, trails, and buildings. There are a few specific sites exempted from this rule.

Ref Ordinance No. 20-03-01

Where to fly
drones in South Dakota

Best-Places-to-Fly-Your-Drone-in-Rapid-City

Best Places
to Fly in Rapid City

Best-Places-to-Fly-Your-Drone-in-Sioux-Falls

Best Places
to Fly in Sioux Falls

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