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West Virginia Drones Near Prisons & Critical Infrastructure (2026)
Restricted: West Virginia (61-16-2(b)): a misdemeanor to fly a drone over a 'targeted facility' (critical infrastructure) to deploy an object or to surveil/gather info with intent to do harm.
Official source: code.wvlegislature.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Drones Near Prisons & Critical Infrastructure in states bordering West Virginia
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- KentuckyRestricted
Kentucky makes it a misdemeanor to fly a drone above key infrastructure assets (power, water, refineries) with intent to harm or surveil, without consent (KRS 511.100).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MarylandRestricted
Maryland (Crim. Law 9-417.1) makes it a misdemeanor to use an unmanned aircraft to deliver contraband to a person confined in a place of confinement.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
- OhioRestricted
Ohio (ORC 4561.51(C)) criminalizes flying a drone to photograph/record/loiter over or near a critical facility with intent to further a violent offense or to destroy or tamper with it.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →
- PennsylvaniaRestricted
Pennsylvania (18 Pa.C.S. 3505(a)(3)) makes it a second-degree felony to use a drone to deliver contraband to a prison/correctional facility.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: legis.state.pa.us · Full Pennsylvania rule →
- VirginiaRestricted
Virginia (Va. Code 18.2-121.3(B)): a Class 4 felony to fly a drone over critical infrastructure/utilities without authorization; a Class 1 misdemeanor over a correctional facility.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
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