The rules and regulations for the legal operation of drones in Canada are found in Part IX, Schedule II of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

For example, drone pilots must

• ensure they can always see the drone while flying,
• ensure they are flying below 122 meters (400 feet),
• not fly near bystanders or emergency operations such as forest fires, and
• not fly near airports or other aircraft

Offences

The most common offences under the Regulations are:

• 900.06 Reckless or Negligent Operation
• 900.07 Inadvertent Entry into Restricted Airspace
• 900.08 Operating a remotely piloted aircraft over or within the security perimeter established by a public authority in response to an emergency
• 900.16 Registration Requirements

Penalties

Failure to fly safety or abide by applicable laws could result in a range of penalties. For example, under the Aviation Regulations, individuals could be fined:

• Up-to $1,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
• Up-to $1,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
• Up-to $3,000 for flying where you are not allowed
• Up-to $3,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

For corporations, the fines are even steeper:

• Up-to $5,000 for flying without a drone pilot certificate
• Up-to $5,000 for flying unregistered or unmarked drones
• Up-to $15,000 for flying where you are not allowed
• Up-to $15,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk

Other laws

While piloting your drone you must abide by all other applicable laws, this includes parts of:

• the Criminal Code, including Offences against Air or Maritime Safety, Breaking and Entering, Mischief, and Voyeurism
• Provincial trespass legislation, and
• Privacy laws.

View the Regulations or visit Transport Canada for more information on the rules and regulations for operating a drone.

Upcoming changes to operation rules

According to Transport Canada, Canada’s drone operation rules will change on November 4, 2025. Pilot licensing and drone registration are now based on the new rules, but the current operating rules must be followed until then. View the 2025 Summary of changes to Canada’s drone regulations for more information.

								
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