Maryland Drone Laws
Drone flying has become a popular hobby as well as a lucrative tool for new commercial opportunities. Unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) ownership has really taken off in the state of Maryland but learning how to fly one of these, you should learn all you can about the drone laws that apply to you first.
You’ll find that navigating the legal landscape of drone ownership and operation can be a time-consuming and often confusing task. Not only are there federal, state, and local regulations, but these sometimes differ from each other too. These laws can also be worded ambiguously or have loopholes that people exploit.
It’s important to remember that, regardless of where you are, federal law takes precedence over any state or local laws, regardless of what local officials say. These laws were created and are enforced by the Federal Aviation Association (FAA), and local law enforcement officials can fine or arrest you based on these regulations as well.
State Drone Laws
These laws apply to the entire state of Maryland regardless of in which region you are. They were put into effect by the Maryland General Assembly and are upheld by local law enforcement officials who can either fine or arrest you depending on the severity of the offense. Currently, Maryland only has one state-wide drone law in effect, though this may change in the future.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research, Development, Regulation, and Privacy Act of 2015
This state law prohibits local county and municipal authorities from creating their own UAV-related ordinances. Only the state is able to draft and enact laws that regulate the operation of unmanned vehicles.
Local Drone Laws
Even though Maryland’s only current state drone law prohibits local counties, municipalities, or cities from creating their own drone ordinances, that hasn’t stopped some authorities within the state.
For example, Carroll County Recreation and Parks told one hopeful drone operator that he needed “a permit and 1 million-dollar insurance to fly” which is not only nonsensical but also can’t be enforced by local officials. There are more park regulations within the state, where officials decided to ignore the state law and create their own rules.
You’ll have to decide for yourself whether you choose to follow these rules or not, but according to the director of the University of Maryland Law School’s Center for Health and Homeland Security, anyone would technically have “a pretty strong argument” if they chose to challenge these rules.
Carroll County Recreation and Parks Drone Policy
Drone use is not permitted in five of the county parks nearest Carroll County Regional Airport, and a permit is required before drone owners are allowed to fly their drones at any Caroll County park. Park officials also have safety policies that drone owners need to comply with.
Drones are allowed in some Carrol County parks with a signed permit supplied by the Department of Recreation and Parks. The request for a permit must include the park, specific area within the park, and the date(s) and time(s) of usage. Drone operators also have to bring documentation of insurance in the amount of $1 million ($500,000 if aircraft is under 55lbs/250 grams). Even with a permit to fly in a certain park, drones still aren’t permitted over picnic areas, playgrounds, athletic fields when activities are underway, boating activity, or near any protected wildlife species, among active wildlife nesting or breeding areas.
Caroll County University Use of Drones/Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Policy
Unmanned vehicles are prohibited from being operated on, or over university facilities or property without advance approval from the Director of Aviation Sciences. Carroll University is also located within 5 miles of the Waukesha County Airport, so you will need prior approval from the FAA to fly in regulated airspace as well.
Calvert County Parks & Recreation Ordinance No. 32-19
This ordinance states that drones or any unmanned aircraft aren’t allowed to be operated within any Calvert County park/recreation area.
Maryland State Parks Agency Policy 19-29
This policy requires that commercial users and film production agencies get a permit for commercial photography and filming for movies, television, documentaries, and other video programming on MPS-managed facilities and lands. There’s also a one-time administrative service charge attached along with a few other rules like not interfering with public use and not damaging the natural, cultural or historical features of the facility or land. None of this applies to non-commercial or non-profit photography drone users.
Federal Drone Laws
These laws apply to every state in the US and were drafted by the Federal Aviation Association (FAA). For the most part, these laws have to do with protecting people’s privacy and making sure people stick to safe drone operation standards. Both private and commercial drone operators have to register their drones and acquire a permit from the FAA to be able to fly their drones in the US. There are also some additional rules in place for commercial drone fliers. So before getting started, you need to decide what purpose you’re flying for. These regulations only apply to drones that weigh under 55lbs, though most consumer UAV models fall in that category.
Flying as a Hobby
If you’re a private drone operator then all you need to be concerned about is getting your permit and adhering to the FAA’s rules of the sky. You’ll have to register for an FAA identification number and stick that number on the exterior of the drone before you can start flying. The FAA is also adding an online aeronautical knowledge and safety test for recreational fliers soon.
Some of the basic aircraft rules include:
- Don’t fly in restricted airspace
- Don’t fly under the influence
- Don’t fly over groups of people
- Fly at or below 400 feet
- Always keep your drone within sight
Flying Commercially
A lot of the basic rules that apply to private drone fliers also apply to commercial fliers. Before being allowed to operate a drone, you will need to pass an FAA test and get a Part 107 certification. Commercial drone operators also have to be at least 16 years old and have a Remote Pilot Certificate.
