Sub-250 g drone: can you really fly without a licence?
The myth of the drone “with no rules at all” dies hard. Here is what the 250 g mark really changes — and what it does not exempt you from.
You read everywhere that sub-250 g drones fly “without a licence and without any constraint”. That is partly true… and partly misleading. Let’s sort it out, because flying light simplifies a lot of things, but does not exempt you from everything.
What the 250 g mark really changes
The 250 g threshold is a key regulatory boundary at European level. Below it, a drone is considered to pose a low physical risk in the event of a fall. As a result, these aircraft benefit from the most relaxed rules of the open category, in subcategory A1.
- You can fly “over” isolated people (never deliberately, but accidental overflight is tolerated).
- The required training is minimal.
- No A2 certificate needed.
DJI Neo
Le mini-drone selfie de 135 g : décollage depuis la paume, pilotage vocal.
€199.00
ViewWhat the 250 g mark does NOT change
This is where the myth falls apart. A light drone is still subject to important obligations:
- AlphaTango registration: as soon as a drone has a camera (and thus captures personal data), operator registration is mandatory — even under 250 g.
- Flight zones: no-fly zones (airports, sensitive sites, city centres) apply regardless of weight.
- Privacy: filming people or property without consent is illegal.
- Max height 120 m and visual line of sight remain the rule.
Which DJI drones come in under 250 g?
The DJI Neo (135 g) and the Neo 2 (~150 g) are the champions of this category at DJI. Ultra-light, they offer stabilised 4K video while staying in the most permissive regulatory bracket. That is what makes them the best first drones.
DJI Neo 2
La nouvelle génération du Neo : évitement d’obstacles et autonomie accrue.
€249.00
ViewIn plain terms: a sub-250 g drone is the best way to start with maximum freedom. But “freedom” does not mean “no rules”. Register, respect the zones and privacy, and you will fully enjoy your aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
Does a sub-250 g drone need to be registered?
Yes, as soon as it has a camera. Operator registration on AlphaTango is mandatory, even for a light drone like the DJI Neo.
Can you film people with a light drone?
Not without their consent. Privacy applies regardless of the drone’s weight. Filming people or private property without permission is illegal.
Does the DJI Neo weigh under 250 g?
Yes, the DJI Neo weighs 135 g and the Neo 2 around 150 g: both come in under 250 g.
