California lawmakers have approved a new measure that would restrict unauthorized drone flights near large outdoor entertainment events, potentially changing how drone operators use the skies around concerts, sporting events and other major gatherings across the state.
Assembly Bill 2113 passed the California Legislature with a 76 to 0 vote on August 27 and is now headed to the governor’s desk. The proposal would make it unlawful to operate an unmanned aircraft within 400 feet of an outdoor ticketed entertainment event or amusement park, with certain exceptions.
The measure comes as California prepares for several major sporting and entertainment events in the coming years, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and other large scale gatherings.
What California’s 400 Foot Drone Rule Would Do
Under AB 2113, a person generally could not operate a drone within 400 feet of an outdoor ticketed entertainment event or amusement park.
The proposed restriction applies to entertainment venues that can accommodate at least 1,000 people and use gated entrances or barriers that keep the general public from freely entering the event. The legislation covers professional music, sporting and performing arts events.
A violation would be treated as an infraction carrying a $500 fine.
That could affect recreational drone pilots who fly near crowded concerts, sporting events or festivals to capture footage.
Some Drone Operators Would Be Exempt
The proposed rule does not apply to everyone operating a drone.
Venue operators could authorize drone flights, while employees of entertainment venues could continue using drones for official business.
The bill also includes exemptions for certain utility workers and transportation agency employees conducting official business. Emergency personnel, including firefighters, peace officers and medical personnel, would also be allowed to use drones while carrying out emergency response duties.
Commercial drone operators with federal authorization could also qualify for an exemption when operating legally under applicable federal rules and the terms of their authorization.
California Says Crowd Safety Is a Major Reason
Supporters of AB 2113 say unauthorized drones can create safety concerns when flown around packed outdoor venues.
The legislation points to the potential risks drones could pose to attendees, performers, athletes and event workers. It also argues that local authorities may be better positioned to respond quickly to drone activity around individual venues.
Assembly Member Tina McKinnor, who sponsored the bill, has argued that California needs a clear state standard for unauthorized drone activity around large public events.
The measure also comes as California continues to host some of the country’s biggest outdoor concerts, festivals and sporting events.
Major California Events Could Be Affected
California is home to major events that draw huge crowds, including Coachella, Stagecoach, BottleRock Napa Valley and other large outdoor festivals.
The legislation also points to major upcoming events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LX and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games as examples of the large gatherings that make event security an important issue.
If AB 2113 becomes law, organizers and law enforcement agencies could have another state level tool for dealing with unauthorized drone operations around qualifying events.
FAA Authority Could Become a Key Issue
The proposal also raises an important question about the relationship between California law and federal aviation rules.
The Federal Aviation Administration has broad authority over the nation’s airspace, and aviation attorneys have questioned whether a state restriction involving airspace could face a federal preemption challenge.
Mickey Osterreicher, general counsel for the National Press Photographers Association, said the measure raises concerns because federal authorities regulate aviation safety and national airspace. He also noted that the proposal could potentially affect journalists using drones for newsgathering.
Other aviation law experts have described the issue as more complicated, noting that states and local governments can have certain police powers involving public safety and other matters.
That means the legal situation could become an important part of the story if the governor signs the bill and the measure later faces a court challenge.
The Rule Is Not in Effect Yet
For California drone pilots, the most important point right now is that AB 2113 is not yet in effect.
The California Legislature completed its approval process on August 27, and the bill is now headed to the governor.
Until the legislative process is completed and any required effective date arrives, drone operators should not assume the proposed 400 foot restriction is already California law.
The measure’s final outcome could determine how drone pilots, event organizers, journalists and local authorities handle drone activity around some of the state’s biggest public gatherings.
What Happens Next
The next major step is the governor’s decision on AB 2113.
If signed, the measure would establish a state restriction covering unauthorized drone operations near qualifying outdoor ticketed entertainment events and amusement parks, with a $500 fine for violations.
For California’s concert and sports industry, the proposal could become an important part of event security planning. For drone pilots, it could create another set of rules to check before flying near a major gathering.