Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Pennsylvania’s New Drone Laws Before You Fly
- A new state law, effective immediately, requires all drones weighing over 0.55 pounds to be registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and display a visible registration number, even for hobbyists who previously only needed a federal license.
- No-fly zones are expanding: Drones are now banned within 1,000 feet of any critical infrastructure, including power plants, bridges, and water treatment facilities, with fines starting at $1,000 per incident.
- A 30-minute "fly-no-fly" rule for emergency response: If you're operating a drone near an active emergency scene (such as a car crash or natural disaster), you must land your device immediately if a first responder signals you to stop, or face impoundment of your equipment.
- The state launched a real-time "PaDrone Map" app that shows dynamic no-fly zones based on weather, wildlife migration, and temporary event restrictions—check it before every launch.
- Penalties for non-compliance can now include up to 90 days in jail for reckless flying near crowds or highways, making Pennsylvania one of the strictest states for drone enforcement as of March 2025.