All Drone Laws in Wisconsin: Rules, Penalty (2025 Updated)

In recent years, drones have become increasingly popular, with people using them for everything from photography to package delivery. Now, the state of Wisconsin is looking to get in on the action. Along with that popularity comes questions about how they should be regulated.

In Wisconsin, there are currently no laws regulating the use of drones. This leaves a lot of question marks for people who want to use them.

What kind of restrictions are there on flying drones near airports or other sensitive areas? What is the punishment for violating these restrictions? And what happens if a drone causes damage or injuries?

These are just some of the questions that need answering before drones can be used safely and legally in Wisconsin. Going through this article will help you get answers to your questions about the drone laws in Wisconsin.

Are drones legal in Wisconsin?

Yes, drones are currently legal in Wisconsin. In the state of Wisconsin, the laws regarding drones are fairly straightforward. Basically, as long as you’re not using your drone for commercial purposes, you’re free to fly it wherever you’d like.

However, there are a few places where flying a drone is strictly prohibited, such as near airports and other sensitive areas.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid flying your drone over crowds of people or in other potentially hazardous situations.

As long as you use common sense and follow the basic rules, you should have no problem flying your drone in Wisconsin.

General Drone Rules to Follow in Wisconsin (2025)

When it comes to drones, Wisconsin has a few general laws that apply. Here are some general laws to keep in mind while flying a drone in Wisconsin :

• In order to fly a drone, you must be at least 16 years old.
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires the registration of all drones for safety and accountability purposes.
• All drones should bear the registration number assigned by the FAA.
• Operators should have obtained a remote pilot license from the FAA
• Drones are not allowed to fly over 400 feet of controlled airspace.
• Drones are allowed only to fly in daylight.
• Always keep your distance from Airports, military bases, and sensitive areas.
• Always keep your drone in Visual line of sight (VLOS)
• Do not interfere in emergency or law enforcement activities.
• Do not fly your drone recklessly
• Do not fly your drone under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
• Drones are not allowed to fly near government and federal buildings or offices.
• Always give way to manned aircraft.
• Do not fly your drone over crowded places or over people.
• Not to fly your drone over stadiums or sports events.

These are just some of the general laws that you should keep in mind while flying your drone in Wisconsin.

Read Also: Updated Drone Laws In South Africa

Penalties for Breaking Drone Laws in Wisconsin

The punishment for breaking a drone law in Wisconsin will depend on the severity of the offense. If you break any of the drone laws in Wisconsin, you may be subject to a fine, civil penalties, and even criminal charges.

Criminal charges for breaking a drone law

You could also face criminal charges if you break a drone law in Wisconsin. The punishment for this will depend on the severity of the offense but could include jail time.

Cancellation of license or permit

If you have a drone license or permit, breaking the law could result in the cancellation of your license or permit.

Civil penalties

You may also be subject to civil penalties if you break a drone law in Wisconsin. This could include a fine or having your drone confiscated.

Liability for damages

if your drone causes damage or injuries, you could be held liable for those damages. This means that you could have to pay for any repairs or medical bills resulting from your drone’s actions.

Read Also: All New Drone Laws in Minnesota

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating airspace in the United States. This includes ensuring the safety of pilots and passengers and preventing collisions between aircraft.

In recent years, the use of drones has become increasingly popular, raising concerns about their impact on air traffic. The FAA has responded by creating a set of regulations for drones, which include prohibiting them from flying near airports and other aircraft.

These regulations aim to ensure the safe operation of drones while minimizing their impact on air traffic. While some have criticized the FAA for being too restrictive, it is clear that their regulations are necessary to protect the safety of everyone who uses the airspace.

State Drone Laws

In addition to the FAA’s rules and regulations, you should be aware of a few state drone laws. These laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to check the laws in your specific state before flying a drone. In Wisconsin, there are a few state drone laws that you should know about.

For example, drones are not allowed to fly over 400 feet of controlled airspace. Additionally, drones are only allowed to fly during daylight hours and must be kept within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times. These laws can be changed by state legislation, so it is better to keep an eye on these laws.

The UAS Commission

The UAS Commission is a body of experts that was established in order to advise the government on the regulation of unmanned aircraft systems or drones.

The commission is made up of representatives from the aviation industry, law enforcement, and the military, as well as privacy advocates and members of the general public.

The commission’s primary objective is to ensure that drones are used safely and responsibly and that their use does not infringe on the rights of others. In order to achieve this goal, the commission has issued a set of recommendations that Drone Operators must follow.

These recommendations include maintaining a line of sight with the drone at all times, avoiding populated areas, and respecting the privacy of others. The UAS Commission is an important step toward ensuring that drones are used safely and responsibly.

FAA’s Part 107 Regulations

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 regulations are the primary set of rules that govern the use of drones in the United States. These regulations cover a wide range of topics, including registration, operator certification, and operational limitations.

One of the most important aspects of the Part 107 regulations is the requirement for drone operators to maintain a line of sight with their drones at all times. This means you can only fly your drone if you can see it with your own eyes, through binoculars, or a similar device.

Additionally, the Part 107 regulations place restrictions on flying drones near airports and other aircraft. The Part 107 regulations are designed to ensure drones’ safe operation while minimizing their impact on air traffic.

In order to obtain a certificate to operate a drone under the Part 107 regulations, applicants must pass a written test administered by the FAA.

Once an operator has obtained their certificate, they must comply with all of the operating limitations set forth in the Part 107 regulations. Failure to do so could result in fines or other penalties.

FAA’s Remote Pilot License

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) remote pilot license is a certificate that allows an individual to operate a drone for commercial purposes. In order to obtain a remote pilot license, applicants must pass a written exam administered by the FAA.

After obtaining their remote pilot license, operators are required to adhere to all of the operational restrictions outlined in the Part 107 regulations. You need a pilot certificate from the FAA in order to use a drone for business reasons.

The written exam consists of 60 questions, and applicants must score at least 70% in order to pass. The exam covers topics such as airspace classification, weather, aviation regulations, and flight operations.

After obtaining their remote pilot license, operators are still required to adhere to all of the operating limitations set forth in the Part 107 regulations.

These include maintaining visual line-of-sight (VLOS) contact with the drone at all times, flying only during daylight hours, and remaining clear of manned aircraft. 

Registering Your drone with FAA

Drone ownership is booming, but many people are still unaware of the rules and regulations surrounding these devices. One important rule to be aware of is that all drones must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. The process of registering your drone is simple and can be done online.

You will need to provide your name, address, and email address, as well as the make and model of your drone. Once you have registered your drone, you will receive a certificate of registration and an identification number that must be displayed on the drone.

You could face civil or criminal penalties if you do not register your drone. In addition, unregistered drones may not be flown in restricted airspace.

So if you’re planning on flying a drone, make sure you register it first. It’s quick and easy and could save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Read Also: New Drone Laws in Ohio: All You Need to Know

Rules for The Recreational Use of Drones

The rules for flying drones recreationally are much less stringent than the rules for commercial use. For instance, you do not need a license to fly a drone recreationally. However, there are still some important rules that you need to be aware of.

First, you must always maintain visual line-of-sight (VLOS) contact with your drone. This means that you can only fly your drone if you can see it with your own eyes or through binoculars or a similar device.

Additionally, you are not allowed to fly your drone near airports or other aircraft. Finally, you must always yield the right-of-way to manned aircraft. These are just a few of the basic rules that you need to follow when flying drones recreationally.

As long as you adhere to these guidelines, you should be able to enjoy your drone without any problems.

Rules for Commercial Use of Drones

The commercial use of drones is governed by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 107 regulations. In order to operate a drone commercially, you must have a pilot certificate issued by the FAA. You will also need to pass a written exam administered by the FAA.

After obtaining their certificate, operators are still required to adhere to all of the operating limitations set forth in the Part 107 regulations.

Read Also: Updated Drone Laws in North Carolina: Rules, Penalty

Conclusion

In conclusion, the state of Wisconsin has a complex set of laws regulating drone usage. Drone operators must comply with all relevant regulations, including any local laws and FAA regulations, in order to ensure safe, responsible operations in the skies over Wisconsin.

With careful consideration and adherence to all applicable guidelines, the use of drones can be an enjoyable way to explore our state while contributing to its economic vibrancy.

Ultimately, it’s important to understand and follow all the laws regarding drones in Wisconsin. If you do not abide by these regulations, then you could face serious consequences, including fines, criminal charges, and even the loss of your drone. So make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules before flying your drone in Wisconsin.

So, these are some of the things that you need to keep in mind regarding drones in Wisconsin. Hope this article helped. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments.