Can I fly a drone?
Yes, following EU rules. Flying a hobby drone is allowed but regulated. As soon as the drone weighs 250 g or more, or has a camera, you must register the operator on AlphaTango (the DGAC portal) and take a free online training. Basics: fly in sight, at 120 m maximum altitude, never over people, and outside no-fly zones (airports, sensitive sites, some urban areas) — shown on the Géoportail map. Filming others without consent engages your liability.
📋 The rules
- Register on AlphaTango from 250 g or if there's a camera
- Online training required (free, DGAC)
- Fly in sight and at 120 m maximum altitude
- No flying over people or in no-fly zones
- Respect privacy — no capturing others' images without consent
🔓 Exceptions
- Toy drones under 250 g without a camera: no registration, but flight rules still apply
- Club/aeromodelling flying: a specific federation framework
- Professional use: stricter requirements (scenarios, declaration)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Flying in a no-fly zone or over people is punishable by up to one year in prison and a €75,000 fine in the most serious cases. Failure to register or train brings a fine. Capturing or sharing someone's image without consent engages your civil and criminal liability (invasion of privacy).
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Using a hobby drone →
- DGAC · AlphaTango (registration and training) →
- Géoportail · Drone restriction map →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have to register my drone?
Yes, as soon as it weighs 250 g or more, or has a camera. Registering the operator is free on the DGAC's AlphaTango portal, and an online training is required.
What's the maximum altitude?
120 metres. The flight must stay in sight, by day, and outside no-fly zones. Some zones (airports, sensitive sites, city centres) impose stricter limits or a total ban.
Can I film with my drone?
For private use yes, but you can't capture or share the image of identifiable people without their consent. Flying over others' property to film can invade privacy and engage your liability.
Where is flying banned?
Over people, over airports and aerodromes, over sensitive sites (power plants, prisons, military sites) and many urban areas. Check the Géoportail restrictions map before each flight.
What's the penalty for breaking the rules?
Flying in a no-fly zone or over people can cost up to one year in prison and a €75,000 fine in serious cases. Failure to register or train is also fined.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “fly drone france rules”
- “register drone alphatango”
- “drone 250 grams law”
- “drone max altitude 120m”
- “drone no-fly zone map”
- “drone filming privacy”