Pennsylvania Drone Laws (2026): Key Rules and Restrictions
Overview of Pennsylvania’s 2026 drone rules: FAA authority remains primary, but state law bans certain surveillance, contraband delivery, and restricts drone use on public lands.
Pennsylvania allows recreational and commercial drone use under FAA rules but requires registration and completion of the FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test; state law Title 18 §3505 bans surveillance of private places and reckless operation (summary offenses, up to $300) and makes contraband delivery to inmates a second-degree felony (5–10 years and/or up to $25,000). Only 6 of 121 state parks permit drones in designated areas and all State Game Lands (about 1.5 million acres) are banned; operators must check FAA no‑fly zones and local rules, follow night‑flight and audio-consent laws (two‑party consent for audio), and report violations to local law enforcement or PA.GOV.