Are Autel Drones Banned? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re a drone enthusiast, photographer, or business owner who relies on UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), you may be wondering: Are Autel drones banned? With ongoing conversations about drone regulations, security concerns, and federal restrictions, it’s important to understand the current legal landscape surrounding Autel Robotics.

Are Autel Drones Currently Banned?

No, Autel drones are not banned in the United States. As of today (September 8, 2025), Autel drones are completely legal to purchase, own, and operate for both recreational and commercial purposes as long as you comply with FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) drone regulations. This means that if your Autel drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds, you must register it with the FAA. In addition, you must follow standard safety guidelines such as flying below 400 feet, keeping the drone within your line of sight, avoiding restricted airspace (such as near airports), and respecting privacy laws.

Autel drones stand out as a strong competitor in the U.S. drone market because, unlike DJI drones which have faced heavy scrutiny and restrictions due to their ties to China, Autel has not been placed under the same level of regulatory pressure. Still, it’s important to note that Autel Robotics is also a Chinese company, which has led to ongoing discussions and speculation about potential restrictions in the future. This is especially true as the U.S. government continues to raise concerns about data security and national security risks linked to Chinese-made drones.

Why the Confusion Around Autel Drone Bans?

Many drone enthusiasts and businesses often ask whether Autel drones are banned because of the mixed information circulating online. While there is no federal ban on Autel drones, there are several factors that contribute to the confusion:

• Security Concerns: U.S. lawmakers and agencies have raised concerns that drones manufactured in China could potentially pose cybersecurity or data privacy risks. Since Autel Robotics is a Chinese company, its drones sometimes fall under the same scrutiny as DJI drones. This has led some people to assume that all Chinese drones, including Autel, are either restricted or banned, which is not currently the case.

• DJI Precedent: In 2020, DJI was added to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s “Entity List” due to national security concerns. This designation restricted DJI’s access to certain U.S. technologies and caused government agencies to scale back their use of DJI drones. Because Autel is also a Chinese drone manufacturer, many speculate that it could eventually face similar treatment, fueling confusion over whether Autel drones are still legal in the U.S.

• State-Level Restrictions: While there is no nationwide ban, certain states and government agencies have chosen to restrict or prohibit the use of Chinese-made drones for official purposes. For example, some law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and state agencies are required to avoid using drones from Chinese manufacturers, which can include Autel models. These localized restrictions often cause people to mistakenly believe that a nationwide Autel drone ban exists.

In summary, the confusion surrounding Autel drone bans comes from a mix of federal security discussions, DJI’s legal challenges, and state-specific policies. However, at the consumer level, Autel drones remain legal to purchase and fly in the United States under FAA drone regulations.

Can You Use Autel Drones for Commercial Purposes?

Yes, you can absolutely use Autel drones for commercial purposes across a wide range of industries. In fact, Autel Robotics has built a reputation for producing drones that combine high-quality cameras, reliable flight performance, and advanced features—making them a strong choice for businesses and professionals who depend on aerial technology.

Some of the most common commercial uses of Autel drones include:

• Real Estate Photography and Videography: Autel drones are popular among real estate agents and property managers who need sharp, professional aerial shots to market residential and commercial properties.

• Agriculture and Crop Monitoring: Farmers and agribusinesses use Autel drones for precision agriculture, including crop health analysis, irrigation monitoring, and land surveying.

• Construction and Infrastructure Inspections: Construction companies and engineers rely on Autel drones for site mapping, progress tracking, and structural inspections, reducing the need for costly manual inspections.

• Search and Rescue Operations: Public safety teams and rescue organizations benefit from Autel’s thermal imaging capabilities, which help locate missing persons and assess hazardous areas quickly.

To operate Autel drones legally for commercial purposes in the U.S., you are required to obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This certification ensures that drone pilots understand the rules of safe drone operations, including airspace classifications, weather considerations, and flight restrictions. Without a Part 107 license, flying an Autel drone for profit or business purposes is not permitted.

For businesses, investing in Autel drones offers a competitive advantage because they are not only legal under current FAA drone laws but also highly versatile for different industries. Whether you are in real estate, agriculture, construction, or emergency services, Autel drones provide a cost-effective way to improve efficiency and capture valuable data.

The Future of Autel Drones in the U.S.

Currently, Autel drones are not banned in the United States, but the future of their use may be influenced by evolving legislation and national security discussions. The most notable proposal is the American Security Drone Act, which has been introduced several times in Congress. This bill seeks to prohibit federal agencies from purchasing or operating drones manufactured in countries deemed security risks, including China. Since Autel Robotics is a Chinese drone company, the law, if passed, would likely restrict government entities from using Autel drones.

It’s important to highlight that the American Security Drone Act is aimed primarily at government and public safety agencies, not private individuals or commercial businesses. That means hobbyists, photographers, and companies in industries like real estate, construction, and agriculture would still be able to legally buy and operate Autel drones under FAA drone regulations. However, should stricter legislation pass in the future, it could potentially influence procurement policies, funding opportunities, and the perception of Chinese-made drones in the broader U.S. market.

Industry experts also suggest that future U.S. drone laws could place additional emphasis on data security, supply chain transparency, and domestic manufacturing. While this may not directly result in a federal Autel drone ban, it could encourage businesses to diversify their drone fleets with American-made models. Still, Autel continues to maintain a strong presence in the commercial drone industry thanks to its competitive technology, affordability, and professional-grade imaging systems.

For drone pilots and businesses, the best approach is to stay informed about changes in U.S. drone legislation and remain compliant with FAA requirements. Monitoring government announcements about the American Security Drone Act and other drone-related bills will help ensure that your investment in Autel drones remains secure in the long term.

Key Takeaways

• ✅ Autel drones are not banned in the U.S. – As of now, there is no nationwide ban on Autel drones. They remain legal to buy, own, and operate, making them a safe choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.

• ✅ You can legally fly Autel drones under FAA regulations – To operate any drone in the U.S., including Autel models, you must follow FAA drone laws. This includes registering drones over 0.55 pounds, flying under 400 feet, keeping your drone within visual line of sight, and avoiding restricted airspace. Commercial operators must also hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

• ⚠️ Some states and agencies may restrict Autel drones – While there is no federal ban, certain state governments, law enforcement agencies, and public safety organizations have placed restrictions on drones manufactured in China, which can include Autel. These policies usually affect government use, not private consumers.

• ⚠️ Future drone legislation could impact Autel drones – Proposed laws like the American Security Drone Act could limit government purchases of Chinese-made drones. While private consumers and businesses would still be allowed to use Autel drones, new regulations may shape the future market and availability of these UAVs.

In short, Autel drones are still legal in the United States, but drone pilots should stay informed about FAA drone rules, state-level restrictions, and evolving U.S. drone legislation to ensure compliance and protect their investments.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering buying an Autel drone, you can do so with confidence. They remain a legal and popular choice among hobbyists and professionals who want high-quality aerial imaging and advanced flight technology. Just make sure you stay compliant with FAA drone laws and keep an eye on potential regulatory updates.