Senate Bill 93 (2026)
- Using a drone to remove any item from the property of a correctional facility is now a third-degree felony, the same penalty that already applied to using a drone to deliver or drop items into a facility.
- Flying in a way that interferes with a correctional facility's operations or security remains a class B misdemeanor.
- Laws of Utah 2026, ch. 258. In effect from May 6, 2026.
Senate Bill 172 (2026)
- Drones and advanced air mobility aircraft used for commercial operations that require federal certification must carry a current Utah Department of Transportation registration. This requirement has applied since January 1, 2025, and SB 172 keeps it in place.
- Civil aircraft based in Utah for 90 or more days in a 12-month period must now be registered with the state, down from 181 days.
- Law enforcement may use drone data without a warrant in a way that does not violate a reasonable expectation of privacy, including to locate a lost or missing person.
- Public-use vertiports count as airports, and a public-use airport that does not receive federal funding needs a state license before it opens. Laws of Utah 2026, ch. 118. In effect from May 6, 2026.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 10 (2026)
- A non-binding resolution affirming Utah's support for advanced air mobility, with a goal of an operating vertiport network and air mobility system before the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.
- It creates no rules for drone operators and does not commit state funds. Signed March 24, 2026.
Ref Senate Concurrent Resolution 10 (2026)
Utah State Parks
Drone rules vary across the different Utah State Parks.
- Drones for recreational use are allowed in Jordanelle State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, Fred Hayes State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook with a Drone Permit. A Special Use Permit is needed for commercial use.
- Drone use is prohibited in the whole Dead Horse Point State Park from March to October. From November to February, drone use is allowed only upon issuance of a permit (with a $10 fee) and only outside a designated No Drone Zone.
- Drone use in Great Salt Lake State Park is by permit only.
- Flying drones is prohibited in Antelope Island State Park from March to November. From December to February, drone flight is possible only within the designated drone flight zone and after applying for a recreational drone permit.
- Drone use is prohibited in Utah Lake State Park and the surrounding Airport Dike Road.
This list is not exhaustive. Drone pilots are encouraged to check the rules for their Utah state park of interest on the official Utah State Parks website.
Ref Utah State Parks Drone Regulations
House Bill 217
Prohibits flying of drones to intentionally harass livestock by chasing, disturbing, and harming the animals.
Senate Bill 111
- Pre-empts local laws related to UAVs.
- Identifies criminal uses of unmanned aircraft including equipping them with weapons, trespassing with a drone, or using a drone to cause a privacy violation
Utah State Pre-emptions
Utah State Legislature maintains pre-emption for all rules and regulations that concern recreational and commercial drone use.
House Bill 296
Permits the use of drones by law enforcement agencies to locate missing persons or to collect data at testing sites.
Senate Bill 167
Allows the use of drones by law enforcement agencies but only if a warrant or other authorization has been granted to gather, store, and use data.
