Nevada Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA

Property owners may sue for civil trespass if a drone operates below 250 feet over their property after they have notified the operator of prior unauthorized flight. Commercial operators conducting lawful business activities and FAA-licensed land surveyors are exempt. Prevailing plaintiff recovers treble damages, attorney fees, and may obtain injunctive relief. HOAs cannot impose stricter restrictions than state law.

Attaching any weapon to a drone or operating a weaponized drone is prohibited. Violators face felony charges. If the weapon is discharged, the charge escalates from Category D to Category C felony.

Operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of a critical facility (refineries, chemical plants, pipelines, water treatment, mines, power stations, transmission lines, jails, prisons, detention facilities) requires written consent from the facility owner. Operating within 5 miles of an airport requires airport authority consent, FAA waiver, exemption, or authorization, which must be carried during flight. Violation is a misdemeanor.

Law enforcement agencies must obtain a warrant before using drones to gather evidence within the curtilage of a residence or any location where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Warrants are limited to 10 days and renewable. Exceptions include exigent circumstances with probable cause, written consent, search and rescue, imminent threats (with sworn statement filed within 2 business days), or governor-declared emergency. Evidence obtained in violation is inadmissible.

Public agencies may operate drones only if registered with the Department of Public Safety and operating per DPS regulations. Public agencies must not operate drones to assist law enforcement or conduct criminal prosecution. Evidence obtained in violation is inadmissible. Amended by SB11 (effective January 1, 2025) to prohibit public agencies from purchasing or operating drones manufactured by entities flagged under NDAA Section 1260H, including DJI.

Acrobatic or trick flying over heavily populated areas is prohibited. However, unmanned aerial vehicle operators in parks may conduct acrobatic flying unless done with reckless disregard for safety of others and willful indifference to injuries. Low-level flying and dropping objects with reckless disregard are prohibited.

Operating an aircraft (including drones) while intoxicated or under the influence of controlled substances, or in a careless or reckless manner that endangers life or property, is prohibited.

It is unlawful to use a manned or unmanned aircraft to spot or locate game and relay that information for hunting or trapping within 24 hours of the aircraft landing. It is also unlawful to harass game with a drone (harassment defined as molesting, chasing, herding, or driving). Department of Wildlife enforcement; serious penalties including forfeiture of equipment and loss of hunting privileges.

Peering or peeping into a dwelling with intent to observe a person in a state of undress or to commit any act of lewdness, sodomy, or bestiality. Applies to drones used to invade privacy of dwellings.

It is unlawful to capture an image of the private area of another person without consent when the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to drones used to record intimate areas of bodies over fenced yards or into homes.

Unlawful to eavesdrop or record conversations. Applies to drones equipped with audio recording capabilities used to intercept private communications.

Drones are prohibited in Nevada State Parks (Valley of Fire, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, etc.) unless a park supervisor designates a specific area or issues a special use permit. This covers all major state park properties.

Partial abatement of certain taxes imposed on aircraft and components used in aircraft-related activities. May apply to drone equipment in some contexts, though Nevada does not classify drones as aircraft for sales tax purposes.

Las Vegas Municipal Code 13.58.030 - Launch and Landing Prohibition

Prohibits launching or landing any aircraft, including drones, on any public street, highway, public right-of-way, or public parking lot. Does not apply to government entities, authorized operations, or operations necessary to protect life or property.

Las Vegas Municipal Code 13.36.020 - City Parks Prohibition

Prohibits remote control aircraft and drones in all city parks, recreational facilities, public plazas, and parking areas serving these facilities.

Clark County Parks and Recreation Drone/UAV Operation Policy (S.15, effective November 2025)

Clark County expanded drone-approved locations from 8 to 28 parks as of November 2025. Drones are permitted at designated county parks during normal operating hours and in compliance with state and federal rules. FPV racing drones require special use permit from Parks and Recreation Department.

Washoe County Code 95.150 - Parks Drone Restrictions

Drones are prohibited in Washoe County parks unless authorized by permit, designated by the county, or with written permission from the director. Operations must not cause disruption of peace or threat to public safety.

City of Henderson Parks - Designated Areas Policy

Unmanned aircraft may operate in designated Henderson parks (Amador Vista Park, Cornerstone Park, Hidden Falls Park, Mission Hills Park) during normal hours of operation and in accordance with all applicable Nevada, city, and federal regulations.