Minnesota Drone Laws

Drone flying is still a relatively new hobby (and business tool), so it’s understandable that there’s still a lot of confusion around what consists as acceptable behavior and what doesn’t. Flying a drone anywhere in the US without being familiar with the relevant laws first can drop you in some hot water. Especially because there are several laws that may apply to you, depending on where you are.

Before flying any unmanned aerial vehicle (AUV) in Minnesota, whether recreationally or commercially, look at these federal, state, and local laws that you need to abide by.

State Drone Laws

As the name implies, state laws are applicable to everyone within the entire state regardless of where they are or whether they’re a resident or just visiting. Minnesota has a number of state drone laws that you need to be aware of and these are enforced by local government and law enforcement.

Minnesota Statute 360.59

While this statute mainly talks about passenger-carrying aircraft, it does mention aircraft owners having to supply any information the commissioner reasonably requires to determine that an aircraft is insured. Aircraft owners have to comply with specific insurance requirements for the aircraft as set out in the statute. Currently, this law only applies to commercial flyers.

Minnesota Statute 360.60

Commercial drone operators in Minnesota have to register their aircraft with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The registration currently costs $100 and there are two ways to do it:

• Register on the website by filling in the Aircraft Registration Application
• Download the Aircraft Registration Application and Sales/Use Tax Return form via the MnDOT website and submit the application.

MnDOT Aeronautics Rules Chapter 8800

Under this state law, commercial drone operators have to apply for a Commercial Operations License. This comes with an annual license fee of $30/year.

Minnesota Statute Chapter 82 – S.F.No. 3072

This statute addresses law enforcement’s use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It tries to protect personal privacy and data privacy and states that law enforcement officials have to obtain a warrant before using a drone for surveillance. The law also makes exceptions for certain situations such as to prevent loss of life, during emergency situations, during an event where public safety is at risk, or during risk of terrorist attack, and so forth.

Minnesota Statute Chapter 96 – S.F.No. 550

This law “appropriates” funds from the environment and natural resources trust fund to the excess of $348,000 for drone use in monitoring moose populations and other changes in local ecosystems.

Local Drone Laws

These drone laws only apply to you if you are within the specific counties, cities, or towns that they refer to. There aren’t many local drone laws in Minnesota (at least, not yet), however, the ones that do exist are somewhat limiting to anyone who wants to operate a drone in any of those areas.

Anoka County: Ordinance #2018-1

This ordinance prohibits drone operators from flying a UAV in or over county parks without a special permit.

Bloomington: Municipal Law

This ordinance states that drone operators aren’t allowed to fly UAVs in city parks without a special permit. You can contact the Parks and Recreation Department to apply for the permit, which costs $25/per year. There are also some parks where drone flying is entirely prohibited due to their proximity to the airport.

St. Bonifacius: Resolution 2013-8

This city ordinance bans drone flying in all city airspace for all types of operators. There are currently no exceptions or permits available under this law, except for law enforcement or government officials with valid warrants.

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board: Code of Ordinances

This ordinance makes it illegal to take off from, land on, or operate a drone over any property that is owned or operated by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. You can apply for a permit, however, which will allow you to fly in specific locations.

Federal Drone Laws

The Federal Aviation Association is in charge of creating and upholding all of the federal drone laws in the states. There aren’t a lot of laws that you need to be aware of, but there is quite a list of rules that are important to know and follow. These mainly relate to how the drone should be operated as the FAA currently leaves the “where” up to state and local government agencies.

Although it does restrict drone flying to class G unrestricted airspace and requires that anyone who wants to fly in restricted airspace (like those around airports) need to apply for a permit via the LAANC or DroneZone on the FAA website.

The FAA places drone operators into two categories:

• Recreational flyers: If you’re flying as a hobby in a private capacity. This means you’re not making any money from flying your drone.
• Commercial flyers: If you’re operating a drone for a business or own a drone that will be operated as part of your business then you classify as a commercial flyer. This includes photographers, videographers, and people who use drones to transport any goods.

Before flying your drone, you’ll have to register your drone with the FAA and put the registration number on the drone’s bodywork. This applies to both recreational and commercial flyers, but you’ll have to decide which type of flyer you classify as, because there are different rules that apply to each. In addition to that, the FAA also recently passed a new remote ID rule that applies to all drone operators. It states that drones have to be equipped with a Remote ID that broadcasts identification and location information. Otherwise, drone operators have to stick to specific FAA-recognized identification areas.

Recreational flyers only have to worry about the rules set out by the FAA regarding how to safely operate their drones. These rules are listed on their website. Also note that, while it isn’t currently necessary, the FAA is planning on introducing a regulation that will require recreational flyers to take an aeronautical knowledge test when registering.

Commercial flyers already have to take an aeronautical knowledge test upon registration in addition to applying for a Remote Pilot Certificate. Commercial flyers also have to be at least 16 years old and need to abide by the rules set out in the Part 107 regulation. Some of these rules are similar to the rules recreational flyers have to abide by, but there are a few additional regulations as well as more stringent directions for use.