Regulation updates from 1 January 2026
Some drone and model aircraft regulations are changing and come into force on 1 January 2026. This page shows the rules that apply from 1 January 2026 and highlight any differences until then.
You can view a list of the updates.
It is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without having the required IDs. You can also be fined for breaking the law when flying. In the most serious cases, you could be sent to prison.
Follow this Code to make sure you always fly safely and legally. Many of the rules in the Drone and Model Aircraft Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules, you are committing a criminal offence.
The Code covers everything you need to know to pass the test to get a Flyer ID. This is the starting point for anyone wanting to fly a drone or model aircraft in the Over People (A1) and Far from People (A3) sub-categories in the UK.
The Drone and Model Aircraft Code is also available as a downloadable PDF.
Last updated: March 2024
A new PDF version of the Drone Code will be available from 1 January 2026.