Wisconsin Drone Laws

Got a new drone and now you’re excited to take it out for its first test flight? Hold on, you’ll have to deal with some red tape before you can get that drone up in the air – and not just from the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) which is in charge of federal drone laws, but from Wisconsin legislators and local authorities with drone ordinances as well.

These are mainly aimed at ensuring the safety and privacy of both drone operators and others, and if you fail to comply you can get into trouble. So here are all of the laws you need to know about if you want to fly a drone in Wisconsin.

State Drone Laws

These laws were put into motion by the Wisconsin Legislature and apply to the entire state.

Wisconsin Act 346 / Senate Bill 338

This law makes it illegal to fly a drone in any way that interferes with someone who is fishing, trapping, or hunting.

Assembly Bill 670

This law prohibits drones from being flown over the grounds of a state correctional institution. The fine for violating this law can go up to $5000. This bill also authorizes a city, village, town, or county to create ordinances that put limitations on drone use over specific areas.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 175.55

This prohibits Wisconsin law enforcement agencies from using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to conduct surveillance on anyone who has a reasonable expectation of privacy unless they have a warrant.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 941.292

This law defines what a weaponized drone is, and makes it a Class H felony for anyone to operate a weaponized drone within the state. This does not, however, apply to a member of the U.S. armed forces or national guards performing their duties.

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 942.10

This law states that it’s a Class A misdemeanor to use a drone to observe, record, or photograph people where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. It does make an exception, however, for law enforcement officials who have the proper authorization.

Wisconsin Admin Code NR 45.04(1)(c)

This admin code doesn’t specifically mention drones, but it does mention flying-related activities that UAV-use would fall under. It restricts drone flying to areas specifically defined for their use in state parks, state recreation areas, and state natural areas. This includes Kettle Moraine. Point Beach state forests, and Lower Wisconsin state riverway.

Local Drone Laws

City of Chetek: Code of Ordinances Section 118-89

This city ordinance states that drones aren’t allowed to fly at or higher than the height limits in specific zones around the Chetek Municipal (Southworth) Airport as specified in the official zoning map.

City of Green Bay: Municipal Code Chapter 27

This municipal code makes it illegal to fly a drone over any event grounds during any event that the city has defined as a “special event”. This includes but is not limited to Green Bay Packer Games, Farmers Market, Fire over the Fox (July 4th festival), and the Cellcom Marathon. It does make an exception for authorized public safety agencies and operators who have prior approval from the event organizer or the FAA.

Town of Greenfield: Ordinance No 2884, Section 10.35

This municipal code sets out a number of regulations that drone owners in the town of Greenfield need to comply with. This includes:

The drone has to be launched and landed within the operator’s line of sight at all times, without the aid of devices like binoculars.
You may not launch and land the drone within 100 feet of any person, except the operator and assistant operator.
You cannot launch or land a drone on any private property without the consent of the
property owner.
You may not launch, land, or operate the drone near any festivals, events, picnics, protests, or public assembly of more than 100 people.
You may not operate the drone in a reckless manner that can potentially endanger someone or property.
You may not use a drone to cause a disturbance or harass someone.
You aren’t allowed to operate a UAV within 500 feet of schools (or school events without prior permission), emergency vehicles with their lights or sirens on, active law enforcement or emergency response incident, any jail or municipal lockup facility.

City of Hudson: Ordinance 2015-019

This ordinance prevents anyone from using a drone to observe, record, or photograph someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Anyone who violates this law can face a fine of $200.

Outagamie County: Code-of-Ordinances Sections 10-35 and 10-195

Both these city ordinances place limitations on drone flying in and near airports. Drone operators need to get prior approval from the airport director to fly their drones in these areas.

Federal Drone Laws

There are a few rules and regulations set out by the FAA that you’ll need to comply with before you can start flying your drone, as well as during each flight. While there is a lot of overlap in the FAA’s rules between recreational and commercial drone use, people or entities who want to fly commercially have a few more regulations they need to comply with as well. All of the regulations set out by the FAA only apply to drones that weigh 55lbs or less, which includes most commercial drones.

FAA-2015-7396

Every drone owner who wants to operate a UAV in the US is required to register their drone with the FAA to get a flying permit and have to place their drone registration number on the body of the drone. Recreational fliers have to be at least 13 years of age, and commercial fliers need to be at least 16 years of age. The permit is valid for 3 years and can be renewed again with the FAA.

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018

This bill sets out a list of rules that (mainly, but not limited to) recreational fliers have to comply with. The rules include not flying a drone above 400 feet, not flying in controlled airspace, and not flying in a reckless manner among other things. The FAA has a full breakdown of the list of rules on its website.

Aircraft Rule Part 107

This law only applies to commercial drone operators, who have to get a drone pilot certification which is valid for 2 years. There are also a number of rules that commercial drone fliers need to comply with, such as during which time of day and how they’re allowed to fly the drones, and how drones are allowed to fly with loads. Take a look at the link above for a full list of the rules.