UK Drone Law Changes on 1 January 2026

The UK drone regulatory framework has now officially changed. As of 1 January 2026, a new structure is live, built around UK specific class markings, expanded pilot registration requirements, phased Remote ID implementation and updated night flying rules.

These changes are no longer upcoming. They are active and enforceable across the UK, affecting consumer drone pilots, content creators, professional operators and model aircraft flyers alike.

This updated guide explains what has changed, how the rules now apply in practice, and what different types of drone users need to be aware of moving forward. It reflects the regulations as they now stand and is designed to help pilots stay compliant while continuing to fly with confidence.

UK airspace continues to evolve as drone use expands across recreational and commercial sectors. Drones are now widely used for photography, surveying, inspections, construction, agriculture and public safety.

With this growth comes increased airspace complexity and greater public expectation around safety and accountability. The updated regulatory framework introduced in January 2026 addresses these pressures directly.

The changes focus on four core areas:

Rather than restricting drone use, the new system is designed to embed compliance into the aircraft and pilot requirements themselves, reducing ambiguity and supporting long-term growth.

From 1 January 2026, the following regulatory updates are now in effect:

Each of these changes works together, making it important to understand how they interact.

The Open Category remains where most consumer and light commercial drone flights take place. The structure of the category remains familiar, but how drones access each subcategory is now determined by class marking and weight.

This subcategory applies to low risk, lightweight drones.

UK0 and UK1 drones may now be flown over uninvolved people, but not over crowds or large gatherings. Many modern consumer drones fall into this category, offering increased flexibility compared to legacy rules.

This subcategory applies to UK2 drones when flown by pilots holding an A2 Certificate of Competency.

Flights may take place closer to uninvolved people, with a standard separation of 30 metres. When low speed mode is enabled on a compliant UK2 drone, this separation may be reduced to 5 metres.

Legacy drones under 2kg may still operate in A2 when flown by A2 CofC holders, but must maintain a greater horizontal separation distance.

This remains the default subcategory for larger drones or pilots without additional qualifications.

Flights must remain well clear of uninvolved people, buildings and built up areas. This subcategory includes heavier drones, many professional systems and most model aircraft.

Baseline rules remain unchanged. Pilots must maintain visual line of sight, fly below 120 metres, give way to crewed aircraft and avoid carrying dangerous goods or dropping objects. Night flying is permitted subject to the new lighting requirements.

As of 1 January 2026, the UK class marking system is fully active. Any new drone placed on the UK market must carry a UK class mark, which determines how and where it can be flown.

UK class marks are based primarily on maximum take-off weight, with each class mapped to specific operational categories and subcategories. This removes uncertainty by clearly linking aircraft capability to permitted flight conditions.

UK Class Mark: UK0
Maximum Drone Weight: Less than 250g
Category: Open
Where You Can Fly: A1 Over People
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UK Class Mark: UK1
Maximum Drone Weight: Less than 900g
Category: Open
Where You Can Fly: A1 Over People
​
UK Class Mark: UK2
Maximum Drone Weight: Less than 4kg
Category: Open
Where You Can Fly: A2 Near People with A2 CofC (Open A3 Far From People without A2 CofC)
​
UK Class Mark: UK3
Maximum Drone Weight: Less than 25kg
Category: Open
Where You Can Fly: A3 Far From People
​
UK Class Mark: UK4
Maximum Drone Weight: Less than 25kg
Category: Open
Where You Can Fly: A3 Far From People
​
UK Class Mark: UK5
Maximum Drone Weight: Less than 25kg
Category: Specific
Where You Can Fly: Requires Operational Authorisation

UK Class Mark: UK6
Maximum Drone Weight: Less than 25kg
Category: Specific
Where You Can Fly: Requires Operational Authorisation
​

Until the end of December 2027, EU C class drones are recognised as equivalent UK class aircraft. The examples below reflect how popular drones are currently treated under UK regulations.

All models listed are manufactured by DJI.

Recognised as C0 during the transition period

Drones in this class weigh less than 250g and may be flown in the Open Category A1 subcategory. Flight over uninvolved people is permitted, but not over crowds or large gatherings.

Common examples include:

These drones are popular with recreational pilots and content creators due to their portability and reduced operational restrictions.

Recognised as C1 during the transition period

UK1 drones weigh less than 900g and are also eligible for Open Category A1 operations. In addition to weight limits, these drones include enhanced safety features such as low speed modes and electronic identification capability.

Common examples include:

These drones bridge the gap between consumer and professional use while retaining the ability to operate over people under A1 rules.

Recognised as C2 during the transition period

UK2 drones weigh less than 4kg and support higher capability operations. When flown by pilots holding an A2 Certificate of Competency, these drones may operate in the A2 subcategory near people. Without an A2 CofC, they default to A3 operations.

Common examples include:

This class is widely used for commercial surveying, inspection, mapping and enterprise operations.

Recognised as C3 during the transition period

UK3 drones weigh less than 25kg and are restricted to Open Category A3 operations. Flights must take place far from uninvolved people, buildings and built-up areas.

Common examples include:

These aircraft are typically used for high-end professional filming, surveying and industrial workflows where separation distances can be maintained.

EU C class recognition ends on 31 December 2027. After this date:

Pilots planning long-term operations should consider how their fleet aligns with UK class markings beyond the transition period.

These classes apply to lightweight drones designed for low-risk operations. They allow flight in the A1 subcategory, meaning flights over uninvolved people are permitted, but not over crowds or large gatherings. UK1 drones must also include additional safety features such as low speed modes and electronic identification capability.

UK2 drones sit at the boundary between consumer and professional use. When flown by a pilot holding an A2 Certificate of Competency, they may operate in the A2 subcategory near people, with reduced separation distances. Without an A2 CofC, UK2 drones default to A3 operations, requiring greater distance from people and built-up areas.

These classes cover heavier drones and model aircraft that operate exclusively in the A3 subcategory. Flights must take place far from uninvolved people, buildings and residential, commercial or industrial areas. UK4 is commonly associated with traditional model aircraft and simpler builds.

These classes are reserved for the Specific Category. Drones in these classes cannot be flown under the Open Category and require an Operational Authorisation. They are typically used for higher-risk commercial operations that demand bespoke risk assessments and procedures.

European C class drones remain recognised in the UK under equivalent UK class rules until 31 December 2027.

In practical terms:

This recognition period allows pilots and organisations to continue using existing equipment while planning future transitions. After December 2027, EU C class drones that are not retrofitted with a UK class mark will be treated as legacy aircraft.

A class mark must be physically displayed on the aircraft to confirm compliance.

Drones purchased before 1 January 2026 that do not carry a UK class mark are now classed as legacy drones.

Legacy drones remain legal to fly, but their operational privileges depend heavily on weight and pilot qualification.

Legacy drones cannot benefit from reduced separation distances unless upgraded to meet UK2 standards.

One of the most significant changes now in effect is the updated Flyer ID requirement.

Any pilot flying a drone or model aircraft weighing 100g or more must now hold a Flyer ID. Previously, this requirement only applied to drones weighing 250g or more.

The Flyer ID is obtained by completing a free online theory test.

An Operator ID remains mandatory for anyone responsible for a drone weighing 100g or more that is fitted with a camera.

The Operator ID must be clearly displayed on the aircraft.

Remote ID acts as a digital identification system for drones. During flight, compliant drones broadcast identification and basic flight information that can be accessed by authorised parties.

Remote ID does not transmit camera footage or personal data. It supports accountability and airspace awareness.

From 1 January 2026, Remote ID is now required for the following UK class marked drones:

From 1 January 2028, Remote ID requirements will extend to:

Many newer drones already support Remote ID through firmware updates. Others may require approved external modules.

From 1 January 2026, any drone or model aircraft flown at night must display a green flashing light.

If a drone does not include a built-in green flashing light, a specialist external light must be securely attached. The light must be visible throughout the flight.

The weight of the light counts towards the total aircraft weight, which may affect applicable rules. For Specific Category operations, at least one green flashing light is required unless an exemption is granted through an Operational Authorisation.

Most hobbyists flying lightweight drones will see limited disruption. The main changes involve registration for lighter drones and planning for Remote ID by 2028.

Pilots purchasing new drones should prioritise UK0 or UK1 class marked models to retain A1 privileges.

Pilots holding an A2 CofC continue to benefit from enhanced privileges. Legacy drones under 2kg remain usable in A2, but reduced separation distances are only available when flying UK2 class marked drones.

Commercial operators must now ensure fleet compliance with class marking and Remote ID requirements. Updated operating procedures, training records and night flying equipment are essential.

Many model aircraft fall into the UK4 category. While class marking requirements are limited, Remote ID may apply from 2028 if the aircraft weighs over 100g and carries a camera. Club based authorisations may provide additional flexibility.

No. Legacy drones remain legal but operate with tighter restrictions and cannot access reduced separation distances without upgrading.

Remote ID is already mandatory for certain UK class marked drones. It becomes mandatory for most drones weighing 100g or more with cameras from 1 January 2028.

Yes. UK1 drones may fly over uninvolved people, but not over crowds, subject to A1 rules.

Yes. EU C class drones remain recognised until 31 December 2027.

Yes, from 2028 if they weigh 100g or more and are fitted with a camera, unless operating under an exemption.

No. Existing IDs remain valid, but all applicable drones must now meet the updated requirements.

The UK drone regulation update that took effect on 1 January 2026 represents a major shift in how unmanned aircraft are regulated. Clear class markings, expanded registration requirements, phased Remote ID implementation and updated night flying rules now define UK drone operations.

Legacy drones continue to have a place, but the greatest flexibility and futureproofing sit with UK class marked systems. Pilots who adapt early, maintain valid credentials and invest in compliant equipment are best positioned to fly with confidence.

Whilst this guide has been updated to reflect the rules now in force, pilots are still encouraged to review official guidance from the UK Civil Aviation Authority to ensure compliance with their specific operations.