UK rules for RC models

The rules for flying model aircraft in the UK changed on 1 January 2026, and many more models now need registering. This page explains what applies to RC helicopters and planes, and what (very little) applies to cars and boats. Rules change, so the CAA's own pages are always the final word, and we link to them throughout.

Flyer ID and Operator ID

The CAA requires two kinds of registration (CAA registration rules):

The 100g Flyer ID threshold replaced the old 250g threshold from 1 January 2026. Your Operator ID must be labelled on the model.

Practical examples:

• A 32g micro helicopter flown in the garden: no ID needed (but recommended).
• A 120g scale helicopter flown in a field: Flyer ID needed.
• A 1.5m trainer plane (well over 250g): Flyer ID and Operator ID.

Get both from the CAA's Flyer ID and Operator ID page.

The Drone and Model Aircraft Code

When you fly outside a club's Article 16 authorisation, the CAA's Drone and Model Aircraft Code applies (where you can fly). The key points:

• Below 120m (400ft) from the closest point of the ground.
• At least 50m horizontally from uninvolved people, and never over crowds.
• At least 150m from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas. Models under 250g or marked UK0/UK1 (or C0, and C1 temporarily) are exempt from this.
• Never in an airport's Flight Restriction Zone without permission. Endangering the safety of an aircraft can mean up to five years in prison.
• Always in direct sight.

Where these rules leave you able to fly is covered in where to fly an RC plane in the UK.

Class marks and Remote ID

From 1 January 2026, new drones and model aircraft sold in the UK can carry UK class marks (UK0 to UK6) that set what they're allowed to do. Models bought before then are "legacy" aircraft and fly under the weight-based rules above. Most hobby-grade RC helicopters and planes don't carry class marks.

Remote ID (a broadcast identifying the aircraft) applies to some class-marked aircraft from 2026, and to more, including some model aircraft, from 1 January 2028 (CAA Remote ID). Members of Article 16 authorised clubs flying low-risk models at their declared club sites are exempt (BMFA on Remote ID).

Flying at a club (Article 16)

Associations including the BMFA hold an Article 16 authorisation from the CAA. Members flying under it follow their association's rules, which differ from the standard code. For example, BMFA members can fly models of 7.5kg or less above 400ft (unless they're multirotors with more than two lift rotors, and only in sight), and the separation from uninvolved people is 30m for models of 250g to 7.5kg (BMFA Article 16). See joining an RC club.

RC cars and boats

Cars and boats don't need CAA registration: the CAA's rules cover aircraft. What you need is:

• Permission from the landowner.
• Respect for byelaws: many parks ban RC cars.
• Common sense: keep away from people, pets and roads, and keep nitro noise away from homes.
• Licence-exempt radios: 2.4GHz systems are licence-exempt; 40MHz is surface-only and 35MHz aircraft-only (Ofcom).

Insurance

Insurance isn't legally required for most recreational flying, but it's strongly advised. BMFA membership includes £25 million public liability cover (BMFA handbook), and BRCA membership includes third-party insurance for car racers.

Indoors

The CAA's registration rules and code apply to flying outdoors. Flying indoors, in your house or a sports hall, doesn't need a Flyer ID, but take the same care. See flying RC helicopters indoors.

When the rules change, we post it in News. Still choosing a model? See choosing your first RC model. Everything for beginners is on the Getting started hub.