In the UK you can fly a drone in most open spaces, provided you stay at or below 120m (400ft), keep away from people and built-up areas by the required distances, and stay out of restricted places such as airport flight restriction zones. The distances depend on your drone's weight or class mark. This is general information based on the CAA's Drone and Model Aircraft Code (March 2026), as of October 2026.
Permission also matters, even where flying is legal. The Code does not remove landowners' rights, byelaws or local restrictions, so a legal airspace position is only half of the answer.
Height and distance limits
The headline limit is 120m (400ft) above the closest point of the earth's surface. Model gliders up to 10kg are measured from the height you are standing at. For very tall structures over 105m, the responsible person can request that you fly higher, but you must stay within 15m of the top and within 50m horizontally.
| Situation | Standard rule | Lighter aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from uninvolved people | At least 50m horizontally, up to the height limit | Under 250g, UK0, UK1: may fly closer and over people, never over crowds |
| Residential, recreational, commercial or industrial areas | At least 150m away | Under 250g, UK0, UK1: may fly in these areas |
| Crowds | Never fly over people crowded together | Same for every aircraft |
| A single building at least 50m from others | Not treated as an area, but do not fly within 50m of it | Same exemptions apply |
People involved in your flying, such as friends helping on a shoot, are exempt from the 50m rule. The distance should be increased in strong wind or at high speed. If you fly above 50m, the same horizontal distance applies. The class marks article explains how UK2 and A2 qualification can reduce the distance to 30m.
Airspace and places that are off limits
Never fly in an airport or spaceport flight restriction zone without permission. Some smaller airfields do not have a zone but must still be avoided wherever your drone could endanger aircraft. The Code states that endangering the safety of an aircraft can mean up to five years in prison.
Other restricted sites named in the Code include prisons, military ranges, royal palaces and government buildings. Check these before flying:
- Byelaws, which many councils, national parks and landowners use to ban or limit drones.
- NOTAMs and temporary restrictions around events.
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), where wildlife protection can apply.
- Emergency incidents. Keep clear and stop flying immediately unless the emergency services permit otherwise.
A drone-safety map from a reputable provider is a sensible planning tool, but treat it as a check, not a guarantee. Always confirm against the CAA's current guidance.
Night flying
Night flights need a green flashing light switched on. If the aircraft has no built-in light, a specialist green flashing light must be securely fitted, and its weight counts towards the aircraft's total weight. That can shift your aircraft into a different weight band, so work it out before you fit one.
Privacy and filming
The Code asks flyers to respect privacy, especially in homes and gardens. Cameras and microphones used there may breach data protection law. Photos and recordings may be covered by GDPR, so let people know when practical, think before sharing, and store or delete images securely. Recording for criminal or terrorist purposes is illegal. For shooting tips that stay on the right side of this, see drone photography tips for beginners.
Flying near other people's property
The Code treats a single building at least 50m from other buildings differently from a residential area: it is not counted as an area, but you must not fly within 50m of it. That matters for farms and isolated houses, where owners often object to drones even when the rules are met. Be especially careful with livestock and wildlife, since a drone can disturb animals, and with private gardens, where the privacy guidance applies. If someone asks you to stop, the courteous course is to land and talk, and the legal position can be checked with the CAA afterwards.
A short pre-flight check
- Confirm your IDs are valid and the Operator ID is labelled on the aircraft.
- Work out which subcategory your aircraft flies in, from its class mark or weight.
- Check for flight restriction zones, byelaws, NOTAMs and SSSIs at your location.
- Check you are 50m or 150m clear of people and built-up areas, as your category requires.
- Confirm you have the landowner's permission to take off, and look for signs.
- Plan a maximum height well below 120m.
Penalties and reporting
Breaking the rules can lead to fines, and the most serious cases to prison. Flying without the required IDs is against the law, so sort those first with UK drone rules: Flyer ID and Operator ID. Serious incidents or near misses must be reported to the CAA, anonymously if you prefer. Suspicious or dangerous drone use can be reported to the police on 101.
Being within CAA rules does not give you a right to take off from private land, or from a site with its own drone ban. Ask the landowner, and read any signage or byelaw before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum height I can fly?
120m (400ft) above the closest point of the earth's surface. Special rules apply to model gliders and very tall structures.
Can I fly in my garden in a residential area?
Heavier aircraft must stay 150m from residential areas. Under 250g, UK0 and UK1 drones may fly in them, but never over crowds, and privacy and data protection rules still apply.
What happens if I fly near an airport?
Flying in a flight restriction zone without permission is not allowed. Endangering the safety of an aircraft can lead to up to five years in prison.
Who do I report a dangerous drone to?
Call the police on 101, or airport security at an airport. Serious incidents and near misses must be reported to the CAA, anonymously if you prefer.