Indiana would restrict drone flights over homes and farms

Knowingly making repeated unpermitted flights could bring a criminal charge. People harmed by repeated flights, low flights, or landings could sue. These rules cover drones at or below 400 feet. Low flights reach no more than 100 feet above private land or a permanent structure on it. The owner must not have given permission, and a lawsuit requires property harm or reduced enjoyment. A court could order a stop, award damages, or impose a penalty of up to $1,000 per incident, or $5,000 for flights over listed farm people or property. Emergency responders, certain police and government flights, licensing inspections, certified airspace transit, and flights only over the operator’s own land are excluded. These proposed rules would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.

Knowingly or intentionally flying a drone over or inside listed places, or over farm animals or workers, could bring a criminal charge. Covered drones fly at or below 400 feet. Listed places include homes, detention sites, enclosed livestock spaces, and schools, playgrounds, or child care sites when children are present. Express consent is a defense for flights at listed places; the property owner’s permission is a defense for flights over animals or farm workers. Emergency responders, certain police and government flights, licensing inspections, certified airspace transit, and flights only over the operator’s own land are excluded. These proposed rules would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.

Knowingly or intentionally recording a person or private land without permission could bring a criminal charge. The charge could be a more serious felony when the subject involves critical farm or energy systems. The rule covers photos, video, sound, and visual or heat data gathered by drones at or below 400 feet. The individual or property owner must not have given permission; the property owner’s permission is also a defense. Emergency responders, certain police and government flights, licensing inspections, certified airspace transit, and flights only over the operator’s own land are excluded. These proposed rules would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.

Operators would buy and keep insurance for drone injuries and property damage. State officials would run a program to check coverage. This applies to drones weighing at least 55 pounds when operated at or below 400 feet. The insurance must cover injury and property damage caused by the drone. Emergency responders, certain police and government flights, licensing inspections, certified airspace transit, and flights only over the operator’s own land are excluded. These proposed rules would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.