Pennsylvania Drone Laws 2026: Key Rules for Recreational Users
Recreational drone use is permitted under FAA rules, but Pennsylvania law bars certain surveillance, contraband delivery, and most public‑land flights.
Pennsylvania allows recreational drone operations under FAA authority, but operators must register their drones and complete the free FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test. State law (Title 18 §3505) prohibits surveillance of private places, reckless operation (summary offenses up to $300), contraband delivery to correctional facilities (second‑degree felony, 5–10 years and/or up to $25,000), and subjects audio recording to two‑party consent. Most state parks ban drones except six designated areas, State Game Lands (about 1.5 million acres) are closed to drones, and operators should check FAA no‑fly zones, follow night‑flight lighting rules, avoid prohibited activities, and report violations to local law enforcement or PA.GOV.