UK Drone Regulations 2026 – Class Marks, Remote ID & Key Changes

Overview

From 1 January 2026 the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is refreshing the Drone and Model Aircraft Code, registration rules and product marking scheme. The headline changes are:

A new UK class-marking system (UK0–UK6) for aircraft placed on the market from 2026, with EU C-class drones recognised until 31 December 2027.
Remote ID deadlines: class-marked UK1/UK2/UK3 and UK5/UK6 aircraft must broadcast from 1 January 2026; legacy or UK0 drones that weigh 100 g or more with a camera must do so from 1 January 2028.
Registration thresholds now start at 100 g – you need a Flyer ID once the aircraft reaches that weight, and an Operator ID for any camera-equipped drone from 100 g upwards.
Updated Drone Code language describing the Open Category as “Over People (A1)”, “Near People (A2)” and “Far from People (A3)”, plus a mandatory flashing light for night flying.

These updates are intended to keep pace with a busier low-level airspace while still allowing hobbyists, commercial operators and model flyers to keep flying with clear, proportionate requirements.

Class Marking System (UK0–UK6)

From 2026 manufacturers must apply a UK class mark to new drones and model aircraft. The key classes are:

UK0 – under 250 g, for Over People (A1) flying.
UK1 – under 900 g, also for Over People (A1) operations with additional product safety features.
UK2 – under 4 kg, enabling Near People (A2) as well as Far from People (A3) flying.
UK3/UK4 – under 25 kg for Far from People (A3) flying, including traditional model aircraft.
UK5/UK6 – under 25 kg for Specific Category operations assessed through UK SORA.

EU C-class drones continue to be recognised as the equivalent UK class until 31 December 2027 (for example, a C1 aircraft can be flown as UK1). Legacy drones without a class mark remain legal, but their privileges stay weight-based and the transitional A2 allowance for 250–500 g drones ends on 1 January 2026.

Remote ID Deadlines

Remote ID is being phased in so enforcement bodies can identify aircraft in flight:

From 1 January 2026 – UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6 aircraft must transmit Remote ID whenever they fly.
From 1 January 2028 – UK0 or legacy drones that weigh 100 g or more with a camera, including privately built aircraft, must also transmit Remote ID.

The CAA recommends enabling Remote ID now (where available) so you are ready for the mandatory dates. Indoor flights and drones under 100 g remain exempt.

Registration and Drone Code Updates

Registration threshold – the Flyer ID test is required from 100 g; Operator ID is mandatory for any camera-equipped drone from 100 g upwards and for all drones at 250 g or more.
Separation distances – the default 50 m cylinder around uninvolved people still applies. Class-marked UK0/UK1/C0/C1 aircraft can fly closer and briefly overhead, but crowds remain off limits. A3 flying still demands 150 m from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas.
Night flying – every aircraft must display a flashing light after dark.
Terminology – the CAA now describes A1/A2/A3 as “Over People”, “Near People” and “Far from People” to match the plain-English Drone Code.

These adjustments keep Open Category flying in step with the new product classes and provide clearer guidance for newcomers.

What It Means for Different Flyers

Hobbyists and recreational pilots

Register once your aircraft reaches 100 g (or has a camera) and keep both IDs in date.
Check whether your drone carries a UK or EU class mark; this determines how close you can fly to people.
Fit a flashing light for night operations and ensure Remote ID is enabled by the relevant deadline.

A2 CofC holders

The legacy concession for 250–500 g drones ends on 1 January 2026. To keep Near People privileges you now need a class-marked UK2/C2 aircraft alongside your A2 CofC.
Legacy aircraft without a class mark can continue, but only under A3 or with a Specific Category authorisation.

Commercial operators in the Specific Category

Remote ID will be expected on class-marked fleets from 2026 and on legacy aircraft with cameras from 2028.
UK SORA remains the route for bespoke missions; PDRA-01 stays available for standard VLOS work with a valid GVC.
Ensure operations manuals, insurance and occurrence-reporting processes reflect the updated CAA guidance.

Model flyers (Article 16 members)

Model aircraft that meet UK4 criteria remain outside the class-marking requirement, but you still need IDs once the model reaches 100 g.
Remote ID will be required from 1 January 2028 for models 100 g or more with a camera unless the CAA grants a specific exemption for your association.

Key Takeaways

Know your class – identify whether your aircraft is class-marked (UK0–UK6) or legacy and follow the privileges that apply.
Register earlier – Flyer IDs now start at 100 g; Operator IDs are compulsory for any camera-equipped drone from that weight upwards.
Plan for Remote ID – UK1/UK2/UK3/UK5/UK6 aircraft must broadcast from 2026; other camera-equipped drones ≥100 g must do so from 2028.
Follow the refreshed Drone Code – keep 50 m from people (unless your class allows otherwise), 150 m from built-up areas in A3, and fit a flashing light for night flight.

Staying ahead of these changes means fewer surprises once enforcement begins. Review the official CAA guidance, update your documentation and equipment, and you will be ready for the 2026 framework.