Drone Laws In Italy | April 2024

Flying drones in Italy can allow you to capture stunning aerial footage of the country’s beautiful landscapes. However, there are specific drone regulations in Italy that you need to follow. This guide explains everything you need to know about drone laws in Italy in 2023.

Summary of Drone Laws in Italy

Drones must be registered and identified with ID plates. Pilots must keep drones in line of sight and are prohibited from flying at night. Drones cannot be flown over people or crowds. There are distance restrictions around airports and congested areas. Recreational drones are limited to 70m altitude while commercial drones can go up to 150m. Commercial drone pilots need licenses and permits from the aviation authority ENAC.

Why You Should Fly Drones Legally in Italy?

Capturing epic drone videos in Italy can be an amazing experience. However, violating drone laws could land you with big fines or even jail time. It’s important to fully understand and comply with Italy’s UAV regulations. This will keep your flight operations safe and legal.

Overview of Drone Regulations in Italy

Italy’s drone laws are set by the national aviation authority ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile). The regulations follow the common European Union drone laws from EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). However, Italy has additional country-specific rules. This guide covers both the EU and Italian national drone regulations.

EU Drone Regulations That Apply in Italy

As an EU member state, Italy must adhere to Europe’s common drone laws. Here are the key EU drone rules:

Drones are categorized into 3 risk classes based on weight and use. Italy follows the “Open” category for drones under 25kg used for recreation or some commercial purposes.
Pilots must keep drones within visual line of sight (VLOS). First-person view (FPV) goggles are not permitted.
Night flights are prohibited.
Distance limits from people/crowds must be maintained.
Drone registration and pilot qualifications are required for commercial use.

Italy’s National Drone Regulations

In addition to the EU laws, Italy has enacted drone regulations specific to the country:

Drone Registration

All drones operated in Italy must be registered with a unique ID plate affixed to the drone and remote controller. Drones purchased after July 1, 2016 must also have electronic ID installed.

Line of Sight

Drone pilots must keep their UAV within unaided visual line of sight at all times. This allows maintaining safe separation from other aircraft and people on the ground.

Night Flying Restrictions

Operating drones at night is prohibited in Italy, as visibility is too limited to maintain visual line of sight.

Distance Limits

Drones must stay at least 50 meters away from people and 150 meters away from crowds and urban areas. This distance limit minimizes risk of injury from drone accidents.

Altitude Limits

The maximum altitude for recreational drones is 70 meters. For commercial drones, the altitude limit is 150 meters. This keeps drones safely away from manned aircraft.

Airport Restrictions

Drone flights are banned within 5 kilometers of any airport, airfield or other controlled airspace in Italy without approval. This prevents collisions with planes and helicopters.

Commercial Drone Regulations

To fly drones commercially in Italy, operators must obtain an operating certificate from ENAC. Pilots have to complete training, hold insurance, and get health certification.

Recreational vs Commercial Drone Rules

The drone regulations differ depending on whether you’re flying for fun or for commercial purposes:

Recreational Drones

Recreational drone pilots in Italy must:

Fly below 70 meters altitude
Avoid airports and congested areas
Maintain visual line of sight
Avoid night flights
Stay away from people
Register drones

Commercial Drones

For commercial drone use in Italy you must additionally:

Get an operational certificate from ENAC
Complete pilot training
Obtain insurance
Fly no higher than 150 meters
Submit pre-flight statements
Have health certifications

Drone Fines and Penalties

Violating Italy’s UAV regulations can result in steep fines up to €30,000. Severe breaches may even lead to criminal charges. Penalties include:

€25-150 for minor violations
Up to €30,000 for hazardous drone use
Jail time for harming security or public safety

Where You Can and Can’t Fly Drones in Italy

Understanding Italy’s drone no-fly zones is crucial for safe and legal UAV operations:

Where Drones Are Allowed

Unpopulated areas
Open countryside
Parks and fields
Residential neighborhoods

No-Fly Zones

Within 5km of airports
Over crowds or events
In urban areas with tall buildings
Near government or military sites
Over highways and railways
Within national parks without a permit

Make sure you check a map of any restricted areas near your flight location. It’s safest to fly drones far from airports, cities, and dense crowds.

Tips for Flying Drones Legally in Italy

To stay compliant with Italy’s drone regulations, follow these tips:

Double check rules for your flight location
Fly well away from people and property
Maintain your drone within line of sight
Avoid restricted and congested airspace
Keep your UAV within altitude limits
Don’t fly near airports without approval
Register your drone and get certified if required
Fly only during daylight hours
Bring a visual observer to assist if needed

Want to get a feel for the kind of footage you could get flying a drone in Italy? Here you go:

Conclusion

Italy’s stunning landscapes make a perfect backdrop for drone footage and aerial photography. By understanding and following the country’s UAV regulations, you can safely fly drones while avoiding fines. Always fly responsibly by maintaining safe distances from people, keeping your drone within line of sight, and avoiding airports and other restricted airspace. Following Italy’s drone laws ensures you can make the most of your drones while respecting aviation safety and the privacy of others.