Minnesota (MN) Drone Laws and Regulations [2023]

In this article, we’ll talk about the latest Minnesota (MN) drone laws that you need to know.

Guidelines for the safe operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have been established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The drone laws in Minnesota regulate how, where, and under what conditions drones can be flown in the state.

If you are looking to fly drones in Minnesota, you need to keep yourself informed of these local and state regulations.

Drone Laws in Minnesota State

These drone laws apply in the entire state of Minnesota. You must follow these regulations before flying drones in the state of Minnesota state.

Minnesota Statutes 360.60

Under this statute, you need to register with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to fly drones commercially. You do this by completing an application for registration and paying a yearly registration cost of $100.

Minnesota Department of Transportation Policy

Under this policy, commercial drones must be registered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and their operators must obtain a commercial drone pilot’s certificate from the FAA and carry liability insurance.

MnDOT recommends:

• Fly your drone only when you can see it and the surrounding airspace.
• If you see or hear an aircraft coming towards you, land immediately.
• Follow FAA guidelines for recreational drone operations. They’re meant to keep everyone safe.

Minnesota Statutes 360.59

Under this statute, drone operators who register with the state must show proof of insurability. The aircraft-specific insurance coverage must be fulfilled. All drones used for commercial purposes and weighing less than 55 pounds are included in this.

SF 3258

Flying drones over a state correctional structure or building or the premises belonging to or under the control of the building is forbidden and it constitutes a criminal offense without the written consent of the commissioner. Recording images while doing so is also considered a felony.

Minnesota Statutes 360.75

This law identifies the following actions, among others, as misdemeanors:

• Operating an aircraft either over or on land or water in this state without the permission of its owners.
• Operating an aircraft while in possession of a license or permission while being aware that it has been suspended, revoked, or otherwise changed.
• Operating any aircraft in a way that suggests a deliberate or reckless disregard for the safety of people or property
• When doing any acrobatic movements or trick flying over densely populated areas or a public gathering in this state.
• Putting in danger, killing, or attempting to harm any birds or animals while flying in an aircraft, whether as a pilot, passenger, or in any other manner; or using any aircraft to gather, drive, rally, or stir up migrating waterfowl.

SF 3072

This allows law enforcement to operate drones for emergencies involving the risk of death or bodily injury, public events with heightened risks to public safety, counter-terrorist operations, traffic crashes, public relation, or training.

City and County Drone Laws in Minnesota

Local drone laws in Minnesota refer to policies and regulations that are enacted and enforced at the county, city, or town levels.

Ramsey County Drone Ordinance

Under this rule, you cannot take off or land a drone anywhere in Ramsey County. Only designated locations are permitted for drone operations.

Dakota County Ordinance

This law prohibits the landing or launching of any aircraft within a County Park.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

This law prohibits the launching, landing, or operation of drones on any national wildlife refuge unit. You need a permit in accordance with 43 CFR 5.1-12 before using a drone on or from refuge-administered lands to take commercial photographs.

Anoka County

This ordinance requires drone operators to obtain a special use permit from the parks department before they launch or land their drones within county parks.

Mississippi River

Over 64 acres of land at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area near Coldwater Spring implemented NPS regulations for drones.

City of Minneapolis

All drone operations must be approved by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board before operating drones within its boundaries. You need to get an appropriate drone permit from the board if you want to fly drones at parks and recreation facilities.

City of Bloomington

According to this rule,

• You must obtain a permit before taking any pictures or doing videography for commercial use in City parks.
• You don’t need a City permit to fly drones in City parks. However, you must follow all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations when flying your drones.

City of Arlington

This law

• Prevents the operations of drones without permission from the City.
• Drones must not fly above a height of 200-foot ceiling altitude.
• You must obtain liability insurance from an approved insurer with coverage and terms set by the City Council before operating a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) within the city limits.
• Exceptions apply to operations restricted within the property boundaries of commercial UAV operators hired to take photos of a property by the owner.
• Exceptions apply when operating within an individual’s private property and without any kind of monitoring capability.

Three Rivers Park District

This rule prevents the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) and other powered devices or toys within all park and trail systems managed by the Park District without a special permit.

City of Eagan

The City of Eagan has changed its policy and now defers to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in all matters related to drone use and regulations.

City of Saint Bonifacius

This law

• Forbids the operations of drones within the boundaries of Saint Bonifacius. However, there are exceptions for drone operations over someone’s private property.
• You need to notify local law enforcement before flying drones commercially on someone’s property.
• Exceptions apply to law enforcement agencies under certain conditions like immediate danger of death or serious injury to any person.

Note: 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 Minnesota (MN) drone laws and regulations, visit the official websites of the respective departments or consult an attorney.