Is it illegal to fly a drone in the UK?

Flying a drone is legal in the UK subject to strict rules set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under the Air Navigation Order 2016 and the UK Drone and Model Aircraft Code. You must register your drone (if it weighs 250g or more or has a camera), obtain the relevant flyer ID, and follow rules on distance from people, buildings, and restricted airspace.

The law

Air Navigation Order 2016, Articles 94A to 94I. Core drone regulations: operator ID, flyer ID, operational categories, altitude limits, distance rules, line of sight requirements.
Data Protection Act 2018, Section 2 and UK GDPR. Recording individuals with a drone camera may constitute personal data processing, requiring a lawful basis and compliance with UK GDPR principles.
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, Section 24. Extended police powers to stop and search for drones and restrict drone use near prisons and secure settings.

The penalty

Offence: Flying without registration / operator ID (Air Navigation Order 2016)
Maximum: Unlimited fine on prosecution; fixed penalty notices also available
Typical range: Fixed penalty or fine; serious cases near airports or prisons may attract custodial sentences

What to do

Register with the CAA and obtain an operator ID and flyer ID before flying any drone over 250g or any drone with a camera.
Check the CAA's DroneAssist app or the NATS (National Air Traffic Services) map for restricted airspace before flying.
Maintain the 120m altitude limit and keep the drone in visual line of sight at all times.
Do not fly over crowds, near airports, or in areas designated by local restriction orders.
If filming others, consider UK GDPR obligations and avoid recording people in private settings without consent.

In detail

Drone flying in the UK is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under the Air Navigation Order 2016 (ANO 2016) as amended, and the UK Drone and Model Aircraft Code. Flying a drone is legal, but a wide range of rules apply depending on the type and weight of the drone, where you fly it, and what you do with it.

Registration and operator ID

Anyone who owns a drone or model aircraft that weighs 250g or more, or that is fitted with a camera capable of capturing personal data, must register with the CAA and obtain an operator ID. You must label your drone with this ID. Separately, anyone who actually flies such a drone must obtain a flyer ID by passing an online competency test. Failure to register or fly without a flyer ID is a criminal offence under the ANO 2016. The CAA can issue fixed penalties and refer cases for prosecution.

The categories of operation

UK drone rules use an "open category" system for recreational and low-risk commercial use: Sub-category A1: Drones up to 250g. Can fly over uninvolved people but not over crowds. Sub-category A2: Drones up to 4kg with a C2 class marking. Must maintain a distance of at least 30m (or 50m without speed limiter) from uninvolved people in open areas. Sub-category A3: Drones up to 25kg. Must be flown at least 150m from residential, recreational, commercial, or industrial areas.

Key rules that apply to all categories

Under the ANO 2016 and the Drone Code, you must: Keep the drone within your visual line of sight at all times. Never fly above 120 metres (400ft) altitude. Never fly over or within 50 metres of people, vehicles, vessels, or structures not under your control (except sub-250g drones in A1). Never fly within 5km of an aerodrome (airport or airfield) without specific permission from the aerodrome. Never fly over congested areas, crowds, or emergency service operations.

Privacy and data protection

Drones with cameras capture images and footage in public spaces. Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, recording individuals without a legitimate purpose and proper notice can constitute a data protection breach. The ICO has issued guidance on drone photography. Flying over private land and recording people without consent may also constitute harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Police enforcement

Police may stop and question a drone pilot in any public place. If an officer believes an offence has been committed under the ANO 2016, they can seize the drone as evidence. Serious misuse of drones near airports, prisons, or other sensitive locations can result in prosecution under the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) Regulations or the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 which extended powers around prisons.