UK Drone Regulations

Last Updated: August 19, 2023

Drone operators in the United Kingdom must comply with the requirements of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).UK Civil Aviation Authority

UK drone rules changed significantly from 1 January 2026, particularly for lightweight drones.

Customers should therefore avoid relying on old guidance stating that all drones below 250g are exempt from Flyer ID requirements.

1. Drones Below 100g

According to current CAA guidance, drones below 100g generally do not require a Flyer ID.

An Operator ID is generally optional for this weight category under the rules summarized by the CAA. 

Operators must still fly safely and comply with applicable airspace restrictions.

2. Drones From 100g to Below 250g

Current CAA guidance states:

Flyer ID

If your drone weighs 100g or more, a Flyer ID is required.

Operator ID

If a drone weighs between 100g and less than 250g and has a camera, an Operator ID is also required.

If it has no camera, the Operator ID is generally optional in that weight range. 

This means many popular camera drones below 250g now require both:

Flyer ID + Operator ID

in the UK.

3. Drones 250g and Above

Drones from 250g to below 25kg generally require:

  • Flyer ID
  • Operator ID

Additional operational limitations depend on class, weight, and Open Category subcategory. 

4. Maximum Height

Under the Drone Code, operators generally must not fly above:

120m / 400ft

unless a specific applicable rule or authorization provides otherwise. 

5. Flying Near People

Under the current UK Open Category rules, qualifying drones below 250g, UK0, UK1 and recognized C0 aircraft can operate under the applicable A1 rules.

The CAA allows qualifying aircraft in A1 closer to uninvolved persons and, under applicable conditions, over individual uninvolved people.

However:

You must never fly over crowds. 

Always maintain a safe distance based on actual conditions.

6. UK Class Marks

The UK uses its own class-mark system.

Current classes include applicable UK class designations such as:

  • UK0
  • UK1
  • UK2
  • UK3
  • UK4

The CAA states that new drone models placed on the market from 1 January 2026 are subject to UK class-mark requirements under the applicable framework. 

7. European C-Class Aircraft

The UK CAA currently provides transitional recognition for European C-class aircraft through 31 December 2027, subject to the applicable class-equivalence rules.

For example, the CAA currently indicates that qualifying C0 aircraft can be treated in accordance with the corresponding UK classification rules during this period. 

Because this is a transitional arrangement, customers should check current CAA guidance before flying.

8. Remote ID

The United Kingdom is implementing Remote ID requirements based on drone class and operation.

The CAA states that applicable Remote ID requirements begin from 1 January 2026 or 1 January 2028, depending on the aircraft class and type of operation. 

Customers should check whether their aircraft is subject to Remote ID before operation.

9. Restricted Airspace

Do not fly:

  • Above the applicable height limit
  • Over crowds
  • In restricted airspace without permission
  • In airport Flight Restriction Zones without authorization
  • In any area where a temporary or permanent restriction applies

Disclaimer

This page provides general information only.

For authoritative and current information, always refer to the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the latest Drone and Model Aircraft Code.