Drone Laws in NJ [2023]

In this article, we’ll get aware of the latest drone laws in NJ (New Jersey) and other local drone laws within the state. Read on for details.

Drones are allowed to fly recreationally and commercially in the state of New Jersey, subject to federal and local government regulations. It is important to note that drones must be operated by certified pilots in compliance with the FAA.

New Jersey Drone Laws in State

To fly your drone safely in New Jersey, you have to be familiar with the drone laws of the state mentioned below:

Senate Bill 3370

This law identifies examples of illegal drone usage that are consistent with federal laws.

• Operations that put people at risk of injury or death
• Operations that take or assist in the taking of wildlife
• Operations while intoxicated, obstructing first responders, or endangering the security of correctional institutions

New Jersey State Parks

This law prohibits all UAV operations within all lands and waters state parks unless prior approval has been given by the Assistant Director of the state park service.

City and County Drone Laws in NJ

It is prohibited to use a drone without permission from the local authorities. Flying a drone without permission from the local authorities can attract serious penalties and possible jail.

City of Ventnor

This law bans the launching of drones, landing of drones, and all other drone operations within 400 feet of any building owned by the federal, state, or local governments within the City unless written consent has been granted by the Ventnor City Chief of Police for a special event or City sponsored event.

County of Middlesex

Prohibits the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within Middlesex County Parkland unless authorized by the Director of County Parks and Recreation.

Long Beach Township

This law

• Prohibits landing and flying unmanned aircraft within township boundaries.
• Prohibits drones from flying in any airspace within 400 feet of grounds and buildings in the township.
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) shall not be flown recklessly, dangerously, or in a threatening or harassing manner.

Palisades Interstate Park Commission

This rule bans the use of drones and similar devices in the park.

Wayne Township

This law bans all drone flights within Wayne Township parks except for designated areas.

Borough of Allendale

Under this law flying drones anywhere below 400 feet in the Borough is prohibited. This includes any space over the residential or commercial zones, any streets, and any public buildings, properties, or parks.

This rule does not prohibit any federal agency, local government, or municipal entity from using drones or unmanned aircraft for any lawful purposes pursuant to applicable regulations.

Borough of Point Pleasant Beach

This law

• Prohibits takeoff and landing on or upon any public property except in an emergency provided in 3-50.4 Exceptions.
• If you operate or cause to be operated a drone or any other unmanned aircraft within the limits of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach, you must be able to show, at any time, upon request by any Point Pleasant Beach Police Officer or Code Enforcement Officer, a current certificate of aircraft registration issued by the FAA for the UA/UAS, together with a remote pilot certificate where the use of the UA/UAS requires such a certificate under 14 C.F.R. Part 107.
• Restricts the use of unmanned aircraft that has a firearm or other weapon attached to it.
• Restricts operating a drone or an unmanned aircraft in the air, on the ground, or on the water in a careless or reckless way that endangers the lives or properties of others.
• Prohibits using unmanned aircraft with a metallic blade propeller or gas boost.

Borough of Franklin Lakes

This drone regulation prohibits small unmanned aircraft from flying below 400 feet above private property, streets, borough buildings, and structures, over persons not directly engaged in the operation of the aircraft located within 100 feet of the perimeter of the area over which the aircraft is being operated.

Essex County – Park Ordinance

A park rule adopted in Essex County in 2020 forbids the use of drones on any county-owned or managed property.

East Bay Regional Parks – Municipal Ordinance

This law prohibits drones from flying within 500 feet of any park in the East Bay District unless they’re used for commercial purposes.

Ramapo Hills, NJ Drone Laws

This law prohibits unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on or above school property.

The Board of Education must consent before an unmanned aircraft system owned and managed by a contractor is used on school property for school district operations.

Bernards Township—Municipal Law

This law forbids the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in parks or recreational facilities.

Chatham Township, NJ Drone Regulations

Under this law,

• Launching of drones and other unmanned aircraft is forbidden from any state or public buildings, property, or parks within the Township except as otherwise provided in Subsection 3-12.3.
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft are restricted from operating or flying in any airspace below 400 feet within the airspace over any government or public buildings, property, or parks within the Township except as otherwise provided in Subsection 3-12.3.

NJ Department of State on Drone Photography

Before taking photos using a drone, you must first obtain permission from the controlling entities in the area where you plan to use the drone for taking pictures.

Read: New Drone Laws by State in the USA

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 drone laws in NJ, USA, visit the official websites of the respective departments or consult an attorney.