Can I fly a drone without authorisation?
It depends: without registration and a certificate, only the lightest cameraless drones. Romania applies the EU rules. The operator (not each drone) must be registered online on the AACR platform (the Romanian Civil Aviation Authority) and receives a unique code that must be shown visibly on the drone. Registration is mandatory if the drone has a camera or a sensor able to collect data. The pilot must obtain the A1/A3 competency certificate (and for the A2 subcategory, an additional one). Most everyday flights fall into the open category (OPEN), with subcategories A1, A2, A3 by proximity to people. For drones marked C1, C2, C3 and those in the specific category, remote identification (Remote ID) has been mandatory since 1 January 2024. The rules apply to all flights — commercial, recreational or training.
📋 The rules
- The operator registers with AACR; the code goes on the drone
- Registration mandatory if the drone has a camera/sensor
- The pilot: A1/A3 certificate (A2 — extra certificate)
- Open category: subcategories A1, A2, A3
- Remote ID mandatory for C1/C2/C3 (since 2024)
🔓 Exceptions
- Drones under 250 g without a camera: no registration (subcategory A1)
- Subcategories A2/A3 and the specific category: extra requirements
- No-fly zones (airports, military areas): flight banned or specially authorised
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Flying without operator registration, without a certificate or in no-fly zones is fined with amounts starting from a few hundred lei and reaching several thousand, by severity; in serious cases criminal liability applies and the equipment can be confiscated. Filming people without a basis can breach GDPR and the right to privacy. Before flying: register on the AACR platform and get the needed certificate, put the operator code on the drone, check the flight zones (avoid airports and restricted areas), fly within visual line of sight and at most 120 m, observing distances from people. For C1–C3 marked drones, make sure Remote ID is active.
📎 Official sources
- Romanian Civil Aviation Authority (AACR) →
- Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on drone operation →
- AACR · UAS operator registration →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need authorisation to fly a drone?
Not always, but for a drone with a camera or sensor you must register as an operator on the AACR platform and get the A1/A3 certificate. Registration is free online. Drones under 250 g without a camera can fly in subcategory A1 without registration or a certificate.
How do I register a drone?
You register the operator, not each drone, on the AACR platform. You get a unique operator code to show visibly on the drone. Then you pass the online competency certification (A1/A3), and for the A2 subcategory an additional certificate is needed.
How high can I fly a drone?
In the open category, as a rule at most 120 metres above ground, within the pilot's visual line of sight. Subcategories A1, A2 and A3 set how close to people you can fly. Higher or more distant flights need other categories and specific authorisations.
What is remote identification (Remote ID)?
It's an electronic module that transmits the drone's position and the operator's registration number. Since 1 January 2024 it's mandatory for drones marked C1, C2 and C3 and those in the specific category. It helps authorities identify drones in flight.
What fines do illegal flyers face?
Fines start from a few hundred lei and can reach several thousand, by severity, and in serious cases criminal liability and confiscation of equipment apply. Flying in no-fly zones or filming people without a basis can bring extra sanctions, including on the GDPR side.
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