Utah § 72-10-1002 - Safe operation of unmanned aircraft.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 72-10-1002 — Safe operation of unmanned aircraft., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 72-10-1002. Safe operation of unmanned aircraft.
Effective 5/1/2024 72-10-1002.
Safe operation of unmanned aircraft.
(1)
An individual who operates an unmanned aircraft system to fly an unmanned aircraft for recreational purposes shall comply with this section or 49 U.S.C. Sec. 44809.
(2)
An individual operating an unmanned aircraft shall:
(a)
maintain visual line of sight of the unmanned aircraft in order to:
(i)
know the location of the unmanned aircraft;
(ii)
determine the attitude, altitude, and direction of flight;
(iii)
observe the airspace for other air traffic or hazards; and
(iv)
determine that the unmanned aircraft does not endanger the life or property of another person; and
(b)
ensure that the ability described in Subsection (2)(a)(i) is exercised by either:
(i)
the operator of the unmanned aircraft; or
(ii)
a visual observer.
(3)
An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless the operator of the unmanned aircraft has prior authorization from air traffic control.
(4)
An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft in a manner that interferes with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport, or seaplane base.
(5)
(a)
Except as provided in Subsection (5)(b), an individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft system:
(i)
from a public transit rail platform or station; or
(ii)
(A)
under a height of 50 feet within a public transit fixed guideway right-of-way; and
(B)
directly above any overhead electric lines used to power a public transit rail vehicle.
(b)
Subsection (5)(a) does not apply to:
(i)
an individual employed or contracted by a large public transit district who may operate an unmanned aircraft from a public transit rail platform or station or near a public transit facility:
(A)
to examine the public transit right-of-way for impediments or obstructions;
(B)
to examine a public transit facility for safety concerns; or
(C)
for any other safety-related purpose related to the operations of a large public transit district; or
(ii)
an individual who is a member of law enforcement operating an unmanned aircraft system in accordance with Section 72-10-802.
(6)
(a)
An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft over any surface critical infrastructure facility as defined in Section 76-6-106.3, unless the operator of the unmanned aircraft has prior authorization from the facility.
(b)
Subsection (6)(a) does not apply to:
(i)
a first responder, as that term is defined in Section 53-3-207; or
(ii)
a state or federal agency with regulatory authority over the relevant critical infrastructure facility.
(7)
An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft in violation of a notice to airmen described in 14 C.F.R. Sec. 107.47.
(8)
Unless a waiver has been granted by the Federal Aviation Administration, an individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft at an altitude that is higher than 400 feet above ground level unless the unmanned aircraft:
(a)
is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure; and
(b)
does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure's immediate uppermost limit.
(9)
(a)
An individual who violates this section is liable for any damages that may result from the violation.
(b)
A law enforcement officer shall issue a written warning to an individual who violates this section who has not previously received a written warning for a violation of this section.
(c)
Except as provided in Subsection (9)(d), an individual who violates this section after receiving a written warning for a previous violation of this section is guilty of an infraction.
(d)
An individual who violates this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor for each conviction of a violation of this section after the individual is convicted of an infraction or a misdemeanor for a previous violation of this section.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 72-10-1002
What does Utah Code § 72-10-1002 cover?
Section 72-10-1002 ("Safe operation of unmanned aircraft.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 72-10-1002?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 72-10-1002" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 72-10-1002 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
