Can You Fly a DJI Drone at Night? Rules, Lights and Safe Settings
Yes, in the US you can legally fly a DJI drone at night, as long as the drone carries anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles with a flash rate sufficient to avoid collisions. This applies to recreational flyers and to Part 107 commercial pilots, who also need to have passed the knowledge test or training updated after April 6, 2021. The same lighting is required during civil twilight. Built-in DJI LEDs usually don’t meet the 3-mile standard, so most pilots add a strobe. Other countries have their own rules.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
US rules at a glance
| Requirement | Recreational | Part 107 |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-collision light visible 3 statute miles | Required | Required |
| Light on during civil twilight | Required | Required |
| Knowledge test | TRUST certificate (all recreational flyers) | Part 107 test or recurrent training taken after April 6, 2021 |
| Visual line of sight | Required | Required |
| Airspace authorisation where needed | Required | Required |
Summary for the US, checked October 2026; FAA rules change, so check faa.gov before flying. Outside the US, check your national aviation authority.
Lights
The light rule is about other aircraft seeing your drone, not about you seeing the ground. Built-in navigation LEDs on DJI drones are useful for orientation but generally aren’t bright enough for 3 miles, so pilots fit a small, light aftermarket strobe on top. Choose one that is visible from all directions, mount it so it doesn’t interfere with the compass or GPS, and check its weight doesn’t push the drone into a different registration category. You may dim the light if conditions call for it, but never turn it off during the flight.
DJI settings for night
- Check that obstacle avoidance sensors are limited in the dark; many vision sensors don’t work in low light, so don’t rely on them.
- Set a safe return-to-home altitude above trees and buildings you scouted in daylight.
- Calibrate the compass in daylight at the site if the app asks.
- Turn on the drone’s front LEDs only if they don’t spoil the camera image; some models turn them off automatically while recording.
- Lower the screen brightness slightly to keep your night vision.
General flying steps are in how to fly a DJI drone.
Safety tips
- Scout the site in daylight: power lines and branches are invisible at night.
- Fly closer than you would in daylight; distance is hard to judge.
- Bring a visual observer if possible.
- Carry a headlamp with a red light for setup.
- Keep batteries warm in cold nights; capacity drops.
- Respect privacy and noise: night flights near homes cause complaints.
Camera tips
Night images need longer exposures and higher ISO, which add noise and blur. Use night or hyperlapse modes on supported DJI models, hold a steady hover for photos, and shoot RAW where available. City lights, sunsets during civil twilight and long-exposure light trails work well. Remember that the drone must stay in sight even when filming far away.
Remote locations
At night, remote sites with no lights are especially disorienting. Download maps before you go, as the app may not load them without a signal; see flying a DJI drone without cell service. Always tell someone where you are when flying alone at night.
FAQ
Is it illegal to fly a drone at night?
Not in the US, if you follow the lighting and training rules.
Do DJI drones have lights for night flying?
They have LEDs, but usually not bright enough for the 3-mile rule; add a strobe.
Does obstacle avoidance work at night?
Vision sensors are limited in low light; don’t rely on them.
Do I need a waiver?
Not for night flights that meet the current rules.
More on this topic: the complete RC Drones guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
