Starting on the general effective date, it is a class 1 misdemeanor to intentionally fly a non-hobby ("civil") drone within 5,280 feet (1 mile) of or above a qualifying ticketed music, sports or performing arts event, with exceptions.
Official title: drones; entertainment events; prohibition
- September 12, 2026
What changes
-
NowIt is unlawful to intentionally operate a civil unmanned aircraft within 5,280 feet of, or within 5,280 feet above, a ticketed entertainment event. A civil unmanned aircraft is one flown for any purpose other than strictly hobby or recreation, such as business, commercial or media use. A violation is a class 1 misdemeanor.
-
NowA ticketed entertainment event is a music, sporting or performing arts event that is held behind gated entries or barriers that keep out the general public, where the property owner, operator or lessee has issued evidence of the right of entry (such as a ticket), and that is held outdoors, at a venue with a retractable roof, or in a facility that holds at least 1,000 people.
-
NowThe ban does not apply to someone who: has written consent from a person with legal authority over the event; is an employee of the event property doing official business; is a utility employee (water, sewer, electric, telecommunications, cable or other utility) doing official business; or flies their own drone over their own private property consistent with federal law and not for commercial purposes, messaging, commercial broadcasting or publication, or to monitor or interfere with the event.
BeforeExisting law already exempts people or entities that the Federal Aviation Administration authorizes to fly drones, if they follow that authorization or FAA rules.
NowThat FAA exemption remains and also covers the new event rule.
BeforeThe drone law's exemption covered first responders acting in an official capacity and emergency workers doing authorized emergency work.
NowThe exemption also covers other city, town, county or state employees operating a drone while acting in their official capacity.
Who it affects
- People and businesses who fly drones for non-hobby purposes, including commercial and media operators
- People who own private property near qualifying ticketed event venues and fly drones there
- Organizers, owners and operators of ticketed music, sports and performing arts events
- Employees of event properties and utilities who fly drones on official business
- City, town, county and state employees who fly drones in their official capacity
- Law enforcement and courts
What you need to do
Anyone flying a drone for non-hobby purposes must not intentionally fly within 5,280 feet of or above a qualifying ticketed event unless an exception applies, such as written consent from a person with authority over the event or FAA authorization.
What the law doesn't answer
- The specific fine or jail range for a class 1 misdemeanor
- Whether the 5,280-foot distance is measured from the venue's edge, its center or another point
- Whether the ban applies only while the event is happening or also before and after it
- How a drone operator is expected to know that a qualifying ticketed event is taking place
- How the law will be enforced and by which agencies
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.