Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 837 § 837.374 — Reckless interference with aircraft; penalties

Reckless interference with aircraft; penalties. (1) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, a person commits a Class A violation if the person possesses or controls an unmanned aircraft system and recklessly causes the unmanned aircraft system to: (a) Direct a laser at an aircraft while the aircraft is in the air; (b) Crash into an aircraft while the aircraft is in the air; or (c) Prevent the takeoff or landing of an aircraft. (2) A person commits a Class B misdemeanor if the person possesses or controls an unmanned aircraft system and recklessly causes the unmanned aircraft system to interfere with a law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue or emergency response effort. (3) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, a person commits a Class A misdemeanor if the person possesses or controls an unmanned aircraft system and knowingly or intentionally causes the unmanned aircraft system to: (a) Direct a laser at an aircraft while the aircraft is in the air; (b) Crash into an aircraft while the aircraft is in the air; or (c) Prevent the takeoff or landing of an aircraft. (4) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, a person commits a Class C felony if the person possesses or controls an unmanned aircraft system and knowingly or intentionally causes the unmanned aircraft system to interfere with a law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue or emergency response effort. (5) A person commits a Class A felony if the person possesses or controls an unmanned aircraft system and knowingly, intentionally or recklessly causes death or serious physical injury, as defined in ORS 161.015, to another person by causing the unmanned aircraft system to: (a) Direct a laser at an aircraft while the aircraft is in the air; (b) Crash into an aircraft while the aircraft is in the air; (c) Prevent the takeoff or landing of an aircraft; or (d) Interfere with a law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue or emergency response effort. (6) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section, a person commits a Class A misdemeanor if the person violates subsection (1) or (2) of this section and the person has one or more convictions under subsection (1) or (2) of this section at the time of the offense. (7) In addition to and not in lieu of any other sentence the court may impose, upon a person’s second or subsequent conviction under this section, the court shall, at the time of sentencing, declare the unmanned aircraft system used in the offense to be contraband and order that the unmanned aircraft system be forfeited. [2016 c.72 §5; 2019 c.337 §1; 2023 c.114 §1; 2023 c.249 §1; 2025 c.604 §1] Note: See note under 837.300. (Civil Remedies)