Idaho Drone Laws

Idaho UAS Laws

Note on Federal vs State Laws:

Federal airspace laws take precedence over state drone laws. If a state or local law directly conflicts with FAA regulations, the state or local law is likely to be invalidated.

Definitions:

“Unmanned aircraft system” (UAS) means an unmanned aircraft vehicle, drone, remotely piloted vehicle, remotely piloted aircraft or remotely operated aircraft that is a powered aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, can fly autonomously or remotely and can be expendable or recoverable.

“Unmanned aircraft system” does not include:

1. Model flying airplanes or rockets including, but not necessarily limited to, those that are radio controlled or otherwise remotely controlled and that are used purely for sport or recreational purposes; and
2. An unmanned aircraft system used in mapping or resource management.

Statutes/Bills (passed):

21-213. - RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS — DEFINITION — VIOLATION — CAUSE OF ACTION AND DAMAGES

The statute prohibits surveillance of, the gathering of evidence or information about, and photographic or electronic recording of “specifically targeted” persons or private property without a warrant. An exception is made for emergency response for safety, search and rescue, and controlled substance investigations.

Any person who is the subject of prohibited conduct under subsection (2) of this section shall:

1. Have a civil cause of action against the person, entity or state agency for such prohibited conduct; and
2. Be entitled to recover from any such person, entity or state agency damages in the amount of the greater of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or actual and general damages, plus reasonable attorney’s fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred.

36-1101 - TAKING OF WILDLIFE UNLAWFUL EXCEPT BY STATUTE OR COMMISSION RULE OR PROCLAMATION — METHODS PROHIBITED — EXCEPTIONS

Idaho law prohibits the use of any unmanned aircraft system to aid in hunting activities unless the hunter has a physical disability and obtains a permit for such use.