Le lien vers cette page a été envoyé avec succès aux destinataires.
Drone: Pilotage rules to be respected
Verified 01 January 2024 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
A person designated by law to represent and defend the interests of another person. For example, the father or mother of a minor child or the head of an organization.
You want to to fly a drone for the leisure activity or, more generally, to perform a low-risk flight ? You must then comply with the regulations on flights in open category. The different rules depending on whether your drone is carrying a EC class endorsement (C0, C1, C1, C2, C3, C4) or not. We present you with the information you need to know.
What applies to you ?
Veuillez patienter pendant le chargement de la page
Warning
Since 1er january 2024, the drone you buy must carry a EC class endorsement (C 0, C 1, C 2, C 3, C 4) to be able to fly in open category.
CE marked drone
A drone is an unmanned, passenger-free flying craft. It is remotely piloted, that is to say remotely piloted by a remotely piloted aircraft.
A drone marked CE allows you to fly in open category, that is, low risk. You can use it if you want to fly a drone for leisure or competition (aeromodelism).
These devices are:
- Class C0 drone (less than 250 grams)
- Class C1 drone (between 250 and 900 grams and equipped with a direct remote identification function)
- Class C2 drone (between 900 grams and 4 kilograms and equipped with a remote direct identification function and a low speed mode)
- Class C3 drone (between 4 and 25 kilograms and equipped with a remote direct identification function)
- Class C4 drone (between 4 and 25 kilograms and equipped with a remote direct identification function)
The drone must be radio-controlled or controlled by a cable connected to a person or to the ground in the case of captive drones.
An information leaflet should be supplied with the packages drones for sale.
The content of this leaflet includes 10 rules to follow for all recreational drone use:
- Not flying over people
- Meet maximum flight heights (120 meters high)
- Never lose sight of your device or use it at night
- Do not fly over public space in built-up areas
- Do not fly near airfields
- Do not fly over sensitive or protected sites: nuclear power plants, military lands, nature reserves...
- Respect the privacy of others, by not sharing the footage without the consent of the individuals involved, and by not making commercial use of it
- Check the conditions under which one is insured for the practice of this activity
- If in doubt, contact the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC).
Minimum age
You must be at least 14 to fly your drone.
However, you can use your drone without any age requirement in any of the following cases:
- Your C0 drone is considered a toy (logos indicating the age of children who can play with it)
- You are accompanied by a telepilot who is at least 16 years old.
Driver Registration
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Class C1, C2, C3, C4 drone
You must register online with the DGAC:
Recording of the pilot of a drone
At the end of the registration, an operator number, in the form of FRA + 13 characters, is given to you. You must write this number on your drone. The number must be legible when your drone is on the ground.
Class C0 drone
You must register online with the DGAC if your drone is equipped with a camera. :
Recording of the pilot of a drone
At the end of the registration, an operator number, in the form of FRA + 13 characters, is given to you. You must write this number on your drone. The number must be legible when your drone is on the ground.
Training
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Class C0 drone
You don't have to take training. However, it is recommended to complete the course “Open Category A1/A3”.
The training is available on the Alpha Tango portal:
Online training for remotely piloting a drone in subcategory A1/A3
Class C1, C3, C4 drone
You must complete an online training course entitled "A1/A3 Open Category" and pass an assessment test. It's a review of 40 questions. You need to get 75% good answers. There is no limit to the number of attempts.
The certificate is valid for 5 years.
Its renewal requires the re-passing of the evaluation test.
You may be fined €450 if you fly your drone without obtaining the certificate of success.
If checked, you risk a fine of €38 if you are unable to submit the certificate of achievement immediately.
The training is available on the Alpha Tango portal:
Online training for remotely piloting a drone in subcategory A1/A3
Class C2 drone
General case:
You must complete an online training course entitled "A1/A3 Open Category" and pass an assessment test. It's a review of 40 questions. You need to get 75% good answers. There is no limit to the number of attempts.
The certificate is valid for 5 years.
Its renewal requires the re-passing of the evaluation test.
You may be fined €450 if you fly your drone without obtaining the certificate of success.
If checked, you risk a fine of €38 if you are unable to submit the certificate of achievement immediately.
The training is available on the Alpha Tango portal:
Online training for remotely piloting a drone in subcategory A1/A3
Remote flight of persons:
To fly up to 30 meters of people, you must, in addition to the training “Open Category A1/A3”, obtain the certificate of competency of remote pilot. This involves taking a practical self-study and passing a complementary exam at a DGAC exam center.
The Remote Pilot Proficiency Certificate is valid for 5 years.
You may be fined €450 if you fly your drone without getting the patent.
If checked, you risk a fine of €38 if you are not able to present the patent immediately.
Drones: liability for damage caused
You may be liable for damage to other drones, people and property.
If you have not taken out specific insurance, check the terms of your civil liability contract.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Drone rated C1, C2, C3 or C4
You must register your drone with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC):
You may be fined €750 if you fly your drone without recording it.
The validity of registration may vary and is indicated on the certificate obtained. She's at most five years old.
The registration number shall be affixed to the drone, unless it is registered and its registration is already affixed. You may be fined €750 if you fly your drone without the registration number.
In case of modification of the drone, it is necessary to make a new registration. You may be fined €750 if you do not comply with this obligation.
If checked, you risk a fine of €38 if you are unable to present the registration certificate immediately.
Please note
For a minor or a protected adult (guardianship, etc.), the application for registration must be made by a legal representative.
Class C0 drone
You don't have to register your drone.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Class C0 drone
There are areas where drone flying is permitted, and others where it is prohibited. Some areas have restrictions.
The map of restricted areas for recreational drones in metropolitan France is available on the online geoportal. It is an interactive map, on which it is possible to activate geolocation so that the map focuses on your position:
Geoportal - Check flight restriction areas
For example, the theft of drones is prohibited over certain sensitive or protected sites (nuclear power stations, military lands, historical monuments, prisons, nature reserves and national parks... ). It is prohibited near aerodromes, and in areas with a particular air activity (e.g. military traffic).
Flying over people is tolerated. However, you must stay away from gatherings of people.
On the other hand, the flight is authorized in private spaces with the agreement of the owner, in authorized aeromodeling sites or in certain public spaces.
You must inquire about these areas before flying.
Class C1 drone
There are areas where drone flying is permitted, and others where it is prohibited. Some areas have restrictions.
The map of restricted areas for recreational drones in metropolitan France is available on the online geoportal. It is an interactive map, on which it is possible to activate geolocation so that the map focuses on your position:
Geoportal - Check flight restriction areas
For example, the theft of drones is prohibited over certain sensitive or protected sites (nuclear power stations, military lands, historical monuments, prisons, nature reserves and national parks... ). It is prohibited near aerodromes, and in areas with a particular air activity (e.g. military traffic).
You cannot fly over nearby people and vehicles. You must keep a minimum safe distance from them. You need to stay away from gatherings of people.
On the other hand, the flight is authorized in private spaces with the agreement of the owner, in authorized aeromodeling sites or in certain public spaces.
You must inquire about these areas before flying.
Class C2 drone
There are areas where drone flying is permitted, and others where it is prohibited. Some areas have restrictions.
The map of restricted areas for recreational drones in metropolitan France is available on the online geoportal. It is an interactive map, on which it is possible to activate geolocation so that the map focuses on your position:
Geoportal - Check flight restriction areas
For example, the theft of drones is prohibited over certain sensitive or protected sites (nuclear power stations, military lands, historical monuments, prisons, nature reserves and national parks... ). It is prohibited near aerodromes, and in areas with a particular air activity (e.g. military traffic).
You cannot fly over nearby people and vehicles. You can fly up to 30 meters of people (5m if low speed function is engaged) provided you have the professional remote pilot certificate. Otherwise, you must maintain a minimum safe distance of 150 meters from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
On the other hand, the flight is authorized in private spaces with the agreement of the owner, in authorized aeromodeling sites or in certain public spaces.
You must inquire about these areas before flying.
Class C3 or C4 drone
There are areas where drone flying is permitted, and others where it is prohibited. Some areas have restrictions.
The map of restricted areas for recreational drones in metropolitan France is available on the online geoportal. It is an interactive map, on which it is possible to activate geolocation so that the map focuses on your position:
Geoportal - Check flight restriction areas
For example, the theft of drones is prohibited over certain sensitive or protected sites (nuclear power stations, military lands, historical monuments, prisons, nature reserves and national parks... ). It is prohibited near aerodromes, and in areas with a particular air activity (e.g. military traffic).
You have to fly away from people and vehicles. You must maintain a minimum safe distance of 150 meters from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
On the other hand, the flight is authorized in private spaces with the agreement of the owner, in authorized aeromodeling sites or in certain public spaces.
You must inquire about these areas before flying.
The maximum flight height is 120 meters.
It is lower around aerodromes and in some military aviation training areas. During their activation hours, it is limited to less than 50 meters.
Before any flight, the maximum authorized height must be checked at the desired location. You can perform these checks on the dedicated online geoportal.
Geoportal - Check flight restriction areas
In case of violation of safety rules and no-fly bans, you risk 1 to 6 months imprisonment and €15,000 to €75,000fine and have your drone confiscated.
Identification of the drone: visibility
The drone must be visible to the naked eye and remain within the field of vision of the remote pilot. Immersion flights (FPV) and the use of follow drones are possible provided that a second person is present.
The remote pilot cannot be in a moving vehicle.
In case of violation of safety rules and no-fly bans, you risk 1 to 6 months imprisonment and €15,000 to €75,000fine and have your drone confiscated.
Electronic reporting
The electronic signaling device broadcasts the identity of your drone at regular intervals while it is in flight.
Some drones need to be equipped with them.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Drone under 800 grams
Your drone can fly without issuing an electronic warning.
Drone over 800 grams
Your drone must issue an electronic warning. This device broadcasts at regular intervals the identity of your drone when it is in flight.
You may be fined €750 if you do not comply with this obligation.
Remote identification system
This system detects and alerts you to a potential airspace boundary violation to prevent it.
Some drones need to be equipped with them.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Class C0 or C4 drone
The remote identification system is not mandatory.
Class C1, C2 or C3 drone
Your drone must be equipped with a direct remote identification system.
People around the drone should be informed if the drone is equipped with a camera or sensors that can record data about them.
You cannot record images that allow you to recognize or identify people (faces, license plates...) without their permission.
Any image distribution must be authorized by the persons concerned or by the owner in the case of a private space (house, garden, etc.). You may not use the images taken for commercial or professional purposes.
In case of violation of privacy, by capturing, recording or disseminating images or words of people without their consent, you risk 1 year imprisonment and €45,000 of fine.
The use of drones is prohibited at night, even when equipped with lighting devices. Except for exceptions on certain aeromodelism association sites.
In case of violation of safety rules and no-fly bans, you risk 1 to 6 months imprisonment and €15,000 to €75,000fine and have your drone confiscated.
Old category drone
A drone is an unmanned, passenger-free flying craft. It is remotely piloted, that is to say remotely piloted by a remotely piloted aircraft.
If you want to fly a drone for leisure or competition (aeromodelism) or fly a low-risk flight, you must comply with the flight regulations in open category.
The following devices can be used in this category:
- Drones bought in toy shelves or high-tech shelves
- Collapsed Templates
The drone must be radio-controlled or controlled by a cable connected to a person or to the ground in the case of captive drones.
An information leaflet should be supplied with the packages drones for sale.
The content of this leaflet includes 10 rules to follow for all recreational drone use:
- Not flying over people
- Meet maximum flight heights (120 meters high)
- Never lose sight of your device or use it at night
- Do not fly over public space in built-up areas
- Do not fly near airfields
- Do not fly over sensitive or protected sites: nuclear power plants, military lands, nature reserves...
- Respect the privacy of others, by not sharing the footage without the consent of the individuals involved, and by not making commercial use of it
- Check the conditions under which one is insured for the practice of this activity
- If in doubt, contact the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC).
Minimum age
You must be at least 14 to fly your drone.
However, you can use your drone without any age requirement in any of the following cases:
- You built your own drone and it weighs less than 250 grams
- You are accompanied by a telepilot who is at least 16 years old.
Driver Registration
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Drone greater than 250 grams
You must register online with the DGAC.
Recording of the pilot of a drone
At the end of the registration, an operator number, in the form of FRA + 13 characters, is given to you. You must write this number on your drone. The number must be legible when your drone is on the ground.
Drone less than 250 grams
You must register online with the DGAC if your drone is equipped with a camera.
Recording of the pilot of a drone
At the end of the registration, an operator number, in the form of FRA + 13 characters, is given to you. You must write this number on your drone. The number must be legible when your drone is on the ground.
Training
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Drone less than 250 grams
You don't have to take training. However, it is recommended to pass the "A1/A3 Open Category Training".
The training is available on the Alpha Tango portal:
Online training for remotely piloting a drone in subcategory A1/A3
Between 250 grams and 25 kilograms
You must complete an online training course entitled "A1/A3 Open Category" and pass an assessment test. It's a review of 40 questions. You need to get 75% good answers. There is no limit to the number of attempts.
The certificate is valid for 5 years, its renewal requires the re-passing of the evaluation test.
You may be fined €450 if you fly your drone without obtaining the certificate of success.
If checked, you risk a fine of €38 if you are unable to submit the certificate of achievement immediately.
The training is available on the Alpha Tango portal:
Online training for remotely piloting a drone in subcategory A1/A3
Liability
You may be liable for damage to other drones, people and property. If you have not taken out specific insurance, check the terms of your civil liability contract.
Minimum age
You must be at least 14 to fly your drone.
However, you can use your drone without any age requirement in any of the following cases:
- You built your own drone and it weighs less than 250 grams
- You are accompanied by a telepilot who is at least 16 years old.
Driver Registration
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Drone greater than 250 grams
You must register online with the DGAC.
Recording of the pilot of a drone
At the end of the registration, an operator number, in the form of FRA + 13 characters, is given to you. You must write this number on your drone. The number must be legible when your drone is on the ground.
Drone less than 250 grams
You must register online with the DGAC if your drone is equipped with a camera.
Recording of the pilot of a drone
At the end of the registration, an operator number, in the form of FRA + 13 characters, is given to you. You must write this number on your drone. The number must be legible when your drone is on the ground.
Training
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Drone less than 250 grams
You don't have to take training. However, it is recommended to pass the "A1/A3 Open Category Training".
The training is available on the Alpha Tango portal:
Online training for remotely piloting a drone in subcategory A1/A3
Between 250 grams and 25 kilograms
You must complete an online training course entitled "A1/A3 Open Category" and pass an assessment test. It's a review of 40 questions. You need to get 75% good answers. There is no limit to the number of attempts.
The certificate is valid for 5 years, its renewal requires the re-passing of the evaluation test.
You may be fined €450 if you fly your drone without obtaining the certificate of success.
If checked, you risk a fine of €38 if you are unable to submit the certificate of achievement immediately.
The training is available on the Alpha Tango portal:
Online training for remotely piloting a drone in subcategory A1/A3
Drones: liability for damage caused
You may be liable for damage to other drones, people and property.
If you have not taken out specific insurance, check the terms of your civil liability contract.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Drone equipped with an electronic signaling device
You must register your drone with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). You may be fined €750 if you fly your drone without recording it. The validity of registration may vary and is indicated on the certificate obtained. She's at most five years old.
The registration number shall be affixed to the drone, unless it is registered and its registration is already affixed. You may be fined €750 if you fly your drone without the registration number.
In case of modification of the drone, it is necessary to make a new registration. You may be fined €750 if you do not comply with this obligation.
If checked, you risk a fine of €38 if you are unable to present the registration certificate immediately.
Please note
for a minor or a protected adult (guardianship, etc.), the application for registration must be made by a legal representative.
Drone without electronic signaling device
Drone under 800 grams
You don't have to register your drone.
Over 800 grams
You must register your drone with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). You may be fined €750 if you fly your drone without recording it. The validity of registration may vary and is indicated on the certificate obtained. She's at most five years old.
The registration number shall be affixed to the drone, unless it is registered and its registration is already affixed. You may be fined €750 if you fly your drone without the registration number.
In case of modification of the drone, it is necessary to make a new registration. You may be fined €750 if you do not comply with this obligation.
If checked, you risk a fine of €38 if you are unable to present the registration certificate immediately.
Please note
for a minor or a protected adult (guardianship, etc.), the application for registration must be made by a legal representative.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Drones less than 250 grams
There are areas where drone flying is permitted, and others where it is prohibited. Some areas have restrictions.
The map of restricted areas for recreational drones in metropolitan France is available on the online geoportal. It's an interactive map, where you can turn on geolocation so that the map focuses on your position.
Geoportal - Check flight restriction areas
For example, the theft of drones is prohibited over certain sensitive or protected sites (nuclear power stations, military lands, historical monuments, prisons, nature reserves and national parks... ). It is prohibited near aerodromes, and in areas with a particular air activity (e.g. military traffic).
Flying over people is tolerated. However, you must stay away from gatherings of people.
On the other hand, the flight is authorized in private spaces with the agreement of the owner, in authorized aeromodeling sites or in certain public spaces.
You must inquire about these areas before flying.
Between 250 grams and 25 kilograms
There are areas where drone flying is permitted, and others where it is prohibited. Some areas have restrictions.
The map of restricted areas for recreational drones in metropolitan France is available on the online geoportal. It's an interactive map, where you can turn on geolocation so that the map focuses on your position.
Geoportal - Check flight restriction areas
For example, the theft of drones is prohibited over certain sensitive or protected sites (nuclear power stations, military lands, historical monuments, prisons, nature reserves and national parks... ). It is prohibited near aerodromes, and in areas with a particular air activity (e.g. military traffic).
You have to fly away from people and vehicles. You must keep a minimum safe distance of 150 meters with them.
On the other hand, the flight is authorized in private spaces with the agreement of the owner, in authorized aeromodeling sites or in certain public spaces.
You must inquire about these areas before flying.
The maximum flight height is 120 meters.
It is lower around aerodromes and in some military aviation training areas. During their activation hours, it is limited to less than 50 meters.
Before any flight, the maximum authorized height must be checked at the desired location. You can perform these checks on the dedicated online geoportal.
Geoportal - Check flight restriction areas
In case of violation of safety rules and no-fly bans, you risk 1 to 6 months imprisonment and €15,000 to €75,000fine and have your drone confiscated.
Identification of the drone: visibility
The drone must be visible to the naked eye and remain within the field of vision of the remote pilot. Immersion flights (FPV) and the use of follow drones are possible provided that a second person is present.
The remote pilot cannot be in a moving vehicle.
In case of violation of safety rules and no-fly bans, you risk 1 to 6 months imprisonment and €15,000 to €75,000fine and have your drone confiscated.
Electronic reporting
The electronic signaling device broadcasts the identity of your drone at regular intervals while it is in flight. Some drones must be equipped with it.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Drone less than 800 grams
Your drone can fly without issuing an electronic warning.
Drone greater than 800 grams
Your drone must issue an electronic warning.
You may be fined €750 if you do not comply with this obligation.
People around the drone should be informed if the drone is equipped with a camera or sensors that can record data about them.
You cannot record images that allow you to recognize or identify people (faces, license plates...) without their permission.
Any image distribution must be authorized by the persons concerned or by the owner in the case of a private space (house, garden, etc.). You may not use the images taken for commercial or professional purposes.
In case of violation of privacy, by capturing, recording or disseminating images or words of people without their consent, you risk 1 year imprisonment and €45,000 of fine.
The use of drones is prohibited at night, even when equipped with lighting devices. Except for exceptions on certain aeromodelism association sites.
In case of violation of safety rules and no-fly bans, you risk 1 to 6 months imprisonment and €15,000 to €75,000fine and have your drone confiscated.
Registration of the drone
Rules governing the movement of drones
Criminal sanctions (violation of traffic rules)
Criminal sanctions (invasion of privacy)
Electronic and luminous signaling
Online service
Online service
Online service
Ministry of the Environment
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)