Colorado Drone Laws: What You Need To Know

Thankfully, Colorado isn’t facing the same drone problems as New Jersey. However, the wild drone stories from the East Coast might leave you wondering: What should you do if drones become an issue here?

Is it legal to shoot one down in Colorado? No. Keep reading and we will share why shooting down drones or unmanned aircraft systems isn't something you want to be caught doing.

Get our free mobile app

What Does Colorado Law Say?

Canva Pro

Here in the state of Colorado, shooting down a drone is illegal under United States federal law (18 U.S.C., Sec. 32). Shooting down a drone in the Centennial State is also enforced by state statutes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 32, it is a federal offense to willfully damage or destroy an aircraft, which includes drones classified as aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In Colorado, HB 1070 (2017) and Colorado State Parks Regulation #100-c.24 (2018) make it illegal to fly drones and other UAS in all Colorado State parks.

Fines and Penalties for Shooting Down A Drone in Colorado

Canva Pro

Shooting down a drone in Colorado will earn you a fine based on the severity of the incident. A person could earn a 20-year prison sentence, and be liable for property damage and injury. There could also be charges added for the reckless discharge of a firearm under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-107.5.

Three Reasons Not To Shoot At Drones in Colorado

Canva Pro

Legal Consequences: Shooting down a drown in Colorado could result in federal prosecution may result in steep penalties and jail time. Depending on the circumstances, you may also face fines from the state of Colorado in addition to those handed down from the feds.

Putting the Public at Risk: Shooting down a drown creates several unpredictable safety risks that could result in injury to others or property damage. What if you miss your shot and hit something else? What if the drone falls on someone and injures them?

Civil Liability in Colorado: Whoever owns the drone you are trying to shoot down will likely have something to say about the destruction of their property. The person operating the drone could sue for damages as a result of the destruction of private property. Nothing like being sued on top of paying legal penalties.

LOOK: 19 of the Silliest Laws on the Books In Colorado

The Centennial State is home to nineteen laws that may seem silly, stupid, or outdated, but they are still laws. Scroll through the gallery below to see Colorado's strangest laws that are still on the books today.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: 10 Places You Can Open Carry Legally In Colorado

As long as you are not in Denver, County, you can open carry a firearm in several places in Colorado. Local ordinances and signs must be observed and followed while in several communities, but some of Colorado's most beautiful places allow for open carry as is your right as an American citizen.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

KEEP GOING: It Is Illegal To Throw These Things Away In Colorado

There are 14 items that should never be thrown out with the trash in Colorado. Check out this helpful list of hazardous waste reminders that should never go in the garbage in Colorado. While some of these items can be turned in on local hazardous waste collection days, six items on this list can get you into big trouble if you are caught dumping them at a landfill.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams