Vermont Drone Laws Complete Guide

What can you (and can’t you) do with a drone in Vermont? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about flying drones in the Green Mountain State – from federal rules that everyone must follow to Vermont’s own state laws, local ordinances, and even recent updates.

Federal Drone Laws That Apply in Vermont

No matter where you are in the U.S., including Vermont, you have to follow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules for drones. These include:

• Drone Registration & Remote ID

If your drone weighs more than 0.55 lbs (250 grams), the FAA requires you to register it (it’s a quick online process with a $5 fee). Also, as of 2024, most drones must comply with the FAA’s Remote ID rule. This means your drone needs to broadcast an ID signal (“digital license plate”) while flying so authorities can locate the operator if needed. The FAA gave a grace period, but now pilots who fail to equip required drones with Remote ID can face fines or even lose their drone pilot certificate. Remote ID is intended to enhance safety by helping law enforcement locate a drone’s control station if it’s flying where it shouldn’t.

• Recreational Flyers (Hobbyists)

If you’re just flying for fun, you must pass the TRUST test (a short online safety test) as required by the FAA. You also need to follow the FAA’s recreational model aircraft rules. This means keep your drone within visual line of sight, fly only for hobby (no payment), stay under 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace, and avoid flying near airports or in controlled airspace without permission. 

For example, Burlington’s city parks are mostly within controlled airspace of the airport, so you can’t fly there without FAA authorization (the city won’t issue separate drone permits for those parks). And while it might be tempting to do daring things, don’t interfere with manned aircraft and don’t fly over emergency response efforts – those are big no-nos under FAA rules. Also, never try to shoot down a drone that’s bothering you – the FAA considers it the same as shooting at a manned aircraft, which is a federal crime.

>>> Can Private Security Shoot Down Drones?

• Commercial Drone Use (Business or Work)

Planning to use a drone for real estate photos, inspections, or any paid job in Vermont? Then you need a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA by passing the Part 107 exam. Part 107 is the set of FAA rules for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used commercially. It covers operating rules (like not flying over people or at night without special waivers, unless you meet specific criteria), and it requires you to understand airspace, weather, and drone safety. In short, to fly commercially you must be FAA-certified and follow Part 107 regulations. Vermont doesn’t add extra state licensing on top of this – the federal certification has you covered for the basics.

• Government and Public Safety 

If you’re a government employee flying a drone (say, a police officer, firefighter, or state agency staff), you have two paths: follow Part 107 like a regular commercial pilot or obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the FAA for public aircraft operations. Many Vermont public safety agencies use drones under Part 107 rules, which the state explicitly requires them to obey.

Federal No-Fly Zones and Restrictions: Keep in mind some places are off-limits regardless of state law. For example, all National Parks are off-limits to drones under National Park Service policy (no takeoff or landing in the parks) – so don’t plan on buzzing your drone around Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. 

And airports: Vermont has several airports (like Burlington International, Rutland Regional, etc.), and you must not fly near airports without clearance. The FAA advises staying well away from airports because manned aircraft (and pilots) might not see your drone. If you need to fly in controlled airspace around an airport, you must use the FAA’s authorization system (LAANC) to get permission. 

Flying near big crowds or critical infrastructure is also heavily restricted by FAA rules and temporary flight restrictions – so no, you can’t just send up a drone over a concert at the fairgrounds or over a highway to get a cool video without proper clearance.

By following these federal rules, you’re off to a safe start. But Vermont has added its own custom drone regulations, mostly to address privacy, safety, and wildlife. Let’s dig into those.

Vermont State Drone Laws (Active Legislation)

Here are the key laws you should know:

Privacy Over Private Property – New 2024 Law (Act 161)

One of the most significant recent updates is Vermont’s new drone privacy law, which was passed in 2024 in response to growing concerns about drones snooping on people’s homes.

This law originated as House Bill 284 and was incorporated into Act 161 of 2024 (the Miscellaneous Judiciary Procedures Act), which added 20 V.S.A. § 4626 and took effect on July 1, 2024.

What does this law do? In a nutshell, it protects private property owners from low-flying or spying drones:

• No Recreational Drones Below 100 Feet Without Consent: If you’re flying for hobby or recreation, you cannot fly a drone lower than 100 feet over someone’s private property unless you have the property owner’s prior written permission. So don’t go manoeuvring over your neighbor’s backyard or hover over their roof at low altitude just for fun. This is a blanket prohibition aimed at preventing unwanted drones in the “private space” just above your yard. (And no, flying at 101 feet won’t automatically save you – read on.)
• No Surveillance or Recording Without Permission: The law also makes it illegal to use a drone to photograph or record someone’s private property or the people on it with the intent to conduct surveillance, unless you have the owner’s consent. “Surveillance” is defined in the law in detail. Essentially, if you’re gathering information about someone – their identity, their habits, what they’re doing – or about the property’s unique features, and you’re doing it from a drone, that’s prohibited without permission. Even if you’re above 100 feet, spying with a telephoto lens or zoom camera is not allowed.
• Expectation of Privacy Clause: The law clarifies that people have a reasonable expectation of privacy on their private property if they’re not visible at ground level by the public. In other words, being in your fenced backyard or inside your home means a drone shouldn’t be peeking in either. Just because a drone could see you from above doesn’t mean it’s legal to do so – Vermont explicitly acknowledges your right to privacy from aerial intrusions.
  

• Notice to Buyers: Any business selling drones in Vermont is now required to notify buyers about these new rules regarding flying over private property. So if you buy a drone at a local store, don’t be surprised if they hand you a flyer or alert about not harassing your neighbors with it.
• Penalties: Violating this law isn’t a crime that will land you in jail, but it will cost you. It’s a civil offense with a fine up to $50 for a first violation, and up to $250 for each repeat offense. So, that drone flight that annoys your neighbor could hit your wallet. While $50 may not sound huge, it’s enough to serve as a reminder – and subsequent fines climb quickly. It’s also enforceable by the Judicial Bureau (Vermont’s traffic and municipal ticket court), meaning you could get a ticket much like a speeding ticket for breaking this law.
• Exceptions

There are some sensible exceptions. 

• Utility companies and their contractors are exempt when using drones to inspect power lines or other infrastructure for reliability. This means if you see a drone over your property and it’s checking the power lines, it might be legit. (Likewise, the law doesn’t stop law enforcement with a warrant or emergency responders – those scenarios are covered under a different statute we’ll discuss below.) 
• Also, note that this particular law applies to hobby/recreational flights – commercial pilots operating under FAA rules might not be subject to the 100-foot rule if they have other permissions, but they still cannot conduct surveillance without consent. Always check if your operation might fall under an exception, but when in doubt, it’s best to ask permission before flying low over private property.

Why this law? Vermont lawmakers acted after hearing complaints from residents about creepy drone incidents. One homeowner reported a drone hovering over his house while his daughter was sunbathing – understandably alarming. That case directly inspired Rep. Josie Leavitt and others to push the bill. As Rep. Leavitt put it, “hovering over someone’s house technically qualifies as stalking”/ The goal is to remind drone operators to respect privacy and private property.

Most Vermont drone hobbyists are indeed respectful. This law is aimed at the bad apples (or clueless pilots) who might violate others’ privacy. Its impact is significant: if you fly drones in Vermont, you now have clear boundaries about private spaces.

Law Enforcement Use of Drones – Privacy Safeguards (Act 169 of 2016)

Vermont has been ahead of the curve in regulating how police and other law enforcement agencies can use drones. Back in 2016, the state passed Senate Bill 155, which became Act 169 of 2016, often referred to as Vermont’s drone “privacy law” for law enforcement. This is codified in Title 20, Chapter 205 of Vermont Statutes (primarily 20 V.S.A. § 4622 and related sections). Here’s what it does:

These rules put “guardrails” around police drone use. The restrictions ensure drones are used to help public safety (finding lost people, checking disaster damage) without becoming a tool for unchecked surveillance. With crime rates relatively low and stable, Vermont wants to avoid a scenario where drones are constantly monitoring citizens without cause.

Vermont police have embraced drones for things like crash reconstruction, search-and-rescue, and documenting crime or fire scenes – uses that comply with the law. For instance, the Vermont State Police (VSP) started with only 1 reported drone use in 2019, but by 2022 they used drones 159 times, mostly for criminal investigations or emergencies. All those uses must fit within the law’s confines, meaning warrants for investigative flights or classifying them as emergencies or consented uses.

It’s worth noting that there have been no major controversies about police misusing drones in Vermont since these rules went into effect – which suggests the law is working as intended. Agencies know the boundaries, and groups like the ACLU are watching. One concern, however, is ensuring compliance: there was a year (2020) when VSP failed to file the required drone use report, citing pandemic distractions. Civil liberties advocates have questioned if lawmakers are truly following up on these reports. Going forward, Vermont may tighten oversight to ensure every drone flight is properly logged and justified. But for you as a resident, you can take some comfort that police can’t just fly a drone over your yard on a fishing expedition – they need a warrant or a darn good reason.

>>> Counter-drone Systems Explained: Which Sensors Work Where?

No Weapons on Drones – It’s a Crime (Act 169 of 2016)

This one is pretty straightforward and is actually part of the same 2016 law package but codified in the criminal statutes. Under 13 V.S.A. § 4018, it is illegal for any person in Vermont to equip a drone with a dangerous or deadly weapon, or to fire any projectile from a drone. Violating this is a criminal offense – specifically a misdemeanor – punishable by up to 1 year in prison or up to a $1,000 fine, or both. This ban applies to everyone (civilians and law enforcement alike). 

So no, you cannot play high-tech paintball by strapping a gun or even a paintball marker to a drone, and obviously not a real firearm or anything dangerous. (Yes, some YouTubers have tried outrageous stuff like mounting flamethrowers or pistols on drones in other states – don’t even think about it here!) Vermont takes this seriously; the law was implemented in part as a preventative measure to avoid accidents or violent uses of drones. As of April 2026, we haven’t heard of anyone in Vermont actually being charged under this law – likely because most people have the common sense not to create an “armed drone.” But it’s important to know: weaponizing a drone is absolutely off-limits.

No Harassing Wildlife or Hunting with Drones

Vermont’s love of nature extends to its drone laws. Using a drone for hunting activities or to disturb wildlife is forbidden. 

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board adopted an Aerial Hunting and Taking Prohibitions rule under its authority in 10 V.S.A. § 4081(a), to restrict the taking of wild animals by aircraft and drones. Here’s what that means:

• You cannot use a drone to help you hunt or fish. The rule explicitly makes it unlawful to use any drone (or any aircraft) to “locate, surveil, or aid in attempting to take any wild animal”. So you can’t scout for deer with a drone, or chase animals toward hunters. It also forbids using drones to “drive or harass any wild animal”. Vermont treats drones like any other vehicle or technology in hunting: unfair advantage and harassment of wildlife are not allowed.
• No actual hunting from a drone either. This might be obvious, but just to state it: you can’t sit at home and try to shoot at animals via a drone, and you also can’t hunt while you are in a moving aircraft (that was already a law, extended to drones).

Violating the rule would subject you to the same penalties as other hunting violations (fines, loss of hunting license, etc.). It was added in 2015 (effective March 14, 2015), when drones started becoming popular and hunters elsewhere were caught using them to track wildlife. Vermont said “not here.”

So, if you’re a hunter, stick to trail cams and old-fashioned scouting – leave the drone at camp. And if you’re just a wildlife enthusiast, note that chasing moose or bears with your new quadcopter to get a reaction is illegal (and frankly, dangerous!). Drones can stress animals, especially during sensitive times, so this rule helps keep Vermont’s wildlife safe from high-tech hassle.

No-Fly Zones: Prisons and Jails (Act 101 of 2018)

Drones dropping contraband into prisons have become a problem everywhere, and Vermont is no exception. 

During debate over H.615 in 2018, Vermont officials warned about repeated drone activity near correctional facilities. Committee records show the bill was heard with testimony from the Department of Corrections, and a secondary report on that testimony said the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield had experienced about a dozen drone flyovers in the previous year, some suspected of being tied to drugs or other contraband. Each sighting forced the prison into lockdown, followed by an emergency headcount and search, consuming substantial staff time. In response, Vermont’s legislature passed House Bill 615, later enacted as Act 101 of 2018, specifically banning drone flights over correctional facilities.

Under 20 V.S.A. § 4625, it is illegal to knowingly operate a drone over a state correctional facility or the property surrounding it (if it’s obviously part of the prison, marked by fences or signs) without permission. This is a civil violation (not a criminal offense) that carries a fine of up to $500. 

Are there exceptions? Yes. The Department of Corrections can use drones for its own security (or give someone permission to, say, inspect the facility’s roof)l. Also, commercial drone flights in the area are allowed if they’re properly authorized by the FAA and have the prison warden’s written consent. And obvious public safety uses are allowed: law enforcement or emergency responders can use drones around a prison if needed (with notice to the prison). 

But if you’re a private individual, there’s effectively a 500-foot bubble horizontally and 400-foot vertically off-limits around prisons (those numbers were in the bill drafts, and the final law uses “over and surrounding property” language). So: don’t fly near prisons – even if you’re just trying to capture some interesting footage of an old facility, it’s not worth the legal trouble.

Vermont took this step to prevent smuggling and disturbances. Nationwide, many states and the federal government have cracked down on this; (at least ten states had similar prison drone bans by 2018). And with good reason: a high-profile bust in early 2024 in West Virginia charged 11 people in a drone smuggling ring at a prison, where they attempted to fly in drugs and were caught by a surveillance operation. Those folks faced serious criminal charges. While that wasn’t Vermont, Vermont’s law aims to avoid such dangerous incidents. So if you’re flying, keep well clear of any correctional facility – and if you see a friend thinking about it as a prank or shortcut, warn them that it’s illegal.

State Parks and Local Rules

You might be wondering about other places: state parks, towns, etc. Vermont State Parks have an administrative rule that prohibits launching or landing drones in state parks without prior written permission from the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (except in emergencies or for law enforcement). This isn’t a statute, but park regulations mean if you show up at, say, Camel’s Hump State Park or a state campground with a drone, you shouldn’t take off without checking the rules. 

So generally assume you need a permit or official okay to fly in state parks. The reason is to ensure safety and solitude for visitors and wildlife. If you really want that epic scenic shot in a state park, contact the park staff ahead of time for guidance or permission.

On the local level, Vermont actually has very few municipal drone ordinances – far fewer than many other states. Take Colchester, VT for instance. Colchester’s Code of Ordinances § 9-48 bans launching, landing, or operating drones in town parks without the parks director’s permission (except for emergency responders) That means if you’re in Colchester (a town on Lake Champlain), you can’t just fly your drone around the park or beach for fun – you’d technically be violating a town ordinance unless you got permission.

What about Burlington, Vermont’s largest city? Burlington hasn’t passed a drone law per se, but as mentioned, practically all its parks are within controlled Class C airspace of the airport. The city Parks Department explicitly states they do not issue permits for drone flying, and essentially you cannot fly in those parks due to FAA airspace restrictions (with one minor exception of Starr Farm Park just outside the airspace). So effectively, drone flying is a no-go in Burlington parks, not because of a city ordinance, but because of airport airspace and city policy.

Other towns may post policies (for example, some towns discourage drones at events or over crowds). It’s always wise to check a town’s regulations if you plan to fly over municipal property or public gatherings. And of course, any community can enforce general laws like harassment, reckless endangerment, nuisance, or trespassing if you use a drone irresponsibly (for instance, if you were to use a drone in a way that endangers people or repeatedly harasses someone, you could potentially be charged under those general laws even if no specific “drone law” exists).

One more thing: Native American tribal lands. Vermont doesn’t have federally recognized Indian reservations that control territory like you’ll find out West. The Abenaki tribes in Vermont are state-recognized but do not have separate sovereign land holdings or their own drone regulations. So you don’t need to worry about an extra layer of tribal drone law in Vermont. If that ever changes (for example, if a tribe established a land trust or specific site with rules), it would be publicized. For now, it’s not a factor.

What’s on the Horizon?

As of 2026, Vermont’s drone laws are relatively up-to-date, but technology always evolves.

The recent privacy law shows the legislature is paying attention to public concerns. In the future, we might see additional rules or tweaks. For instance, if drone delivery services or agricultural spraying drones become common in Vermont, the state might address those with new legislation or regulations. (Nearby states have looked at allowing drones to spray crops – something Vermont may consider if farmers push for it, balancing it with environmental and safety concerns.) 

Another area to watch is drone flight beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) – currently not allowed without FAA waiver. If that becomes routine (for delivery or surveying in our rural areas), Vermont might add state-level rules about it (especially regarding privacy or noise).

>>> The FAA Wants BVLOS at Scale but Your Drone May Not Qualify

There’s also a possibility of more local regulations if specific towns face issues – for example, if a town has a popular beach or landmark and drones become a nuisance, they might enact a local rule. Always check the local city or town website for any park or city ordinances about drones where you plan to fly.

The good news is, Vermont state officials seem conscious of not over-regulating hobbyists who fly responsibly. The aim is not to discourage the enjoyment or benefits of drones – it’s to curb the genuinely harmful behaviors (spying, smuggling, reckless flights). If you fly your drone with basic respect and common sense, you’ll likely never run afoul of these laws. And if you’re using drones for work, you now have clear state guidelines on privacy to incorporate into your operations.

Fly Drones Safe and Responsibly in Vermont

To wrap up, here are some reminders:

• Always follow FAA rules first. That keeps you legal on the baseline. Register if needed, put a Remote ID on your drone if required, and stick to the hobbyist or Part 107 rules depending on your flying purpose.
• Respect people’s privacy. In Vermont, it’s not just polite – it’s the law. Don’t hover over backyards or peep into windows. If you want to get a cool shot of a barn or field that’s private property, seek out the owner and ask permission. Vermonters are pretty nice; they might say yes, or they might say no – either way, you’ll stay on the right side of the law by asking.
• Stay away from sensitive areas: This means prisons (hard no), busy public venues (without clearance), and utilities/infrastructure (unless you have a job to do there with permission). Also, avoid wildlife disturbances and obey park rules.
• Keep up with any new rules. Technology and laws change. The fact you’re reading this guide means you care about staying informed – kudos to you! Keep that habit, and you’ll be fine. The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and Agency of Commerce often share updates on drone rules, and local drone clubs/forums are great resources too.
• When in doubt, ask. Not sure if you can fly somewhere? You can contact local authorities or the property owner. For example, if you’re unsure about a state park, call the park office. If you’re not sure about a town center, call the town hall or police non-emergency line and ask if any local restrictions apply. It’s better to have a five-minute conversation beforehand than a $250 fine after.

Drones are an amazing way to explore Vermont’s beauty from the air – from the mountains to the maple fields. By following these up-to-date laws and guidelines, you can enjoy your flying while keeping yourself and others safe and happy. Laws might sound intimidating, but really they boil down to being safe, responsible, and considerate. Fly on the right side of the law, and you’ll have an awesome time capturing those Vermont vistas.