§ 72-10-1002 — Safe operation of unmanned aircraft.

Utah § 72-10-1002

• Jurisdiction: Utah
• Title 72: Transportation Code
• Ch. 72-10: Aeronautics and Space Act
• Part 72-10-10: Safe Use of Unmanned Aircraft

Text

(1) An individual who operates an unmanned aircraft system to fly an unmanned aircraft for recreational purposes shall comply with this section or 49 U.S.C. Sec. 44809.
(2) An individual operating an unmanned aircraft shall:
(2)(a) maintain visual line of sight of the unmanned aircraft in order to:
(2)(a)(i) know the location of the unmanned aircraft;
(2)(a)(ii) determine the attitude, altitude, and direction of flight;
(2)(a)(iii) observe the airspace for other air traffic or hazards; and
(2)(a)(iv) determine that the unmanned aircraft does not endanger the life or property of another person; and
(2)(b) ensure that the ability described in Subsection (2)(a)(i) is exercised by either:
(2)(b)(i) the operator of the unmanned aircraft; or
(2)(b)(ii) a visual observer.
(3) An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless the operator of the unmanned aircraft has prior authorization from air traffic control.
(4) An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft in a manner that interferes with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport, or seaplane base.
(5) (5)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (5)(b), an individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft system:
(5)(a)(i) from a public transit rail platform or station; or
(5)(a)(ii) (5)(a)(ii)(A) under a height of 50 feet within a public transit fixed guideway right-of-way; and
(5)(a)(ii)(B) directly above any overhead electric lines used to power a public transit rail vehicle.
(5)(b) Subsection (5)(a) does not apply to:
(5)(b)(i) an individual employed or contracted by a large public transit district who may operate an unmanned aircraft from a public transit rail platform or station or near a public transit facility:
(5)(b)(i)(A) to examine the public transit right-of-way for impediments or obstructions;
(5)(b)(i)(B) to examine a public transit facility for safety concerns; or
(5)(b)(i)(C) for any other safety-related purpose related to the operations of a large public transit district; or
(5)(b)(ii) an individual who is a member of law enforcement operating an unmanned aircraft system in accordance with Section 72-10-802.
(6) (6)(a) An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft over any surface critical infrastructure facility as defined in Section 76-6-106.3, unless the operator of the unmanned aircraft has prior authorization from the facility.
(6)(b) Subsection (6)(a) does not apply to:
(6)(b)(i) a first responder, as that term is defined in Section 53-3-207; or
(6)(b)(ii) a state or federal agency with regulatory authority over the relevant critical infrastructure facility.
(7) An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft in violation of a notice to airmen described in 14 C.F.R. Sec. 107.47.
(8) Unless a waiver has been granted by the Federal Aviation Administration, an individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft at an altitude that is higher than 400 feet above ground level unless the unmanned aircraft:
(8)(a) is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure; and
(8)(b) does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure's immediate uppermost limit.
(9) (9)(a) An individual who violates this section is liable for any damages that may result from the violation.
(9)(b) A law enforcement officer shall issue a written warning to an individual who violates this section who has not previously received a written warning for a violation of this section.
(9)(c) Except as provided in Subsection (9)(d), an individual who violates this section after receiving a written warning for a previous violation of this section is guilty of an infraction.
(9)(d) An individual who violates this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor for each conviction of a violation of this section after the individual is convicted of an infraction or a misdemeanor for a previous violation of this section.

Legislative History

Amended by Chapter 446, 2024 General Session