What is Section 107.25 (operations from a moving vehicle)?
14 CFR § 107.25 prohibits Part 107 operation of drones from a moving vehicle, with one exception: operation over sparsely populated areas may be conducted from a moving vehicle.
§ 107.25 generally prohibits operating a drone from a moving vehicle (car, truck, boat, etc.). The exception: operations conducted over a sparsely populated area may be performed from a moving land or water vehicle.
'Sparsely populated' is not formally defined in regulation but in practice means rural, agricultural, or otherwise low-density areas where a downed drone wouldn't be likely to strike uninvolved people or property.
The rule prevents drone-from-car operations in suburbs, cities, or anywhere with non-trivial human or vehicle presence. Drone flight over moving vehicles is also subject to § 107.145 (similar to over-people categories).
What this means for pilots
Don't operate from a vehicle in any developed area. The exception is for things like crop scouting from a tractor, aerial photography from a chase boat in open water, or rural search operations — not for getting cool video from your car on the highway.
FAQ
Can I fly from a parked vehicle?
Yes, if the vehicle is stationary. The rule applies to moving vehicles.
Can I have a drone with me in the passenger seat while my friend drives?
If the drone isn't being operated, no rule applies. § 107.25 governs operation, not transport.
What about boats?
Same rule. Sparsely populated open water is fine; from a vessel in a harbor or near a beach is restrictive.
Related terms
FAA regulations change. Verify current rules at faa.gov/uas before relying on this article for flight planning. Altoa is not the FAA.