The UK drone rules changed on 1 January 2026. Some of it is simple. Some of it is buried in long CAA documents. This guide sets out what applies to most hobby pilots, in plain English.
It covers the Open Category. That's where almost everyone flying for fun sits. If you fly for work, or want to do something outside these limits, you'll need more than this page.
Before you fly: rules change. Always check the CAA's drone pages and the official Drone and Model Aircraft Code before a flight. This guide is a starting point, not legal advice.
The big change in 2026
The weight that matters has dropped. You now need a Flyer ID for any drone or model aircraft of 100g or more. Before 2026, the line was 250g.
That catches a lot of small drones that used to be exempt. Many sub-250g camera drones, toy drones with cameras and tiny FPV quads are now over the line.
The other changes are class marks (a new UK label on new drones), Remote ID, and a green flashing light for night flying. Each is covered below.
Do you need a Flyer ID or an Operator ID?
There are two IDs, and they do different jobs.
- Flyer ID proves you've passed the CAA's free online theory test. It's for the person holding the controller. It lasts five years.
- Operator ID is a registration for whoever is responsible for the drone. It costs £12.34 a year at the time of writing. You must be 18 or over. The ID goes on a label on every drone you own.
Which you need depends on weight and whether there's a camera.
| Your drone | Flyer ID | Operator ID |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100g | Not required (recommended) | Not required |
| 100g to under 250g, no camera | Required | Optional |
| 100g to under 250g, with a camera | Required | Required |
| 250g to under 25kg | Required | Required |
Flying indoors, or in a fully enclosed netted area the drone can't escape from, doesn't need either ID.
Our step-by-step guide shows how to get your Flyer ID and Operator ID.
The rules that apply every flight
Whatever you fly, the basics are the same.
- Stay under 120 metres (400 feet) above the ground.
- Keep it in sight. You must be able to see the drone with your own eyes at all times, without binoculars. Goggles don't count unless a spotter is watching the drone for you.
- Never fly over crowds. That means busy beaches, festivals, sports events and the like.
- Keep away from aircraft, airports and airfields. Most airports have a flight restriction zone around them, and you need permission to fly in one.
- Respect privacy. Taking photos or video of people can bring data protection law into play.
- You're responsible for every flight. If something goes wrong, it's on the pilot.
Class marks: UK0 to UK4
From 2026, new drones sold in the UK carry a class mark, a label from UK0 to UK6. The mark tells you where the drone can fly.
| Class mark | Weight | Where it can fly |
|---|---|---|
| UK0 | Under 250g | Over people (A1), never over crowds |
| UK1 | Under 900g | Over people (A1), never over crowds |
| UK2 | Under 4kg | Near people (A2) with an A2 CofC, otherwise far from people (A3) |
| UK3 | Under 25kg | Far from people (A3) |
| UK4 | Under 25kg | Far from people (A3), mostly model aircraft |
EU class marks (C0, C1 and so on) are treated as the matching UK class until the end of 2027.
What if your drone has no class mark?
Most drones bought before 2026 have no class mark. The CAA calls these legacy drones. They're still legal. They fly by weight instead.
- Under 250g: can fly over people (A1). Never over crowds.
- Under 2kg: can fly near people (A2), no closer than 50 metres, if you hold an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC). Without one, treat it as below.
- Under 25kg: far from people (A3). Keep at least 50 metres from people and 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
The weight is the maximum take-off mass, not the weight on your kitchen scales. Check the manufacturer's figure for your model.
A1, A2 and A3 in plain English
These are the three subcategories of the Open Category.
A1, over people. For the lightest drones. You can fly over people who aren't involved, but you shouldn't hang around over them, and never over crowds.
A2, near people. For mid-weight drones, with an extra qualification, the A2 CofC. With a UK2 drone you can come within 30 metres of people, or 5 metres in low-speed mode.
A3, far from people. For everything heavier, or anyone without the A2 CofC. Fly well away from people and from built-up areas. Think big open fields with the landowner's permission.
Remote ID
Remote ID means the drone broadcasts its identity and position while it flies. From 1 January 2026, new UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6 drones must do this.
From 1 January 2028, it extends to more aircraft. That includes UK0 drones of 100g or more with a camera, legacy drones of 100g or more with a camera, and home-built aircraft of 100g or more with a camera.
If you fly an older camera drone, you've got until 2028. It's worth keeping an eye on the CAA news page as that date gets closer.
Flying at night
Night flying is allowed in the Open Category. From 2026, your drone needs a green flashing light switched on when you fly at night.
If you add a light, it must be fitted securely. Its weight counts towards the total weight of the aircraft. That can push a 240g drone over 250g.
Penalties
The CAA can fine you for flying without the right ID or for breaking the distance rules. Fines of up to £1,000 are mentioned for some offences, with larger fines for others. Endangering an aircraft is a criminal offence that can lead to prison.
The simple answer is to get your IDs, label your drone and follow the code.
Quick checklist
- Weigh it. Is it 100g or more? Then you need a Flyer ID.
- Camera and 100g or more, or 250g and over? You need an Operator ID too.
- Label the drone with your Operator ID.
- Check for a class mark. No mark means it flies by weight as a legacy drone.
- Stay under 120m, keep it in sight and keep away from crowds and airports.
- Check the airspace before every flight. Our guide on where you can fly a drone in the UK explains how.