Arkansas Drone Laws
Federal requirements, Arkansas statutes, local restrictions, and official resources — in one place, with primary-source citations, for recreational and commercial drone pilots.
Verified & Published
Last reviewed 2026-09-30 · Next review 2026-10-30 · 2 official sources
Arkansas drone law is primarily governed by state statutes that address privacy, surveillance, and the protection of critical infrastructure. While federal FAA regulations govern the national airspace, Arkansas law imposes specific criminal penalties for using drones to record individuals or sensitive facilities without authorization.
Are drones legal in Arkansas?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Arkansas when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Check airspace authorization and launch or landing restrictions before every flight.
Rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions can change. Check current airspace and official requirements before every flight.
At a Glance
Recreational operators must follow FAA guidelines and avoid state-prohibited activities like surveillance of critical infrastructure.
Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 and state laws regarding privacy and critical infrastructure.
A.C.A. § 5-60-103 State law prohibits using drones to record individuals in a manner that violates reasonable expectations of privacy.
A.C.A. § 5-60-103 Surveillance or recording of critical infrastructure without owner consent is prohibited.
The use of aircraft, including drones, to harass or assist in the hunting of wildlife is prohibited by state commission regulations.
Drone operations in state parks are generally subject to specific agency policies and may require prior authorization.
Local governments may retain authority to regulate drone operations on property they own or manage.
A.C.A. § 5-60-103 Violations of the unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system statute are classified as Class B misdemeanors.
How the Three Layers Work Together
Every flight is governed by all three layers at once. A rule in one layer does not cancel or replace the others — you must satisfy each layer that applies to where and how you fly.
FAA requirements that apply nationwide — registration, Remote ID, airspace, and operating categories.
State statutes, regulations, agency policies, and rules for state-owned property.
Municipal and county rules, parks, public-property launch/landing limits, filming permits, and property policies.
Our Pre-Flight Recommendations
- Check airspace & get LAANC authorization via B4UFLY before every flight.
- Confirm Remote ID compliance — broadcast module or FAA-registered drone.
- Search the local municipal code for park, launch, and landing restrictions.
- Carry proof of FAA registration and your Part 107 certificate when flying commercially.
- Respect private property — get written permission before flying over private land.
- When layers conflict, follow the most restrictive rule that applies.
Court decisions are shown separately under “Developing Law & Court Decisions.” They inform how rules may evolve but do not replace Layer 3.
Federal Baseline (Applies Everywhere)
These FAA requirements apply nationwide, in addition to any state and local rules below. Federal updates appear automatically on every state page.
- Choosing the Correct Operating Category. Before flying, decide whether you're flying recreationally under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations or commercially under Part 107. The category determines which rules apply to you.
- Recreational Flying and TRUST. Recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST test, carry proof of passage, register drones over 0.55 lb, and follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization.
- Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Commercial drone operations require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, earned by passing the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
- Drone Registration and Exterior Markings. Drones weighing 0.55 lb (250 g) or more must be registered with the FAA, and the registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the aircraft.
- Remote ID. Most drones that require registration must also broadcast Remote ID — a digital 'license plate' — either built-in or via an add-on broadcast module.
- Visual Line of Sight. You must keep your drone within unaided visual line of sight at all times, unless you hold a specific FAA waiver.
- General Altitude Limits. The general altitude ceiling is 400 feet above ground level, with specific allowances near structures under Part 107.
- Controlled and Uncontrolled Airspace. Flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface E) near airports requires prior FAA authorization; uncontrolled Class G generally does not.
Arkansas State Laws
Verified state statutes, regulations, and agency policies. Each item links to its official source.
Voyeurism, Harassment & Stalking
Video Voyeurism via UAS
VerifiedUsing a drone to look into private areas like bedrooms or bathrooms is a serious crime in Arkansas.
- Citation
- AR Code § 5-16-101
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Typically a Class D felony if recorded, or a Class A misdemeanor for the act of observation.
Critical Infrastructure
Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft System
VerifiedYou cannot use a drone to record or surveil critical infrastructure (like refineries or power plants) or private property if you are intending to conduct surveillance.
- Citation
- AR Code § 5-60-103
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violation is a Class B misdemeanor; if the person has a previous conviction under this section, it is a Class A misdemeanor.
Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife
Interference with Hunting or Fishing
VerifiedYou may not use a drone to harass hunters or to assist in the taking of wildlife.
- Citation
- AR Code § 15-43-106
- Enforcement
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Misdemeanor fines and potential forfeiture of equipment.
Government Purchasing / Equipment
Arkansas Safeguarding Government Data and Infrastructure Act (Prohibited UAS)
VerifiedArkansas government agencies are prohibited from purchasing or using drones manufactured by entities from countries like China and Russia.
- Citation
- Act 759 of 2023
- Enforcement
- Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Ineligibility for state funding and administrative penalties for agencies.
Local & Property Rules
Federal authorization does not automatically grant permission to launch, land, or operate from a particular property.
State Parks
Drone use in Arkansas state parks is generally restricted. Operators should contact the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism for specific site-by-site regulations and permit requirements before flying.
Local Government Authority
Arkansas does not have a broad state-level preemption statute that explicitly strips all local authority; municipalities generally retain the ability to regulate drone operations on public property they own or manage.
Detailed local guides are being developed for selected cities — covering local parks, city- and county-owned property, filming permits, special events, public facilities, and property-manager rules.
Plan Your Next Flight in Arkansas
Turn the rules into a flight plan — find a place to fly, hire a local professional, or join the CityDrones pilot directory.
Arkansas Drone Laws FAQ
Quick answers for recreational and commercial pilots.
Are drones legal in Arkansas?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Arkansas when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Always verify airspace and launch or landing restrictions before flying.
Do I need to register my drone in Arkansas?
FAA registration is a federal requirement and applies nationwide, including Arkansas. Whether registration is required depends on the aircraft and type of operation.
Can I fly a drone in Arkansas state parks?
Drone use in Arkansas state parks is generally restricted. Operators should contact the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism for specific site-by-site regulations and permit requirements before flying.
Can cities in Arkansas make their own drone rules?
There is no explicit state-wide preemption statute, meaning local governments may retain authority to regulate drone operations on property they own or manage.
What do commercial drone pilots need in Arkansas?
Commercial pilots generally need to comply with FAA Part 107 requirements as well as applicable Arkansas, local, and property rules. Additional permits may apply to filming or operations on managed property.
Sources & Methodology
NCSL — Current Unmanned Aircraft State Law Landscape
Primary-source enacted state statutes and bill numbers.
UAV Coach — State Drone Laws Directory
State statutes + municipal local ordinances.
FlyUSI — US Drone Laws Guide
Federal / State / Local three-layer tracker, updated quarterly.
Drone Launch Academy — 50-State Directory
Commercial nuances: privacy torts, hunting, critical infrastructure.
CityDrones uses AI-assisted research to draft state law summaries, cross-checked against the authoritative directories above. Every claim is sourced to an official government or legislature page before publication, and all content is reviewed by a human editor before going live. This is educational information, not legal advice.
The 3-Layer Pre-Flight Compliance Guide
A printable checklist that walks federal, state, and local rules in the same order every time — so you can clear a legal flight before you leave the driveway.
Get it firstCityDrones provides general educational and flight-planning information, not legal advice or flight authorization. Drone laws, property rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions may change. Always verify current requirements with the FAA and the appropriate government or property authority before flying.