Idaho Drone Laws 2024 (Federal, State, and Local Rules To Know)

Before you head out with your drone to explore what the state of Idaho has in store for you, you have to be aware of the drone laws in Idaho else you risk getting into trouble with the law.

Are drones allowed in Idaho?

It is legal to fly drones in the state of Idaho. It has federal, state, and local laws that govern the flying of drones in the state. However, drones are prohibited in many public and state parks, and you cannot fly a drone in Idaho for the purpose of hunting local animals either.

In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about Idaho drone laws for you to enjoy a pleasurable flight with your drone and stay clear of any legal proceedings.

Federal Drone Laws In Idaho

The federal drone laws in the United States are the laws that apply to Idaho and every state in the United States of America and were created by the federal government.

If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly recreationally by following the Drone Laws in the USA as defined by FAA Part 107 guidelines.

Federal Drone Laws for Recreational Flying in Idaho

You can fly your drone for recreational purposes in Idaho as a hobby without seeking monetary compensation as long as you follow the FAA law (Part 107) and also check the state jurisdiction for additional licensing, permission, and clearance requirements.

Boise, Idaho
Boise, Idaho

Below are the federal rules to follow while flying your drone for recreational purposes in Idaho to keep you, your drone, and everyone safe in the airspace.

  1. Fly your drone only for recreational use or as a hobby.
  2. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO). Recreational flyers should follow the safety guidelines of existing aeromodelling organizations or use the FAA-provided safety guidelines per Advisory Circular 91-57B.
  3. Keep your drone within your visual line of sight or use a co-located visual observer (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
  4. Don’t fly close or interfere with a manned aircraft.
  5. Fly below 400 feet in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E) after obtaining permission from LAANC or FAA Drone Zone.
  6. Fly below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G). Note: You can also be prohibited from flying in a Class G airspace in areas designated as prohibited areas, restricted areas, military operated areas, alert areas, etc. except given prior authorization from the FAA.
  7. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage.
  8. Always slap your registration number on the exterior surface of your drones and always carry the proof of registration with you. As a recreational flier, you are exempted from registering and marking your drones by the FAA as long as your drone weighs less than 0.55 lbs (250 grams).
  9. Do not dangerously operate your drone. For example:
    • Do not interfere with emergency response or law enforcement activities.
    • Do not fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
    • Avoid flying near or over critical infrastructure.

You should be aware that you could be liable for civil and/or criminal penalties if you intentionally break any of these rules and regulations listed above as a recreational drone pilot.

As a recreational drone pilot, you are obliged to learn the rules and regulations put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the proper use of drones for recreational flying.

You should also apply common sense when operating your drone in crowded public places, historic resources, and public places to keep everyone safe.

Federal Drone Laws For Commercial Drone flying in Idaho

You can fly your drone for commercial purposes in Idaho with the aim of seeking monetary compensation as long as you follow the FAA law (Part 107) and also check the state jurisdiction for additional licensing, permission, and clearance requirements.

Cloudy sky over Boise with many hot air balloons
Cloudy sky over Boise with many hot air balloons

Below are the federal rules to follow while flying your drone for recreational purposes in Idaho to keep you, your drone, and everyone safe in the airspace.

Step 1: Learn the Rules

  1. Read and understand the dos and don’ts as a commercial flyer the under Part 107 rules. Review a summary of the Part 107 rules (PDF). Still unsure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended UAS operation? Check the FAA user identification tool.
  2. You can obtain a waiver to exceed some limit put in place by the FAA that is not covered by Part 107. Below are some laws in Part 107 that are subject to a waiver.
    • Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft. *
    • Always operate your drone during the day. *
    • Keep your drone from out of the Visual line of sight from an aircraft operation *
    • Keep your drone in your Visual line of sight. *
    • Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems. *
    • Yielding the right of way. *
    • Don’t fly your drone over people. *
    • Restriction from certain airspace. *
    • Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft.
    • *The FAA will not waive this section to allow the carriage of property of another by aircraft for compensation or hire.
    • You should read about the Part 107 Waiver application process if your drone operation requires a waiver.
  3. Commercial drone operators should steer clear of flying close to airports as it might be challenging for human aircraft to spot and avoid a drone in flight. Keep in mind that the UAV operator is accountable for any safety threat their drone poses in an airport area and must avoid crewed aircraft. Read more about flying near airports.

Step 2: Become an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot by Passing the Knowledge Test

  1. To be eligible to get your Drone License (Remote Pilot Certificate), you must be:
    • At least 16 years old
    • Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
    • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS
  2. Review the entire process to get your Drone License or Remote Pilot Certificate.
  3. Study for the Knowledge Test by reviewing the Test Prep materials provided by the FAA.
  4. Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile before registering for a knowledge test.
  5. Schedule an appointment to take the Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.
  6. Once you’ve passed your test, complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)*
  7. You are now eligible to operate as a commercial drone pilot.

Step 3: Register your drone with the FAA

  • Pay the registration fee of $5 with your credit card or debit card to get a valid three year license to commercially fly drones.
  • Visit dronezone.faa.gov and select “Fly UAS under Part 107” to create an account and register your drone.
  • After that, mark the exterior surface of your drone (PDF) with your registration number for identification and tracking if it were to get stolen

Always be sure to fly your drone safely and within FAA guidelines and regulations. It is up to you as a drone pilot to know the rules of the sky and where it is safe to fly. You should try the user identification tool if you aren’t sure if Part 107 is right for you and your operation

Federal Drone Laws for Public Drone Flying In Idaho

Federal public laws are drone laws for federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, including schools and universities that use unmanned aircraft systems or drone technology for their operations.

Fall colored trees and a stone bridge in eagle, idaho
Fall colored trees and a stone bridge in eagle, idaho

Federal Restrictions & Requirements

  • Be a political subdivision of the United States government, a State or U.S. territory government, the District of Columbia, or an Indian Tribal Government listed in the Robert T Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 5122)
  • Own and operate the unmanned aircraft, or for non-federal public aircraft operators (PAO’s) have an exclusive lease on it for more than 90 days
  • Fly missions that meet the statutory criteria of a governmental function on a flight-by-flight basis
  • Not fly for a commercial purpose or receive compensation for flight operations.

Emergency Situations

First responders and other organizations responding to natural disasters or other emergency situations may be eligible for expedited approval through our Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process. Operations that may be considered include:

  • Firefighting
  • Search and Rescue
  • Law Enforcement
  • Utility or Other Critical Infrastructure Restoration
  • Incident Awareness and Analysis
  • Damage Assessments Supporting Disaster Recovery Related Insurance Claims
  • Media Coverage Providing Crucial Information to the Public

To apply for a waiver through the SGI process, you must be an existing Part 107 Remote Pilot with a current certificate OR you must have an existing Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). To submit a waiver through this process, fill out the Emergency Operation Request Form  and send it to the FAA’s System Operations Support Center (SOSC) at 9-ator-hq-sosc@faa.gov .

If approved, the FAA will add an amendment to your existing COA or Remote Pilot Certificate that authorizes you to fly under certain conditions for the specified operation. If denied, operators should not fly outside the provisions of their existing COA or part 107. Operators have the option to amend their requests.

* This process is called the Special Government Interest (SGI) amendment process and is outlined in FAA Order JO 7200.23A

State Drone Laws In Idaho

City of trees Boise Idaho with fall colors
City of trees Boise Idaho with fall colors

These are drone laws that apply to the entire state of Idaho and were created by the Idaho Legislature.

Idaho has various laws governing the use of drones in the state, as put together by the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho Legislature.

IDAPA 13.01.03

This law prohibits the flying, landing, or launching of any drones or unmanned aerial systems on all lands owned or controlled by the Department of Fish and Game, except on public airstrips or if specific authorization has been granted by the Commission, Director, or Regional Supervisor.

Idaho Statutes Section 21-213

These statutes contain the following laws:

  • People, organizations, state agencies, or federal agencies are prohibited from using an unmanned aircraft system to photograph or record an individual without the individual’s written consent.
  • Exemptions are given to the authorities if there is a civil cause of action or if an appropriate warrant has been issued.
  • This rule does not apply to crime scene investigations, search and rescue, or emergency response when there is imminent threat to lives and property.

Idaho Statutes Section 36-1101

  • Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles are prohibited from use to locate any big game animal for the purpose of hunting the animals on the same calendar day that those animals were located from the air.
  • Federal and state agencies are exempted from this rule if they employ the use of drones to hunt wolves, and other predatory or unprotected wildlife to protect the lives and properties of citizens.

House Bill 486

Drones can be used by fire departments, law enforcement, and the local and state government for the following purposes below:

  • Crowd management
  • Damage assessment after a fire or natural disaster
  • Search and rescue missions
  • Training
  • Traffic crash documentation or reconstruction

Local Drone Laws In Idaho

Sawtooth Mountains, ranch land, rail fence, Stanley, Idaho (ID)
Sawtooth Mountains, ranch land, rail fence, Stanley, Idaho (ID)

Idaho state drone laws are drone laws that apply to specific cities, counties, and municipalities in the state of Idaho that were created by local legislators.

Ada County Drone Laws

All drone operators in Ada County, regardless of model, weight, or purpose of operation, must register their drones with the FAA. Also, it is prohibited from using drones to photograph, video record, or audio record any person or private property without their permission.

Boise State University Drone Laws

Drone pilots within the University must submit an application which will be reviewed by the University Drone Committee before they’re approved for flying. Liability coverage will be required for approval of applications.

Canyon County Drone Laws

Drones are prohibited from flying, launching, or landing in all Canyon County parks, natural, and cultural resources. Also, drones are prohibited from flying below 500 feet AGL within the Canyon County airspace unless granted permission by the Director of the Canyon County Department of Parks.

Frequently Asked Questions on Idaho Drone Laws

Is it illegal to fly a drone over private property in Idaho?

It is legal to fly drones above a house or private property in Idaho as long as you don’t hover around them or use your drone to capture or record them without permission from the property owner.

Can I fly a drone in Idaho without a license?

Recreational drone pilots don’t need a license to fly a drone in Idaho, but you must pass a free online safety test (TRUST). However, commercial drone flyers must get a certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Furthermore, all drones weighing more than 249 grams must be registered to operate in Idaho.

Can you shoot down a drone in Idaho?

Shooting down a drone in Idaho is illegal and against federal law because drones are protected by the FAA. You could serve some jail time or pay a large fine if you shoot down a drone in Idaho. You are advised to report it to the authorities if you see a drone hovering above you or your property.

Final Thoughts

Idaho has a ton of beautiful landscapes to explore with your drone for recreational or commercial purposes. However, you need to abide by the drone laws set by the FAA, your state government, and local authorities in that city to enjoy a hassle-free flight.

You should also check out the best places to fly a drone in Idaho if you want to see beautiful places that are legal to fly in various cities.

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