North Dakota Drone Laws

There are three types of drone laws in North Dakota, USA. These laws are:

State drone laws, which are applicable on one state.
Local drone laws, which are applicable on certain cities.
Federal drone laws, which are applicable on the entire country.

North Dakota State Drone Laws

These laws are applicable on the entire state of North Dakota. They fall under the jurisdiction of North Dakota Department of Transportation and North Dakota Legislative Assembly. Presently, there is only one state drone law in North Dakota.

HB 1328 // 2015

The following points are included in this law (1):

According to this law, it is prohibited to arm an unmanned aircraft system with lethal weapons in North Dakota.
Using an unmanned aircraft system for the purposes of surveillance is also prohibited.

North Dakota Local Drone Laws

Presently, there are no local drone laws in North Dakota.

Federal Drone Laws

The federal drone laws of the United States of America fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Government. The federal drone laws are divided into three main categories i.e. recreational laws, commercial laws, and laws for government operators.

For flying a drone for recreational purposes

When a person is operating an unmanned aircraft system for recreational purposes, they have to obey Federal Aviation Administration’s “Recreational Model Aircraft” laws. For detailed instructions, they can also consult with “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018”. Here are some recreational drone rules:

The unmanned aircraft system being operated must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration.
It is compulsory to acquire permission from a person before operating an unmanned aircraft system directly above them.
Class G is the only airspace where drone operations can be conducted freely. If a drone operator wishes to operate in any other airspace, they need to obtain proper authorization beforehand.
It is essential to limit the altitude to 400 feet while operating an unmanned aircraft system.
It is mandatory for drone operators to ensure that they have a visual of their drone while it is being operated.

For commercial operations of an unmanned aerial vehicle

People who wish to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle for commercial use have to obey the following rules and regulations:

Learning the Part 107 rules is a compulsion for all drone operators. The Federal Aviation Administration enforces this rule.
Drone operators are tested on several topics like UAS radio communication, the effect of weather conditions on drone operations, emergency drone operations etc., in a test called Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Passing this test is mandatory, because it enables the drone operators to get a remote pilot certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Lastly, the drone operators also need to register their unmanned aircraft systems with the Federal Aviation Administration. The registration cost is US Dollars 5. The registration expires after 3 years and must be renewed. After obtaining the registration number, it is recommended to display it on the drone to make the identification easier for the owner.

For Government operators

The following two options are available for government employees that wish to operate an unmanned aircraft system: either they can follow FAA’s Part 107 rules, or they can obtain a Federal Certificate of Authorization (COA). The Federal Aviation Administration issues this certificate. FAA’s Part 107 rules are as follows:

It is obligatory to obtain a remote pilot certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. In order to obtain it, drone operators have to pass an Aeronautical Knowledge Test. This test examines their knowledge about all types of drone operations in detail.
It is mandatory for drone operators either to restrict the operations of their unmanned aircraft systems within class G airspace or to obtain a special permit that exempts them from this law.
The altitude of the unmanned aircraft system should be kept below 400 feet.
It is essential to get your unmanned aircraft system registered with the Federal Aviation Administration.
It is strictly prohibited to operate an unmanned aircraft system at night in order to avoid the risk of accidents.
A special permit and a proper light system is required for operating unmanned aircraft systems during nighttime.

Drone Regulation Compliance Tips

Here are some general rules about drone operations:

Remote Identification of drones and operating drones over people.

The Federal Aviation Administration has made it compulsory for all drone operators to have a remote identification. FAA has also provided certain conditions under which drone operators can fly their drones directly over people.

Never operate multiple drones at any given time.

It is extremely difficult and unsafe to operate multiple drones simultaneously. For this reason, aviation authorities have prohibited the operations of multiple drones at the same time.

Never operate an unmanned aircraft system near an airport or manned aero planes

Flying an unmanned aircraft system in close proximity to manned aero planes or airports can result in catastrophic accidents and human casualties. This is because the pilot’s visual can be disrupted. For this reason, such operations are strictly prohibited.

Do not operate an unmanned aircraft system near places where emergency operations are underway

Drone operations are strictly prohibited near places with emergency conditions. These conditions can include operations of law enforcement agencies, operations involving firefighters, bushfires, and search and rescue operations etc. This is because the security of the public can be compromised due to the drone operation.

Awareness about the Airspace Restrictions is essential

The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed several airspace restriction within the US. Violating these airspace restrictions while operating unmanned aircraft systems is a criminal offense. For this reason, it is essential to operate only within airspaces designated for drone operations. (3)

Never fly an unmanned aircraft system while being drunk

Operating an unmanned aircraft system under the influence of alcohol, medications, or any other drugs is strictly prohibited.

Always respect the privacy of others

Unmanned aircraft systems should not be used to invade the privacy of others.