Nevada Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Nevada maintains a moderate, targeted approach to drone regulation centered on Assembly Bill 239 (2015), which created NRS Chapter 493. The state has comprehensive statutes addressing trespass with treble damages, weaponization felonies, critical infrastructure and airport distance restrictions, and law enforcement warrant requirements. Commercial and recreational operations are permitted under FAA rules, but with strict enforcement of state-level constraints particularly around airports, critical facilities, and private property.
State Drone Laws
NRS 493.103Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Trespass
Property owners may bring civil action for trespass against drone operators flying below 250 feet over their property, but only if the operator previously flew at that altitude and was notified not to. Provides treble damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief. Exempts lawful airport operations, takeoff/landing, law enforcement, public agencies, and commercial/licensed operations that do not unreasonably interfere.
NRS 493.106Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Weaponization Prohibited
Prohibits weaponizing an unmanned aerial vehicle or operating a weaponized drone. Attaching a weapon is a Category D felony. If the weapon is discharged, the offense escalates to a Category C felony.
NRS 493.109Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Operation Near Critical Facility or Within 5 Miles of Airport Prohibited
Prohibits operating a drone within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of a critical facility (petroleum refineries, chemical plants, power plants, substations, transmission lines, water/wastewater treatment, mines, pipelines, rail yards, ports, jails, prisons) without written consent. Also prohibits operation within 5 miles of any airport without airport operator consent or FAA waiver/authorization. Operator must carry documentation during flight.
NRS 493.100Dangerous Flying: Penalty
Prohibits trick or acrobatic flying, flying at dangerously low altitudes, or dropping objects with reckless disregard over heavily populated areas or public gatherings. Exception: acrobatic flying in parks is legal unless done with reckless disregard and willful indifference to injuries.
NRS 493.112Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Operation by Law Enforcement Agency; Warrant Required
Requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using a drone to gather evidence within curtilage of a home or where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Warrant limited to 10 days and renewable. Exceptions for exigent circumstances, written consent, search and rescue, imminent threats (with sworn statement within 2 business days), and governor-declared emergencies. Evidence obtained without warrant is inadmissible.
NRS 493.115Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Operation by Public Agency; DJI and Covered-UAS Prohibition
Public agencies must register drones with the Department of Public Safety and comply with DPS regulations. Prohibits public agencies from operating drones manufactured by entities flagged under federal NDAA Section 1260H (currently includes DJI). Agencies cannot use drones to assist law enforcement with criminal prosecution. Evidence obtained in violation is inadmissible.
NRS 493.130Operation of Aircraft While Under Influence or in Reckless Manner
Prohibits operating any aircraft, including drones, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled substances, or in a careless or reckless manner that endangers life or property.
NRS 200.603Peering or Peeping into Dwelling
Prohibits peering or peeping into a dwelling. Applies to drone operators who hover cameras at bedroom windows or into homes without consent.
NRS 200.604Capturing Image of Private Area Without Consent
Prohibits capturing an image of a private area of another person without consent when the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to drone-mounted cameras.
NRS 503.010Unlawful Harassment of Wildlife; Use of Drones to Spot Game
Prohibits using a manned or unmanned aircraft to spot or locate game and relay information for hunting or trapping within 24 hours of aircraft landing. Also prohibits harassment of wildlife (molesting, chasing, herding, driving) via drone. Nevada Department of Wildlife enforces; 2024 prosecutions of three men for illegal mule deer harvesting using drone.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Las Vegas
cityLas 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.
Restrictions
No launch or landing on public property. Exception for government entities authorized by City Council or operations necessary to protect life or property.
City of Las Vegas
cityLas Vegas Municipal Code 13.36.020 - Park and Recreational Facility Restriction
Prohibits remote control airplanes and drones within any city park, recreational facility, or public plaza, including parking areas serving those facilities.
Restrictions
No drone flight in Las Vegas city parks. Exception noted: drones allowed in city parks per Scott Marcus (LVPD Drone Operations Manager) if safety rules followed.
Clark County
countyClark County Parks and Recreation Drone/UAV Operation Policy (Amended November 2025)
Permits drone operation at 28 designated county parks (expanded from approximately 8 in November 2025). Drones must operate during normal park hours and comply with all state and federal rules. Requires normal park hours operation.
Restrictions
Operation limited to 28 designated parks. FPV racing drones require special use permit from Parks and Recreation Department. Must comply with state and federal regulations.
Washoe County
countyWashoe County Code 95.150 - Drone Prohibition in Parks
Prohibits drone operation in Washoe County parks unless by permit, in designated areas, or with written permission of the director. Operations must not cause disruption of peace or threat to public safety.
Restrictions
Permit or designation required for county park flights. No drone operation that disrupts peace or threatens safety.
City of Henderson
cityHenderson Parks and Trails - Unmanned Aircraft Operation
Permits drone operation in designated parks during normal hours of operation, in accordance with all applicable Nevada, city, and federal regulations.
Restrictions
Operation limited to designated parks during normal operating hours. Designated parks include Amador Vista Park, Cornerstone Park, Hidden Falls Park, and Mission Hills Park.
Nevada State Parks
countyNevada State Parks Drone Prohibition
Drones prohibited in all Nevada State Parks (Valley of Fire, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, etc.) unless a park supervisor designates a specific area for drone use or issues a special use permit.
Restrictions
Blanket prohibition except where specifically designated or permitted by park supervisor.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespass by drone (below 250 ft over private property after notice and warning) | Civil Action | Treble (3x) actual damages | No criminal imprisonment | Property owner (civil suit) | Also recovers attorney fees, court costs, and may obtain injunction. Exempts FAA-licensed operators and public agencies |
| Weaponizing a drone | Category D Felony | Up to $5,000 | 1-4 years | State/Local Law Enforcement | Attaching any weapon to a drone |
| Weaponizing and discharging a drone | Category C Felony | Up to $10,000 | 1-5 years | State/Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced penalty for actual discharge of weaponized drone |
| Operating within 500 ft (horizontal) or 250 ft (vertical) of critical facility without written consent | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | State/Local Law Enforcement | Critical facilities include mines, power plants, refineries, water treatment, jails, prisons |
| Operating within 5 miles of airport without consent or FAA authorization | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | State/Local Law Enforcement | Operator must carry documentation of authorization at all times. Applies to all airports, including small airfields |
| Trick or acrobatic flying over populated areas or public gatherings | Misdemeanor | State/Local Law Enforcement | Exception: acrobatic flying in parks is legal unless done with reckless disregard | ||
| Intoxicated or reckless operation of aircraft (including drones) | Gross Misdemeanor | State/Local Law Enforcement | Applies to operating while under influence or in careless/reckless manner endangering life/property | ||
| Peering into a dwelling with drone | Misdemeanor | State/Local Law Enforcement | Escalates with repeat offenses | ||
| Capturing image of private area without consent (drone surveillance) | Gross Misdemeanor | State/Local Law Enforcement | Escalates with repeat offenses | ||
| Using drone to spot/locate game for hunting or harassing wildlife | Wildlife Violation | Criminal: up to $5,000; Civil: up to $30,000 | Nevada Department of Wildlife | Also forfeiture of equipment and loss of hunting privileges. Cannot relay information within 24 hours of aircraft landing | |
| Operating drone in Las Vegas city park without authorization | Municipal Violation | Las Vegas Police Department | Violates LVMC 13.36.020 | ||
| Launching or landing drone on Las Vegas public street, right-of-way, or parking lot | Municipal Violation | Las Vegas Police Department | Violates LVMC 13.58.030. Exception for government entities and emergency operations | ||
| Flying into national defense airspace (Nellis, Creech, NAS Fallon, etc.) | Federal Crime (49 U.S.C. § 46307) | Title 18 criminal fine (up to $100,000 for individual) | Up to 1 year federal prison | FAA / Federal Law Enforcement | Violations of national security airspace carry federal criminal penalties |
| Flying into stadium or event temporary flight restriction (TFR) | FAA Civil / Federal Crime | Up to $27,500 civil; up to $250,000 criminal | Up to 1 year federal (if criminal) | FAA | Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena frequently have TFRs. Super Bowl LVIII TFR reached 30nm radius, 18,000 ft altitude. Drone confiscation possible. |
Trespass by drone (below 250 ft over private property after notice and warning)
Also recovers attorney fees, court costs, and may obtain injunction. Exempts FAA-licensed operators and public agencies
Weaponizing a drone
Attaching any weapon to a drone
Weaponizing and discharging a drone
Enhanced penalty for actual discharge of weaponized drone
Operating within 500 ft (horizontal) or 250 ft (vertical) of critical facility without written consent
Critical facilities include mines, power plants, refineries, water treatment, jails, prisons
Operating within 5 miles of airport without consent or FAA authorization
Operator must carry documentation of authorization at all times. Applies to all airports, including small airfields
Trick or acrobatic flying over populated areas or public gatherings
Exception: acrobatic flying in parks is legal unless done with reckless disregard
Intoxicated or reckless operation of aircraft (including drones)
Applies to operating while under influence or in careless/reckless manner endangering life/property
Peering into a dwelling with drone
Escalates with repeat offenses
Capturing image of private area without consent (drone surveillance)
Escalates with repeat offenses
Using drone to spot/locate game for hunting or harassing wildlife
Also forfeiture of equipment and loss of hunting privileges. Cannot relay information within 24 hours of aircraft landing
Operating drone in Las Vegas city park without authorization
Violates LVMC 13.36.020
Launching or landing drone on Las Vegas public street, right-of-way, or parking lot
Violates LVMC 13.58.030. Exception for government entities and emergency operations
Flying into national defense airspace (Nellis, Creech, NAS Fallon, etc.)
Violations of national security airspace carry federal criminal penalties
Flying into stadium or event temporary flight restriction (TFR)
Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena frequently have TFRs. Super Bowl LVIII TFR reached 30nm radius, 18,000 ft altitude. Drone confiscation possible.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Nevada does not require state-level drone registration for private operators. FAA registration is required for any drone over 0.55 lb (250g). Nevada maintains a registry for drones operated by public agencies with the Department of Public Safety under NRS 493.118.
No state-level commercial permit beyond FAA Part 107. Some local jurisdictions require permits for specific park operations or special use.
No state-mandated insurance requirement. Commercial operators often carry liability insurance as business practice.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Commercial drone operators in Nevada must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Part 107 test costs $175, covers 60 multiple-choice questions, valid 24 months. Required for any drone flight that benefits a business (real estate, roof inspection, event videography, mining surveys, paid social content). Nevada does not layer additional state-level commercial permits beyond Part 107.
Recreational Flying (TRUST)
Recreational pilots must complete free TRUST test before flying
TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test) is free, online, and covers aeronautical safety. Completion certificate must be carried when flying. No Nevada state drone license exists for recreational use beyond TRUST.
FAA Registration
All drones over 0.55 lb (250g) require FAA registration
$5 registration valid 3 years. Registration number must be visible on aircraft. Remote ID broadcasting mandatory since March 16, 2024 for all flights.
Remote ID
Mandatory since March 16, 2024 for all registered drones
Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or operation inside FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) required. No exceptions in Nevada.
Altitude Cap
400 feet AGL maximum under Part 107 and recreational rules
Standard FAA altitude restriction. Nevada does not impose stricter altitude limits, but NRS 493.103 trespass applies to flights under 250 feet over private property.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Daylight or civil twilight VLOS required unless waivered
Part 107 night operations no longer require waiver, but drone must have anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles. Nevada does not impose stricter VLOS requirements.
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability)
Required for operations in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, surface E)
Class B (Harry Reid), Class C (RNO), Class D (VGT, HND) require LAANC authorization. CRITICAL: LAANC not available at Harry Reid International Airport. Part 107 pilots must use FAA DroneZone for time-consuming manual authorization. Recreational pilots cannot legally fly in Harry Reid Class B.
Military and Restricted Airspace
Nevada contains vast blocks of military restricted airspace not present in most states
Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base, Nevada Test and Training Range, Tonopah Test Range, NAS Fallon, Nevada National Security Site cover enormous swaths of Nevada. Flying into national defense airspace is federal crime under 49 U.S.C. § 46307: up to 1 year federal prison and Title 18 criminal fine (up to $100,000). All pilots must check B4UFLY app and UAS Facility Maps before launching outside metro areas.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Active TFRs around stadiums and major events throughout Nevada
Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena frequently have TFRs during games/events. Super Bowl LVIII TFR was 30nm radius up to 18,000 feet. Violators face drone confiscation, FAA civil penalties reaching $27,500+, and possible federal criminal prosecution.
Part 108 BVLOS Rulemaking (Pending)
Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight operations currently require specific FAA waiver
FAA issued NPRM for Part 108 BVLOS rule but no final rule published as of June 2026. Nevada operators requiring BVLOS (mine surveys, solar/utility inspection, logistics) must apply for individual waivers. No timeline for final rule.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
NRS 493.109 — Operation of UAV near critical facility or within 5 miles of airport prohibited
Penalty: Misdemeanor
Civil liability: NRS 493.103 provides a separate civil action for trespass against UAV operators with treble damages, attorney's fees, costs, and injunctive relief
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Nevada pairs criminal CI restrictions with a separate civil trespass cause of action under NRS 493.103, including treble damages — operators face concurrent criminal and civil exposure. The absence of general local preemption means operators must verify both state and local requirements for their specific location.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at 726 airports nationwide. NOT available at Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran) — a major gap. Part 107 pilots must use FAA DroneZone portal for Harry Reid airspace authorization, which can take days. Recreational pilots cannot legally fly in Class B airspace around Las Vegas.
Major Airports
LAS — Harry Reid International Airport (Class B)RNO — Reno-Tahoe International (Class C)VGT — North Las Vegas Airport (Class D)HND — Henderson Executive Airport (Class D)FLY — Jean Airport
TFR Notice
Common TFRs around Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena during gaming and sporting events. Super Bowl LVIII had 30nm radius TFR reaching 18,000 ft. Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base, Nevada Test and Training Range, Tonopah Test Range, Nevada National Security Site create extensive military-restricted airspace covering vast portions of state. NAS Fallon also maintains restricted airspace.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Reuben Burciaga $20,000 Fine for Strip Flyaway
enforcementCalifornia tourist lost GPS signal on DJI Phantom 3 from Caesar's Palace parking area. Drone flew over 450 feet above Las Vegas Strip, drifted 2+ miles, and landed feet from active runway at McCarran International Airport. FAA cited 9 violations; initial fine $14,700. After missed appeal deadline, late fees brought total to approximately $20,000. Cited as most expensive tourist drone mistake in Las Vegas history.
Three Convicted for Using Drone to Illegally Hunt Mule Deer
enforcementThree men convicted in Nevada of using a drone to locate and illegally harvest mule deer. Case demonstrates NDOW enforcement of NRS 503.010 wildlife protection statutes. Penalties included criminal fines and loss of hunting privileges.
DJI Drone Ban Effective for Nevada Public Agencies
regulatory changeNevada Senate Bill 11 (SB 11) prohibition on DJI drones for public agencies became effective January 1, 2025. Applies to all drones manufactured by entities flagged under NDAA Section 1260H. Does not affect private or commercial operators.
Clark County Parks Expansion to 28 Drone-Approved Locations
regulatory changeClark County Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Almeido signed policy expanding drone-approved locations from approximately 8 to 28 parks. Result of advocacy by Vegas Drone Meetup group. Many new parks sit in uncontrolled airspace, eliminating need for LAANC authorization. FPV racing drones still require special use permit.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) | UNLV requires approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety before conducting any drone operations on campus. Operators must follow all federal FAA rules and state regulations. Allegiant Stadium, home of UNLV athletics, frequently has event TFRs that apply during games and activities. Restrictions: EHS approval required before flight. Allegiant Stadium area subject to event TFRs during sporting events. Harry Reid International Airport proximity adds Class B airspace restrictions. No drones in campus buildings or over crowds without specific authorization. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@unlv.edu |
| University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) | UNR requires coordination with Campus Police and Environmental Health & Safety for all drone operations on university property. Operators must comply with all state and federal regulations. Mackay Stadium area restricted during athletic events. Restrictions: Coordination with Campus Police and EHS required. Mackay Stadium area restricted during athletic events. No flights over buildings, crowds, or restricted areas without approval. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Campus Police — ehs@unr.edu |
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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