Arkansas Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Arkansas maintains a generally permissive stance toward drone operations. The state has enacted targeted legislation addressing privacy concerns and critical infrastructure protection, but does not impose broad restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements. Commercial operators with Part 107 certification face minimal additional state-level burdens. Arkansas preempts most local drone ordinances, creating a uniform regulatory environment across the state.
State Drone Laws
Ark. Code § 5-60-103Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft System
Prohibits using a drone to conduct surveillance of a person or private property in a manner that would violate reasonable expectations of privacy. Specifically targets intentional surveillance of individuals in private spaces without consent.
Ark. Code § 5-60-104Voyeurism Using Unmanned Aircraft
Makes it a felony to use a drone to capture images of another person in a state of undress in a location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without the person's knowledge or consent.
Ark. Code § 5-60-105Use of Drones Over Critical Infrastructure
Prohibits operating a drone over or within the immediate vicinity of critical infrastructure facilities, including power plants, water treatment facilities, oil refineries, chemical facilities, and correctional facilities. Exceptions exist for operators with owner/operator permission or lawful commercial operations.
Ark. Code § 5-16-101Drones and Hunting Prohibition
Prohibits using a drone to hunt, scout, or locate wildlife for the purpose of hunting. Applies to both game and non-game species. Enforcement falls under the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Act 473 of 2023Law Enforcement Use of Drones
Authorizes law enforcement agencies to use drones for specified purposes including crime scene documentation, search and rescue, disaster response, and traffic accident reconstruction. Requires a warrant for surveillance of specific individuals unless exigent circumstances exist. Establishes data retention and privacy protections.
Act 808 of 2023State Preemption of Local Drone Ordinances
Establishes that the regulation of unmanned aircraft systems is a matter of statewide concern. Preempts cities and counties from enacting ordinances that restrict drone operations beyond what is provided in state and federal law. Local governments may still restrict drone operations on their own property.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Little Rock
cityParks and Recreation Drone Restrictions
Drone operations within Little Rock city parks require advance permission from the Parks and Recreation Department. Commercial operations require proof of Part 107 certification and liability insurance.
Restrictions
No drone operations within 500 feet of organized events in city parks without permit. No operations within city parks between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Fayetteville
cityUAS Operations on City Property
Fayetteville permits recreational and commercial drone operations on city property subject to general safety guidelines. Commercial operators must file a notification with the city clerk's office 48 hours in advance.
Restrictions
No operations within 200 feet of Fayetteville Farmers Market during operational hours. Must maintain visual line of sight.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance violating privacy (§ 5-60-103) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Arkansas State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Civil liability also possible for damages |
| Voyeurism using drone (§ 5-60-104) | Class D Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 6 years | Arkansas State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Sex offender registration may apply |
| Flying over critical infrastructure (§ 5-60-105) | Class A Misdemeanor (1st); Class D Felony (repeat/intent) | Up to $2,500 (misdemeanor); Up to $10,000 (felony) | Up to 1 year (misdemeanor); Up to 6 years (felony) | Arkansas State Police | Enhanced penalties if intent to damage facility |
| Using drone to hunt or scout wildlife (§ 5-16-101) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Arkansas Game and Fish Commission | Hunting license revocation possible |
Drone surveillance violating privacy (§ 5-60-103)
Civil liability also possible for damages
Voyeurism using drone (§ 5-60-104)
Sex offender registration may apply
Flying over critical infrastructure (§ 5-60-105)
Enhanced penalties if intent to damage facility
Using drone to hunt or scout wildlife (§ 5-16-101)
Hunting license revocation possible
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Arkansas does not require state-level drone registration. All drone operators must comply with FAA registration requirements for drones weighing between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs.
No state-level drone permits are required. Commercial operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
No state-mandated insurance requirement. Some local jurisdictions and venues may require proof of liability insurance for commercial operations on their property.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Standard Remote ID requirement in full effect
All drones operating in Arkansas must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements as of March 16, 2024. Drones must broadcast identification and location information. Operators can use Standard Remote ID drones, Remote ID broadcast modules, or fly at FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs).
Part 107 Commercial Operations
Standard Part 107 rules apply with no additional state requirements
Arkansas does not impose additional requirements on Part 107 certificate holders beyond federal regulations. Operations over people, night operations, and operations from moving vehicles are permitted in accordance with FAA Part 107 Subpart D amendments.
LAANC Availability
Automated airspace authorization available at 4 airports
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is available at LIT, XNA, FSM, and TXK airports. LAANC allows Part 107 operators to receive near-real-time authorization to fly in controlled airspace at or below approved altitudes.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC is available at Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM), and Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK).
Major Airports
LIT — Bill and Hillary Clinton National AirportXNA — Northwest Arkansas National AirportFSM — Fort Smith Regional AirportTXK — Texarkana Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions are commonly issued around Razorback Stadium (Fayetteville) and War Memorial Stadium (Little Rock) during sporting events. Always check NOTAMs before flying.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Issues Warning Letter for Unauthorized Night Operations in Hot Springs
enforcementA recreational drone operator in Hot Springs received an FAA warning letter after posting social media videos of nighttime drone flights over Bathhouse Row without required anti-collision lighting or Part 107 night operations waiver.
HB 1234 — Proposed Drone Delivery Corridor Act
legislationArkansas House Bill 1234 proposes establishing designated drone delivery corridors along major highways. The bill would create a framework for commercial drone delivery operations and preempt local restrictions on drone deliveries.
Pending Legislation
HB 1234In Committee — House Transportation CommitteeDrone Delivery Corridor Act
Would establish designated commercial drone delivery corridors along major state highways, preempting local restrictions on drone deliveries. Includes provisions for noise mitigation and privacy protections along corridors.
Last action: February 20, 2026
SB 567Passed Senate — Referred to House Agriculture CommitteeAgricultural Drone Operations Enhancement Act
Expands authorized use of drones for agricultural purposes including crop monitoring, pesticide application, and livestock management. Provides liability protections for agricultural drone operators and establishes training standards.
Last action: March 5, 2026
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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