Navigating drone laws in Maryland can be quite a challenge, as state, local, and federal authorities seek to delicately balance innovation with safety and privacy. All hobbyists and commercial drone operators in Maryland should know the legal landscape of drone use in the state. Stay informed and fly your drone legally with this comprehensive guide to drone laws in Maryland.
Can You Fly a Drone in Maryland?
Yes, you can fly drones in Maryland for commercial and recreational use as long as you follow FAA regulations, state-wide, and local flight rules.
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Federal Drone Laws in Maryland
Drone pilots in Maryland must follow federal regulations set by the FAA, including Part 107 rules for agency pilots and recreational drone registration requirements.
Commercial Drone Use
To fly a drone for commercial use in Maryland, you must:
Recreational Drone Flying
- Pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
- Register your drone with the FAA
- Follow CBO safety guidelines for drone operation, including flying under 400 feet
- Do not fly in restricted areas, including near airports or prisons
Government Employee Drone Operation
Police, the fire department, and all government employees in Maryland must adhere to the FAA’s Part 107 rule or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA).
Note: This content is accurate up to the date it was last updated, and drone regulations in Maryland can change over time. This is not meant to take the place of legal counsel.
State Drone Laws in Maryland
Maryland also has drone laws that apply to the entire state. In Maryland, there’s only one state drone law, according to the Maryland General Assembly and the Maryland Department of Transportation:
- SB 370 // 2015: According to this law, only Maryland state can restrict or regulate drone testing or operation of UAS. The law pre-empts municipal authorities from doing so.
Local Drone Laws in Maryland
In addition to the lone state drone law in Maryland, there are also county, region, and city-specific drone laws.
- Maryland State Parks—Commercial Photography Policy // 2019: Commercial drone photographers and filmmakers must enter a contract and pay a fee to use state park land for commercial use.
- Calvert County Parks & Recreation—County Code // 2019: Bans drone use in Calvert Country park and rec spaces.
Penalties for Violating Drone Laws in Maryland
Breaking drone laws in Maryland can result in serious penalties. The extent of the penalty depends on the extent and location of the violation. Overall, fines and jail time are the most common penalties. You may also get your remote pilot license revoked or your drone seized for breaking drone laws.
FAQs About Drone Laws in Maryland
Do I need a drone license to fly a drone in Maryland?
Yes, you need a drone license to fly a drone for commercial use in Maryland, but not to fly it for recreational use.
Is it legal to fly a drone in Maryland?
Yes, it is legal to fly a drone throughout the state of Maryland. However, you must stay away from schools, prisons, airports, and nuclear power plants. Furthermore, you must adhere to all federal, state, and local drone laws.
Can you fly a drone in a public park in Maryland?
Yes, you can fly a drone in many public parks in Maryland. However, note that Culvert County does not allow drone operation in any public parks without a permit.
Can you fly a drone in a state park in Maryland?
Yes, you can fly a drone for recreational use in a state park in Maryland. However, commercial filming or photography using a drone requires a permit and payment.
