Arkansas Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Arkansas maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with targeted restrictions on privacy surveillance, critical infrastructure protection, and state park operations. The state has enacted several drone-specific statutes since 2015, including the Arkansas Privacy Act (HB 1148) with broad image definitions, but does not impose blanket restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements.
State Drone Laws
Ark. Code § 5-60-103Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft System
Prohibits using a drone to conduct surveillance, gather evidence, or collect information about critical infrastructure without the prior written consent of the owner. Critical infrastructure includes power plants, water treatment facilities, oil and gas installations, railroad facilities, communication towers, food processing facilities, and correctional facilities.
HB 1349 (Act 293)Drone Voyeurism and Privacy Surveillance
Makes it unlawful to use a drone to record videos, take photos, or spy on a person who has a reasonable expectation of privacy without their knowledge or consent or in a manner that intrudes upon a person's privacy.
HB 1770 (Act 1019)Critical Infrastructure Surveillance Prohibition
Prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft systems to collect information about or photographically or electronically record critical infrastructure without the formal written consent of the facility owner.
AR Code § 5-14-138Sex Offender Restriction on Unmanned Aircraft Operation
Makes it unlawful for a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act of 1997 (Ark. Code § 12-12-901 et seq.) and assessed as a Level 3 or Level 4 offender to knowingly purchase, own, possess, use, or operate an unmanned aircraft.
HB 1148 (Arkansas Privacy Act)Image Capture and Distribution by Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Creates the Arkansas Privacy Act with a comprehensive definition of drone-captured 'images' that includes thermal imaging, infrared, ultraviolet, and electromagnetic wave captures. Prohibits capturing or distributing images of persons with reasonable expectation of privacy. Civil damages up to $5,000 for capture; $10,000 for distribution. Exemptions apply for research, utility inspections, law enforcement, emergency response, agricultural monitoring, and professional mapping/surveying.
Act 525Foreign Drone Procurement Ban for State Agencies
Prohibits Arkansas state agencies from purchasing drones manufactured or assembled by entities controlled by foreign adversary governments. Targets DJI and similar foreign manufacturers. State agencies must phase out existing foreign-made drones by 2027. Does not restrict private pilots or commercial operators.
Arkansas State Parks RegulationUnmanned Aircraft System Restrictions in State Parks
Bans all unmanned aircraft system operations in Arkansas State Parks (52 parks) unless the operator obtains a Special Use Permit from the Director of Arkansas State Parks. To apply, operators must submit FAA drone registration certificate and proof of liability insurance to parks.info@arkansas.gov. Permits are issued per-visit rather than blanket authorization.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Little Rock
cityInformal Drone Policy
Little Rock operates under an informal policy (not a formal ordinance) that requests drone pilots obtain permission before flying on city-owned property.
Restrictions
Permission requested (not legally enforced) for operations on city property including parks and public buildings. Class C airspace around Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) requires LAANC authorization.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical infrastructure surveillance under Ark. Code § 5-60-103 (first offense) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 90 days | Arkansas State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced penalty for repeat offenses |
| Critical infrastructure surveillance under Ark. Code § 5-60-103 (second or subsequent offense) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Arkansas State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Applies to repeat violations |
| Drone privacy violation under HB 1349 (drone voyeurism) | Criminal Misdemeanor | Not specified in statute | Not specified in statute | Local Law Enforcement | Covers recording persons with reasonable expectation of privacy |
| Image capture violation under HB 1148 (Arkansas Privacy Act) | Class B or C Misdemeanor (criminal) | Civil damages up to $5,000 per incident | Not specified in statute | Local Law Enforcement / Civil courts | Per-incident damages; 2-year statute of limitations |
| Image distribution violation under HB 1148 (Arkansas Privacy Act) | Class B or C Misdemeanor (criminal) | Civil damages up to $10,000 per incident | Not specified in statute | Local Law Enforcement / Civil courts | Enhanced civil damages for distributing captured images; per-incident; 2-year statute of limitations |
| Sex offender operation of unmanned aircraft under AR Code § 5-14-138 | Criminal penalty | Not specified in statute | Not specified in statute | Local Law Enforcement | Applies to Level 3 or Level 4 registered sex offenders |
Critical infrastructure surveillance under Ark. Code § 5-60-103 (first offense)
Enhanced penalty for repeat offenses
Critical infrastructure surveillance under Ark. Code § 5-60-103 (second or subsequent offense)
Applies to repeat violations
Drone privacy violation under HB 1349 (drone voyeurism)
Covers recording persons with reasonable expectation of privacy
Image capture violation under HB 1148 (Arkansas Privacy Act)
Per-incident damages; 2-year statute of limitations
Image distribution violation under HB 1148 (Arkansas Privacy Act)
Enhanced civil damages for distributing captured images; per-incident; 2-year statute of limitations
Sex offender operation of unmanned aircraft under AR Code § 5-14-138
Applies to Level 3 or Level 4 registered sex offenders
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Arkansas does not require separate state-level drone registration. All drones over 250g (0.55 lbs) must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years) through FAADroneZone.
Special Use Permit required for operations in Arkansas State Parks. Submit FAA registration certificate and proof of liability insurance to parks.info@arkansas.gov. Permits issued per-visit.
Insurance not required by state law but strongly recommended. Commercial operators typically obtain $1 million general liability coverage. Required to obtain Arkansas State Parks Special Use Permit.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID Required for All Registered Drones
All drones registered with the FAA must broadcast Remote ID information. Mandatory compliance deadline was March 2024. Arkansas operators must ensure their drones have Remote ID capability or are exempt under FAA rules.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial License and Part 107 Certification
Commercial drone operators in Arkansas must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 test fee). No separate state commercial drone license required. Covers rules for flight operations, altitude, speed, VLOS requirements, and airspace restrictions.
Recreational Flying Under 49 USC 44809
TRUST Test and Recreational Rules
Recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test) before operating. Drones over 250g must be FAA-registered. Operators must follow VLOS requirements, 400-foot altitude limit in uncontrolled airspace, and other safety rules.
LAANC Authorization in Controlled Airspace
Low Altitude Authorization Required Around Airports
Drone flights in controlled airspace around Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT, Class C), Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA, Class C), and Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM, Class D) require LAANC authorization or FAA approval.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Ark. Code § 5-60-103 — Unlawful use of unmanned aircraft system
Penalty: Class B misdemeanor (Class A on second or subsequent offense)
Civil liability: Actual damages or $10,000 (whichever greater) under Ark. Code § 16-118-111; trebled if for profit; attorney fees recoverable
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Arkansas statute exempts operations conducted under an FAA Certificate of Authorization, providing a built-in statutory defense for Part 107 operators with formal FAA authorization documents.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 airports nationwide, including major Arkansas airports. Available for Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers.
Major Airports
LIT — Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (Class C, Little Rock)XNA — Northwest Arkansas National Airport (Class C, Bentonville)FSM — Fort Smith Regional Airport (Class D)
TFR Notice
Little Rock Air Force Base shares runway space with LIT (Class C airspace). Stadium TFR applies during University of Arkansas athletic events at Donald W. Reynolds Stadium (Fayetteville). Check B4UFLY for current TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Fines Little Rock Drone Operator
enforcementFAA issued a $5,000 civil fine to a Little Rock drone operator for creating a collision hazard with a helicopter. The pilot was operating in controlled airspace (LIT Class C) without LAANC authorization. One of the few publicized FAA enforcement actions against individual operators in Arkansas.
Pending Legislation
HB 1125Introduced (2023 session)TO PROHIBIT A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER FROM PURCHASING, OWNING, POSSESSING, USING, OR OPERATING AN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT FOR PRIVATE USE
Would codify prohibition on registered sex offenders (Level 3 and 4) from using unmanned aircraft. Similar to AR Code § 5-14-138 but clarifies 'private use' scope.
Last action: August 4, 2023
HB 1653Introduced (2023 session)TO PROHIBIT THE PURCHASE OF SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFTS MANUFACTURED OR ASSEMBLED BY A COVERED FOREIGN ENTITY
Would prohibit purchase of small unmanned aircraft manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities (targeting DJI and similar manufacturers). Similar language to Act 525 but would apply to private individuals and commercial operators, not just state agencies.
Last action: August 4, 2023
HB 1728Introduced (2023 session)TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE OPERATION OF A PROHIBITED AIRCRAFT; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF 'AIRCRAFT'
Would amend definitions of prohibited aircraft and aircraft operations, potentially affecting drone regulatory scope.
Last action: August 4, 2023
HB 1869Introduced (2019 session)TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE PROCUREMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONSULTING SERVICES; AND TO PROHIBIT COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR DRONE AERIAL DATA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Would prohibit competitive bidding for drone aerial data professional services in state procurement, affecting how state agencies contract for drone services.
Last action: April 24, 2020
SB 173Introduced (2021 session)CONCERNING THE DEFINITION OF 'CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE' IN REGARDS TO THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL USE OF AN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM
Would amend the definition of critical infrastructure under Ark. Code § 5-60-103, potentially expanding or clarifying what facilities are protected from drone surveillance.
Last action: November 10, 2021
SB 612Introduced (2019 session)CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL USE OF AN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM; TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF 'CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE'
Would amend the definition of critical infrastructure under unlawful UAS surveillance laws.
Last action: April 24, 2020
HB 1646Introduced (2019 session)CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL USE OF AN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM; TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS OF 'CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE' AND 'UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM'
Would amend definitions of critical infrastructure and UAS to refine enforcement of unlawful surveillance prohibitions.
Last action: April 24, 2020
HB 1347Introduced (2019 session)CONCERNING THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL USE OF AN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF 'UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM'
Would amend the definition of UAS under Ark. Code § 5-60-103 to broaden or clarify scope of prohibited surveillance activities.
Last action: April 24, 2020
HB 1438Introduced (2019 session)CONCERNING THE OFFENSES OF VOYEURISM AND VIDEO VOYEURISM AND PERSONS WHO COMMIT REPEAT OFFENSES
Would amend Arkansas voyeurism statutes (AR Code § 5-16-101 and § 5-16-102) that apply to drone-based video voyeurism, addressing repeat offenses.
Last action: April 24, 2020
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) | UA Fayetteville requires drone operators to obtain written approval from the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) department before operating any drone on campus. All operations must comply with FAA regulations and university insurance requirements. Stadium TFR applies during Razorback athletic events. Restrictions: No flights without prior EH&S written approval. No flights over buildings, crowds, or parking areas. Stadium TFR restrictions during athletic events at Donald W. Reynolds Stadium. Campus-wide ban unless authorized. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@uark.edu |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State requires approval from campus police and the Office of Risk Management for any drone operations on university property. The university's drone technology program uses designated flight areas for academic purposes. Restrictions: Prior approval required from campus police. Operations limited to designated flight areas. Academic/research use only on designated sites. | Yes | University Police / Office of Risk Management |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | UA Little Rock requires authorization from the university police department for drone operations on campus. Operators must provide proof of FAA registration and any required certifications (Part 107 for commercial use). Restrictions: Authorization required from UALR Police Department. FAA registration certificate must be presented. Part 107 certificate required for commercial operations on campus. | Yes | UALR Police Department |
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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