UK drone rules in 2026

What the CAA asks in the Open Category, including what changed on 1 January 2026, with a link to the source for each.

1. Flyer ID from 100 gNeeded for any drone of 100 g or more. The theory test is free and online, and the ID lasts five years. CAA
2. Operator ID from 100 g with a camera£12.34 a year, and you must be 18 or over. Under 18, an adult registers as the operator. CAA
3. No higher than 120 m (400 ft)Measured from the nearest point on the ground. CAA
4. 50 m from peopleIncluding people in vehicles and boats, and never over crowds. Drones under 250 g, or marked UK0, UK1 or C0, can fly closer and over people who aren't involved, and so can C1 until 31 December 2027. CAA
5. Stay out of airport zonesMost airports and airfields have a flight restriction zone, and you need permission to fly inside it. CAA
6. Remote IDRequired from 1 January 2026 on UK1, UK2 and UK3 drones. From 1 January 2028 it extends to UK0 drones with a camera and older drones of 100 g or more with a camera. CAA
7. A green flashing light at nightRequired in the Open Category from 1 January 2026. CAA

Class marks

New models sold from 1 January 2026 carry a UK class mark, from UK0 to UK6. UK0 is under 250 g, and UK1 is under 900 g. Drones bought before keep their C mark or follow the weight rules, and a C mark counts as the matching UK class until 31 December 2027. CAA

The Drone Code has the full list.

Updated October 29, 2026