Baltimore, Maryland Drone Laws

Overview

Baltimore is located in Maryland. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Maryland has specific criminal statutes applicable to drone operations. Maryland Criminal Law § 3-902 covers stalking and includes drone surveillance with intent to intimidate, harass, or follow a person — a misdemeanor. Maryland Criminal Law § 6-402 addresses trespass by drone on private property. Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) prohibits drone use in all state parks and natural areas without a permit. Baltimore is dominated by Class B airspace from Baltimore/Washington International (KBWI) and contains Class D airspace from Martin State Airport (KMTN). The Fort McHenry National Monument is a National Park Service site requiring a federal permit for any drone operation.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• Maryland Criminal Law § 3-902: Stalking — using a drone to follow, monitor, or surveil a person with intent to place them in fear or harass them is a criminal offense
• Maryland Criminal Law § 6-402: Trespass — operating a drone over private property without permission can constitute criminal trespass in Maryland
• Maryland DNR: Drone use prohibited in all Maryland state parks, natural resources areas, and wildlife management areas without a written permit from the specific site manager
• KBWI Class B airspace: Covers much of the Baltimore metro area — FAA LAANC authorization required
• KMTN (Martin State) Class D: Covers the eastern Baltimore area — FAA tower authorization required
• Fort McHenry National Monument: NPS federal regulations (36 CFR 1.5) prohibit recreational drone flights; federal permit required

Permits & Registration

Commercial operators: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. Maryland state park flights: Written permit from the specific DNR park or natural resource manager. Fort McHenry flights: NPS special use permit required. FAA LAANC authorization required within KBWI Class B and KMTN Class D airspace. Baltimore City park flights: Contact Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks. Recreational operators must register at registerdrone.faa.gov.

Official Statute Links

• https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr§ion=3-902
• https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr§ion=6-402
• https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/

Local Ordinances

Baltimore City does not have a comprehensive standalone drone ordinance but enforces drone restrictions through Maryland state law and park policies. Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks requires approval for drone flights in city parks. The Inner Harbor area presents a congested urban flight environment with proximity to KBWI Class B airspace. Fort McHenry is a National Park Service site with strict federal prohibitions on recreational drone use. The Baltimore waterfront and Port of Baltimore fall under additional federal jurisdiction. Commercial filming anywhere in the city requires a permit from the Baltimore Film Office.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Baltimore City parks: Approval required from Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks
• Inner Harbor area: Congested urban airspace; proximity to KBWI Class B — FAA authorization required
• Fort McHenry National Monument: NPS prohibits recreational drone flights; special use permit required (36 CFR 1.5)
• Port of Baltimore: Federal maritime security restrictions apply
• Druid Hill Park: City park — Recreation and Parks approval required
• Patterson Park: City park — Recreation and Parks approval required
• Commercial filming: Baltimore Film Office permit required
• KBWI Class B: Covers much of Baltimore and surrounding areas — FAA authorization required
• KMTN Class D: Eastern Baltimore area — FAA tower authorization required
• Private property: Maryland Criminal Law § 6-402 trespass applies

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Baltimore City Recreation and Parks — (410) 396-7900, www.baltimore.gov/recreation-parks

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Carroll County rural areas west/northwest of Baltimore — outside KBWI Class B, verify property and LAANC
• Harford County open areas north of the city — check airspace carefully near KMTN
• Maryland state parks in the western Maryland mountains (e.g., Cunningham Falls) — DNR permit required
• Eastern Shore of Maryland (rural areas) — minimal airspace conflicts, verify local rules

Areas to Avoid

• Baltimore City limits — much of the city falls within KBWI Class B airspace
• Inner Harbor and downtown Baltimore — Class B airspace plus congested urban environment
• Fort McHenry National Monument — NPS site, no recreational drone flights
• BWI Airport (KBWI) Class B airspace — covers most of the metro area
• Martin State Airport (KMTN) Class D — eastern Baltimore
• Port of Baltimore — federal maritime security restrictions
• All Maryland state parks in the Baltimore region — DNR permit required
• NSA Fort Meade (southwest of Baltimore) — federal security restriction, no drone flights

Weather Considerations

Baltimore has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms (June–September). The city sits in the Mid-Atlantic corridor and can experience rapid weather changes as coastal storms move up the seaboard. Winter brings ice and occasional snow, with freezing rain being a particular hazard. Spring and fall are the most stable seasons. Check NWS Baltimore/Washington (weather.gov/lwx) for current forecasts.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: October and April–early May — stable high-pressure systems, moderate temperatures, low humidity. Fall color peaks in late October and makes for excellent aerial photography in surrounding counties. AVOID: July–August afternoons (heat, humidity, convective storms), January–February (icing events, freezing rain more common in Baltimore than cities further north).

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ Maryland state regulations
• ✓ Baltimore local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety