All New Drone Laws in Montana (2024 Updated)

Drones have taken the world by storm in recent years. They are a great way to capture footage and photography from unique angles, and they have many other uses as well.

However, drones can also be dangerous if not used properly. In this blog post, we will explore the drone laws in Montana. We will also discuss how to stay safe when using them.

So if you are looking to fly a drone in Montana, Make sure you are aware of the laws first. There are specific regulations in place governing the use of drones in the state, and violating them can lead to hefty fines.

Here’s what you need to know about flying drones in Montana. Going through this article will help you know about drone laws in Montana for flying a drone.

Drone Rules to Follow in Montana (2024)

To operate a drone safely and legally, there are several things you need to know and obey.

• You must be at least 16 years old to operate a drone.
• You must register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• You will be given a registration number, which you must mark on your drone.
• You must obtain a remote pilot license from the FAA.
• You must follow the rules of controlled airspace.
• Drones are not allowed to fly over 400 feet of controlled airspace.
• Drones are allowed only to fly in daylight.
• Operators should always keep their distance from airports, military bases, and sensitive areas.
• Drones should always be kept in visual line of sight (VLOS), and
• They should not be flown recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Drones are not allowed to fly near government or federal buildings or offices.
• When flying your drone, always give way to manned aircraft and
• Avoid flying over crowded places or people.
• Do not come in the way of emergency and law enforcement activities.

Following these guidelines can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Read Also: All New Drone Laws in Greece (Hellenic Republic)

Penalties for Breaking Drone Laws in Montana

Penalties for breaking drone laws in Montana can range from a simple fine to criminal charges. The punishment will depend on the severity of the offense, with more serious offenses resulting in more severe penalties.

Seizure of Drone

If you break a drone law, you may have your drone confiscated. This is not a light penalty – for many people, their drones are their livelihood.

If you are caught breaking a drone law, the best course of action is to cooperate with the authorities and try to get your drone back as soon as possible.

In most cases, you will be able to get your drone back if you can prove that you will obey the law in the future. However, if you break a drone law again, you may lose your drone permanently. 

Criminal offenses

In the state of Montana, it is against the law to operate a drone in a way that harasses someone, invasion of privacy, or recklessness.

If you break this law, you could face criminal charges. The punishment for this will depend on the severity of the offense but could include jail time. This is just one of the many drone laws that are in place in Montana.

Losing your license

Drone pilots in Montana must adhere to a strict set of laws in order to keep their licenses. If a pilot is found to be breaking any of these laws, their license may be canceled.

Some of the most common reasons for license cancellation include flying in restricted airspace, flying above crowds of people, and flying without proper insurance.

In addition, pilots who are found to be careless or reckless with their drones will also face penalties. These penalties can range from a warning to a complete cancellation of their drone license.

Liabilities for damage

It’s important to be aware of the potential liability you could face if the drone causes damage or injuries. Although drones are often thought of as harmless toys, they can cause serious damage if they crash into buildings or people.

If you’re found to be responsible for such damage, you could be held liable for the repairs or medical bills that result.

As a result, it’s important to exercise caution and responsibility when operating a drone and to make sure that you’re familiar with the rules and regulations governing their use in your area.

Read Also: Drone Laws in Hawaii: All Rules and Regulations

State Laws

Drones are subject to both federal and state laws. In Montana, the rules governing drone use are relatively permissive compared to other states.

Most states have enacted some form of drone legislation, with the majority of laws falling into three broad categories: privacy, registration, and operation.

Privacy laws generally place restrictions on how drones can be used to collect images or other data, while registration laws typically require drones to be marked with a unique identifier. Operation laws govern where and how drones can be flown. 

In Montana, the state drone laws are largely focused on privacy and registration. State law prohibits the use of drones to take pictures of people without their consent (with some exceptions).

Drones must also be registered with the state before they can be operated. The registration process is relatively simple and only requires filling out an online form. Once registered, drones must be clearly marked with the unique identifier assigned by the state. 

Montana’s drone laws are fairly reasonable and shouldn’t present too much of a challenge for responsible drone pilots. However, checking the latest laws and regulations is always a good idea before flying to any state.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the safety of civil aviation in the United States. In addition to setting and enforcing safety standards, the FAA also provides Air Traffic Control (ATC) services, regulates the use of airspace, and investigates aviation accidents.

In recent years, the agency has been tasked with developing regulations for the use of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

While there are many potential uses for drones, such as delivery or agricultural mapping, the FAA is primarily concerned with preventing collisions between drones and other aircraft. To that end, the agency has established a number of rules and regulations that drone operators must follow.

For example, drones must be registered with the FAA and operated in accordance with approved flight plans. In addition, drones must be kept within the visual line of sight of the operator at all times. While these regulations may seem stringent, they are necessary to ensure the safety of everyone who shares the skies.

The UAS Commission

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Commission is responsible for developing the regulations governing the use of drones in the United States.

The Commission is made up of representatives from the aviation industry, government, and academia, and it is tasked with ensuring that drones are used safely and responsibly.

One of the key challenges facing the Commission is balancing the need for regulation with the desire to promote innovation. The Commission must strike a delicate balance between ensuring that drones are operated safely and ensuring that they do not stifle innovation.

Another challenge facing the Commission is the rapidly changing technology of drones. The Commission must ensure that its regulations keep pace with the latest drone technology while also taking into account the needs of drone operators.

In order to meet these challenges, the Commission must remain flexible and adaptable. Only by doing so will it be able to create regulations that promote safe and responsible drone use in the United States.

Read Also: All New Drone Laws in The Czech Republic

FAA’s Part 107

The Part 107 regulations are the primary set of rules governing the use of drones in the United States. The regulations are designed to ensure that drones are operated safely and in accordance with the law.

The regulations cover a variety of topics, including how drones can be used, what areas they can be flown in, and what restrictions apply to their use.

In addition, the regulations provide guidance on how to obtain a waiver from the FAA if you need to operate a drone outside of the rules. The Part 107 regulations are important in ensuring that drones are operated safely and responsibly in the United States.

The Part 107 regulations are designed to ensure drones’ safe operation while minimizing their impact on air traffic. Drones are required to stay five miles away from airports, and they are not allowed to fly above 400 feet.

FAA’s Part 107 Exam

The Part 107 Exam is the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) exam for those who want to become certified commercial drone pilots. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including airspace regulations, weather patterns, and drone operation.

While the Part 107 Exam is not required for recreational drone use, it is necessary for those who want to use drones for commercial purposes. The exam is composed of multiple-choice questions and must be completed within the given hours.

Those who pass the exam will be issued a commercial drone pilot certificate, which will allow them to operate drones for business purposes.

While the Part 107 Exam may seem daunting, it is a necessary step for those who want to enter the commercial drone industry. With proper preparation, passing the exam is within reach.

FAA’s Remote Pilot License

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) remote pilot license is required for anyone who wants to operate a drone for commercial purposes. The process of obtaining a license is fairly simple and can be completed in just a few steps.

First, potential pilots must pass a written exam that covers basic aeronautical knowledge. Next, they must complete a flight review with an FAA-certified instructor. Finally, they must submit an application to the FAA for approval.

With a remote pilot license, pilots will be able to fly drones for a variety of different purposes, including photography, videography, and package delivery. The FAA’s remote pilot license is essential for anyone who wants to enter the exciting world of drone operation.

Read Also: Know All New Drone Laws In Iceland

Rules for Recreational Use in Montana

Flying a drone can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to make sure that you’re following the rules. The rules are simpler for recreational use than for commercial use. You don’t need a license to fly a drone recreationally.

However, there are still some important rules that you need to be aware of. For example, you should always keep your drone within sight and never fly it near airports or other aircraft. Additionally, you should be aware of your local laws and regulations regarding drones.

Conclusion

While the specific laws may change, it is important to remember that drones are still aircraft and should be treated as such.

There are many great opportunities for using drones in business and recreation, but please do so responsibly and within the bounds of the law. Hope this article helped. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.