Wisconsin Drone Laws

Wisconsin 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:

”Drone" means a powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human
operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, and can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely. A drone may be expendable or recoverable.

Statutes/Bills:

114.04 Flying and landing, limitations.

114.045 Limitation on the operation of drones.(correctional institutions)

1. No person may operate a drone, as defined in s. 114.105 (1) (a), over a state correctional institution, as defined in s. 301.01 (4), including any grounds of the institution, except that a person may operate a drone over an institution that is a state facility with the express authorization of the secretary of corrections or his or her designee or over an institution that is a county facility with the express authorization of the sheriff of the county or his or her designee.
2. Any person who violates above rule may be required to forfeit not more than $5,000. 

114.105  Local regulation.

175.55  Use of drones restricted.

1. No person may operate a drone, as defined in s. 114.105 (1) (a), over a state correctional institution, as defined in s. 301.01 (4), including any grounds of the institution.
2. Any person who violates sub. (1) may be required to forfeit not more than $5,000.
3. A law enforcement officer investigating an alleged violation of sub. (1) shall seize and transfer to the department of corrections any photograph, motion picture other visual representation, or data that represents a visual image that was created or recorded by a drone during an alleged violation of sub. (1).

941.292  Possession of a weaponized drone.

Whoever operates any weaponized drone is guilty of a Class H felony. This subsection does not apply to a member of the U.S. armed forces or national guard acting in his or her official capacity.

942.10  Use of a drone.

Use of a drone with the intention to photograph, record or otherwise observe an individual in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy a Class A misdemeanor. The statute does not apply to the authorized use of a drone by law enforcement officers.