Virginia statutes & regulations

Think a law is missing or out of date?

Please help us keep this database up to date by adding or editing a law. See our contribution guidelines for more information about contributing.

Trespass with an Unmanned Aircraft System (§ 18.2-121.3)Effective: 7/1/2018

Prohibits causing a UAS to enter property and come within 50 feet of a dwelling to coerce, intimidate, or harass; prohibits dropping items or capturing images at correctional facilities, as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Local Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft (§ 15.2-926.3)Effective: 1/1/1970

Preempts local regulation of privately-owned UAS, except that political subdivisions may regulate takeoff and landing on subdivision-owned property under Department of Aviation rules.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

State Parks Drone Restrictions (4VAC5-30-400)Effective: 1/1/1970

Bans drone operations in all Virginia State Parks and DCR-managed lands without a special use permit.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Use of UAS by Public Bodies (§ 19.2-60.1)Effective: 1/1/1970

Requires a warrant for deployment of UAS by public bodies, with exceptions for Amber/Senior/Blue Alerts, accident reconstruction, imminent danger, consented searches, and hot pursuit.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Trespass over Critical Infrastructure (SB 1272)Effective: 1/1/1970

Creates a Class 4 felony for knowingly and intentionally causing a UAS to enter airspace over critical infrastructure or public utilities without authorization.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Use of Unmanned Aircraft System for Certain Purposes (§ 18.2-324.2)Effective: 7/1/2018

Unlawful to knowingly use a UAS to follow or capture images of a person without permission, or to violate protective orders by targeting petitioners or named individuals.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025