Massachusetts (MA) Drone Laws [2023]

The state of Massachusetts has put drone laws in place to ensure the safety and protect the privacy of individuals. Understanding these regulations will ensure a safe drone flying experience in Massachusetts.

It is important to note that FAA regulations apply across the state over and above the Massachusetts-specific regulations mentioned on this page.

Massachusetts Drone Laws Within The State

The following laws and regulations govern the use of drones within the state.

302 CMR 12.00

This rule prohibits bringing, landing, or taking off any airplane, helicopter, seaplane, ultra-light aircraft, or any other apparatus on Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) property unless it is an emergency.

City and County Drone Laws in Massachusetts

Get familiar with these drone laws in Massachusetts’ cities and counties before flying to avoid any legal turbulence.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Drone Policy

Under this policy, to fly a UAS on the MIT campus, you must complete the following steps to obtain permission:

• Read the Standard Operating Guide to fully understand MIT’s UAS rules and regulations.
• Obtain a remote pilot certificate following the Part 107 rules specific to UAS.
• Obtain FAA approval.
• Complete the UAS Flight Approval form and obtain permission from the space owner.
• Email the completed form to [email protected]

The City of Chicopee, MA Drone Laws (2017)

According to this law,

• All drones and aircraft must comply with all FAA regulations.
• A drone and/or aircraft shall only take off and land on the operator’s private property or where written permission is granted by the landowner.
• Non-commercial aircraft and/or drone operations must comply with the following regulations:
• • Register with the Federal Aviation Administration and maintain proper documentation of the same.
  • As required by federal law, fly below 400 feet at all times.
  • No operator shall operate an aircraft and/or drone over a crowd or person(s) not directly participating in its operation.
  • No operator shall operate an aircraft and/or drone before sunrise or after sunset.
  • No aircraft or drone shall photograph or videotape any person without the prior written permission of that person.
  • No aircraft or drone shall operate over private property without prior written permission from the landowner.
  • No aircraft or drone shall operate over any property owned or controlled by the City of Chicopee unless prior written authorization is secured by the operator.

Wheaton College, MA Drone Policy

According to this UAS policy, any Wheaton College employee or student wishing to operate a UAS as part of their employment, or as part of a Wheaton College academic or research program must first notify the Campus Safety Department by completing a flight request form at least seven days in advance of requested flight date.

Personal Hobbyist/Recreational UAS use on or over Wheaton College property is not permitted.

City of Belchertown (2017)

This drone policy prohibits the use of drones on the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed System without a DWSP-issued permit specific to a designated location/time.

As per Watershed Protection Regulations 313 CMR 11.09(2)(a)15, “No person except in an emergency, shall bring, land or cause to descend within any Watershed System property any aircraft without written permission from the Commissioner.”

Town of Holyoke, Massachusetts Drone Laws (2016)

As per this regulation, a drone may take off from and land on the drone operator’s private property, and as permitted from such private and public property after having received the prior written consent of that property owner.

Recreational drone operators must not:

• Operate over the private property of another unless prior written consent is obtained from the property owner.
• Photograph or videotape any resident in their own home or on their property without the prior written consent of those persons.
• Operate over any property owned by the city, including the Holyoke water works and Holyoke gas & electric, unless prior written consent has been obtained from the city, Holyoke water works or Holyoke gas & electric.

Cape Cod Canal UAS Regulation

This drone regulation prohibits UAS operation for recreational and/or commercial purposes at USACE water resources development projects unless authorized by the District Commander.

Note: Massachusetts drone laws are subject to change. The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. For more information on drone laws in Massachusetts (MA), visit the FAA’s website or the official websites of the respective departments or consult an attorney.

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• MassDOT Aeronautics Division Drone Program
• Drone Flight Services by MassDOT and the MBTA
• MassDOT Vendor Program: Fly on behalf of MassDOT and/or the MBTA