Wisconsin statutes & regulations

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Use of a Drone (Wis. Stat. § 942.10)Effective: 4/9/2014

Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a person to operate a drone with the intent to photograph, record, or otherwise observe another individual in a place or location where that individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy; exempts law enforcement authorized under Wis. Stat. § 175.55.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Possession of a Weaponized Drone (Wis. Stat. § 941.292)Effective: 4/9/2014

Prohibits the operation of a weaponized drone; a person who operates any weaponized drone is guilty of a Class H felony, excluding members of the U.S. armed forces.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Intoxicated and Reckless Flying (Wis. Stat. § 114.09)Effective: 1/1/1970

Prohibits operation of an aircraft (including drones) while under the influence of intoxicants or drugs or with a prohibited alcohol concentration, and prohibits careless or reckless operation; defines penalties including forfeitures up to $300 and misdemeanors with jail up to 6 months.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

State Park Drone Prohibition (Wis. Adm. Code NR 45.041)Effective: 1/1/1970

Prohibits use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and other flying-related activities in all state parks, state recreation areas, state natural areas, the Kettle Moraine and Point Beach state forests, and the Lower Wisconsin state riverway, except where specific zones are designated for drone use.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Flight and Landing Limitations (Wis. Stat. § 114.04)Effective: 1/1/1970

Generally allows flight of aircraft over lands and waters unless conducted at such a low altitude as to interfere with lawful land use; prohibits landing on land or water of another without consent except in forced landings.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Use of Drones Restricted (Wis. Stat. § 175.55)Effective: 4/9/2014

Prohibits Wisconsin law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather evidence or information in criminal investigations where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy without first obtaining a search warrant, with specified exceptions.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025