According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), nearly 870,000 Americans had registered drones as of July 2023, about 41 percent of which were registered for commercial use. Both recreational and business operators need to understand drone laws and flying etiquette.

In addition to deciding whether to register a drone commercially or not, drone operators will need to pay a registration fee and take a knowledge-based test. Any drone weighing over 8.8 ounces must be registered with the FAA, a standard that applies to most consumer models.

During the FAA exam, operators will need to keep the drone below 400 feet and within sight at all times. Many aspects of the test have been designed to gauge the operator’s ability to follow basic drone etiquette. They must fly without directing the drone over groups of people, for example, and avoid flying over outdoor events and public emergencies, such as forest fires. All National Parks in the US have prohibited the use of drones. Drones are also barred from flying over Washington, D.C. In addition, it is illegal to fly a drone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.