Night Drone Flying Rules: Updated for 2026
Night flying used to require a waiver. The rules changed in 2021 — here's exactly what's legal, what's required, and how to get stunning night footage.
Night drone flights produce stunning footage — city lights, star trails, moonlit landscapes. But flying after dark comes with specific FAA rules that have evolved significantly. Here’s what’s legal in 2026.
Can You Fly a Drone at Night Under Part 107?
YES. As of the 2021 Operations Over People rule update, night flying is allowed under Part 107 without a waiver.
Previously, any commercial night flight required a waiver under Part 107.51 — detailed safety documentation and weeks or months of FAA review. Those days are over.
As long as you meet the current requirements, you can legally fly at night under your standard Part 107 certificate. No waiver needed.
Two key requirements:
- Your drone must have anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
- You must have completed an updated Part 107 knowledge test covering nighttime operations
If your last test was before the 2021 rule change, you needed to pass a recurrent test. As of 2026, any current certificate should reflect this training, assuming you’ve kept up with 24-month recurrent testing.
Bottom line: current Part 107 + proper anti-collision lights = cleared for night flight.
The Anti-Collision Light Requirement
The FAA doesn’t just say “put a light on your drone.” They have precise requirements.
Visibility distance: Must be visible for at least 3 statute miles. Not 1 mile. Not “bright enough from your position.” Three statute miles. Non-negotiable.
Flash pattern: Must be flashing, not steady. A solid beam doesn’t qualify. The flash distinguishes your drone from other light sources.
Color: Aviation red, green, or white. Standardized colors other pilots recognize. Blue, purple, or decorative colors don’t meet requirements.
Mounting: Visible from all directions. A single top-mounted light might not be visible from below. Some pilots use multiple lights positioned around the aircraft.
Built-in drone lights: Many DJI models have built-in lights. These may or may NOT meet the 3-mile requirement. Check your model’s specs — don’t assume compliance. A light visible from 100 feet doesn’t help when the FAA asks about 3 miles.
Aftermarket strobes: Products like the Firehouse ARC strobe are specifically designed for the 3-mile requirement. Minimal cost compared to regulatory risk.
Additional Night Flying Requirements
Visual observers: Recommended but not required. Given reduced visibility, a VO is smart even when not legally mandated.
Visual line of sight: You must maintain VLOS — significantly harder at night. Your anti-collision light becomes the primary tracking tool. If you lose sight of that flash, you’ve lost VLOS. Regulatory violation.
Reduced visibility is natural: Don’t push the limits of what you can barely see. If you’re straining, you’re probably too far.
All standard Part 107 rules still apply: Night adds requirements — it doesn’t remove existing ones. 400 feet AGL max, airspace authorization in controlled airspace, no flying over moving vehicles without meeting criteria.
Recreational Night Flying
Recreational pilots can also fly at night, following community-based organization (CBO) guidelines and having passed the TRUST test.
Anti-collision lights are strongly recommended and may be required by your CBO. Even without a mandate, operating an unlit drone at night is unsafe and attracts unwanted attention.
Under 250g drones have more relaxed rules, but lights are still smart. An invisible drone creates problems for everyone.
Tips for Better Night Drone Footage
- Manual camera settings — auto mode fails at night
- ISO 100-800 — keep as low as possible to reduce noise
- Shutter speed 1/30 - 1/60 — longer for more light, watch for motion blur
- Shoot RAW — maximum editing flexibility for night work
- Avoid autofocus — struggles in low light. Manual focus or tap-to-focus on light sources
- Plan your flight path — obstacles are harder to see at night
- Fly conservative patterns — slower speed, wider turns
Safety Considerations
- Battery performance drops in cold night air. Plan 20-30% less flight time. Keep spares warm.
- Obstacles are nearly invisible — power lines, trees, buildings all disappear into darkness
- RTH altitude — set ABOVE any nearby obstacles. RTH flies a straight line back
- Fly slower — reduced visibility means reduced reaction time
- Scout during daylight — walk the area, identify obstacles, plan your flights
- Bring a visual observer — dedicated eyes on the drone significantly improves safety
Ready to Fly at Night?
Our free Part 107 Course covers everything you need to pass, including night operations. For focused study, check out Operating Rules. Looking for a drone that excels in low light? The DJI Air 3S offers excellent night camera performance.
