Louisiana Drone Laws
Federal requirements, Louisiana 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 · 4 official sources
Louisiana has established a centralized legal framework for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that prioritizes state-level control over local regulation. The state has enacted specific criminal statutes targeting drone-based privacy violations, surveillance of critical infrastructure, and unauthorized operations near sensitive facilities.
Are drones legal in Louisiana?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Louisiana 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
RS 14:337 Recreational operators must follow FAA guidelines and comply with state criminal statutes regarding privacy and trespass.
RS 14:337 Commercial operators must adhere to FAA Part 107 rules and state laws governing surveillance and critical infrastructure.
RS 14:283 It is a crime to use a drone to photograph or film a person without consent where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
RS 14:337 Operating a drone near critical infrastructure, schools, or correctional facilities for surveillance is prohibited.
State wildlife regulations generally prohibit the use of aircraft to harass or hunt wildlife.
Drone operations in state parks are subject to specific agency policies and should be verified with park management.
RS 2:13 State law explicitly preempts local governments from enacting drone-specific ordinances.
RS 14:337 Violations of drone-related criminal statutes can result in fines and imprisonment.
Statewide Preemption Active
State law explicitly preempts any rule, regulation, code, or ordinance of any political subdivision or local government regarding the regulation of unmanned aircraft systems.
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.
Louisiana State Laws
Verified state statutes, regulations, and agency policies. Each item links to its official source.
Privacy & Surveillance
Unlawful Use of UAS: Surveillance
VerifiedYou cannot use a drone to conduct surveillance of people on their own property or near schools without permission.
- Citation
- RS 14:336
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Fines of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
Voyeurism, Harassment & Stalking
Video Voyeurism
VerifiedUsing a drone to peek into windows or record people in private spaces for sexual gratification is a serious crime.
- Citation
- RS 14:283
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Fine of up to $2,000 and imprisonment for up to 2 years.
Critical Infrastructure
Unlawful Use of UAS: Critical Infrastructure
VerifiedFlying a drone over oil refineries, chemical plants, or prisons is illegal and carries significant penalties.
- Citation
- RS 14:337
- Enforcement
- Louisiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: First offense: fine up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail. Second offense: fine up to $2,000 and up to 1 year in jail.
Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife
Hunting from Aircraft Prohibited
VerifiedYou cannot use a drone to hunt, spot game, or harass wildlife.
- Citation
- RS 56:116.1
- Enforcement
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Class 3 violation; fines and possible loss of hunting privileges.
State Parks & Public Lands
Prohibition in State Parks
VerifiedDrones are not allowed in Louisiana state parks without prior written authorization.
- Citation
- LAC 25:IX.309
- Enforcement
- Louisiana Office of State Parks / Park Rangers
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Removal from the park and potential fines for violating administrative rules.
Registration & Permitting
Agricultural Unmanned Aircraft Licensing
VerifiedCommercial agricultural drone operators must be licensed by the state and meet specific training requirements.
- Citation
- RS 3:41 - 3:47
- Enforcement
- Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF)
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Administrative fines and possible revocation of agricultural licenses.
Local & Property Rules
Federal authorization does not automatically grant permission to launch, land, or operate from a particular property.
State Parks
There is no blanket state-wide statute prohibiting drones in state parks, but operators should consult individual park management or the Louisiana Office of State Parks, as local policies may restrict take-off and landing on state-managed property.
Local Government Authority
Louisiana law grants the state exclusive jurisdiction to regulate UAS, effectively prohibiting cities, parishes, and other political subdivisions from creating their own drone-specific flight regulations.
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 Louisiana
Turn the rules into a flight plan — find a place to fly, hire a local professional, or join the CityDrones pilot directory.
Louisiana Drone Laws FAQ
Quick answers for recreational and commercial pilots.
Are drones legal in Louisiana?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
FAA registration is a federal requirement and applies nationwide, including Louisiana. Whether registration is required depends on the aircraft and type of operation.
Can I fly a drone in Louisiana state parks?
There is no blanket state-wide statute prohibiting drones in state parks, but operators should consult individual park management or the Louisiana Office of State Parks, as local policies may restrict take-off and landing on state-managed property.
Can cities in Louisiana make their own drone rules?
State law explicitly preempts any rule, regulation, code, or ordinance of any political subdivision or local government regarding the regulation of unmanned aircraft systems.
What do commercial drone pilots need in Louisiana?
Commercial pilots generally need to comply with FAA Part 107 requirements as well as applicable Louisiana, 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.