Private drones - What regulations apply and what prohibitions exist?

Impressive aerial shots, extraordinary vacation photos, or creative film projects – drones open up entirely new perspectives in the leisure sector. However, to ensure that the fun doesn't end with a fine, it's worth taking a close look at the regulations.

According to EU drone regulations, all private drones must be registered and insured and may only be used in designated areas. Furthermore, some drone owners require a drone pilot's license. The regulations apply in all EU countries, as well as in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

One thing is certain: private drones are becoming increasingly popular. In the past four years, the number of registered drones in Germany has almost doubled. In 2021, there were 357,000; by 2024, the number had already reached 707,840.

To be able to record figures like these, drones weighing 250 grams or more, or those equipped with a camera, must be registered online with the Federal Aviation Office throughout Germany. The registration number, also known as an e-ID, must then be affixed to the outside of the drone.

Furthermore, all drones, regardless of weight, features, and use, require liability insurance. Standard private liability insurance policies do not typically cover drone use. Even if they do, the ADAC advises checking for restrictions, such as weight limitations.

Additionally, anyone planning to take their drone on vacation should check whether their insurance is valid abroad and whether drones are permitted in their destination country. Some countries, such as Morocco, Cuba, and Egypt, completely prohibit tourists from bringing drones into their homes. Ignoring this ban can result in the drone being confiscated and a fine being imposed.

Anyone wanting to fly a drone with a built-in camera also needs a drone pilot's license. What might sound like a joke at first is actually true. According to EU drone regulations, prospective hobby pilots must possess a small or large license depending on the weight and intended use of their drone.

Both licenses can be obtained online via the LBA website and are valid for five years. The small drone license, also known as the EU Certificate of Competence, costs €25 plus fees and consists of a test with 40 multiple-choice questions. This license is valid for class C1, i.e., for drones weighing between 250 and under 900 grams.

If the drone weighs between 900 grams and 5 kilograms and is therefore in class C2, the owner needs the extension, i.e. the large drone license, also called EU remote pilot certificate.

Drones weighing less than 250 grams are classified as C0. To fly such drones, owners must have liability insurance, but registration is only required "if the drone is equipped with a camera and does not fall under the toy directive," according to the ADAC (German Automobile Club).

If you're unsure which category your drone belongs to, you can check its packaging. The relevant category is usually indicated there.

Regardless of the type of drone, certain flight rules must be observed. Here is a summary of some:

• Before flying, check whether you are in a no-fly zone . These include nature reserves, airports, prisons, and military areas.
• Private individuals must not exceed the maximum flight altitude of 120 meters .
• The drone must remain within visual range at all times during flight.
• Drones must always avoid manned aircraft – i.e. airplanes, helicopters, balloons and airships – in good time.
• The privacy of others must be respected.
• The use of drones in and over sensitive areas is prohibited. Such areas include operational areas of police and rescue services, crowds of people, and major traffic routes.
• Drones weighing more than 250 grams or equipped with a camera are not allowed to fly over residential properties .
• Night flights are permitted if the drone is equipped with sufficient light and other flight rules, such as maintaining constant visual contact, can be observed.

Amateur pilots who violate the rules can face hefty fines. For particularly serious offenses, fines of up to €50,000 or even imprisonment can be imposed.

For example, the German catalog of fines stipulates a prison sentence of between 6 months and 10 years for a "dangerous interference with air traffic". This also includes drone flights near airports or approach paths.

A far less threatening incident occurred in 2024 when a man launched his unregistered drone near a federal waterway and a railway line, flying over a crowd of approximately one thousand people. The court fined the man €1,250, classifying the distances as unlawful and the flight over a crowd as a threat to public safety.