Nevada Drone Laws
Federal requirements, Nevada statutes, local restrictions, and official resources — in one place, with primary-source citations, for recreational and commercial drone pilots.
Verified & Published
Last reviewed 2026-10-01 · Next review 2026-10-31 · 3 official sources
Nevada's drone laws are primarily consolidated under NRS Chapter 493, which was significantly updated by Assembly Bill 239 in 2015. The state framework focuses on protecting individual privacy, preventing the weaponization of drones, and establishing clear trespass standards while deferring to the FAA for airspace management.
Are drones legal in Nevada?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Nevada 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
NRS 493 Recreational operators must comply with FAA regulations and state laws regarding privacy and trespass.
NRS 493 Commercial operators must follow FAA Part 107 rules and adhere to state-level privacy and property laws.
NRS 493.109 State law prohibits using drones to gather evidence or information in areas where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy without a warrant or consent.
NRS 493.106 State law restricts the operation of drones near critical facilities and airports without proper authorization.
NRS 503.010 Interference with hunting or wildlife management activities using a drone is prohibited.
Drone operations in state parks are generally subject to specific agency policies and may require permits.
Local governments may regulate drone operations on property they own or manage, subject to federal preemption.
NRS 493.103 Violations of state drone laws can result in misdemeanor charges and civil liability for trespass.
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.
Nevada State Laws
Verified state statutes, regulations, and agency policies. Each item links to its official source.
Privacy & Surveillance
UAS Trespass and Invasion of Privacy
VerifiedFlying low (under 250 feet) over someone's house to spy on them can lead to a lawsuit and criminal charges.
- Citation
- NRS 493.109
- Enforcement
- Civil Courts / Local Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Civil liability for treble damages; potential misdemeanor charges for invasion of privacy.
Critical Infrastructure
Restrictions Near Critical Facilities
VerifiedDo not fly your drone within 250 feet of power plants, refineries, or water treatment facilities without permission.
- Citation
- NRS 493.106
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife
Wildlife Harassment and Hunting
VerifiedDo not use your drone to track, hunt, or bother animals.
- Citation
- NRS 503.010
- Enforcement
- Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW)
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violations are typically processed as misdemeanors and can lead to loss of hunting licenses.
Law-Enforcement Drone Use
Public Agency Drone Operations
VerifiedPolice must generally have a warrant to use a drone to collect evidence in a place where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
- Citation
- NRS 493.112
- Enforcement
- Nevada Department of Public Safety
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Evidence collected in violation of these rules may be inadmissible in court.
Weapons & Dangerous Payloads
Weaponized Unmanned Aircraft
VerifiedIt is strictly illegal to attach any weapon to a drone in Nevada.
- Citation
- NRS 493.115
- Enforcement
- Local and State Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: A person who violates this section is guilty of a category D felony.
Local Preemption & Municipal Authority
State Preemption of Local UAS Regulation
VerifiedCities and counties in Nevada cannot pass their own laws to restrict where you fly your drone.
- Citation
- NRS 493.103
- Enforcement
- State of Nevada
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Ordinances enacted in violation of this statute are generally unenforceable.
Local & Property Rules
Federal authorization does not automatically grant permission to launch, land, or operate from a particular property.
State Parks
Drone use in Nevada State Parks is generally restricted and often requires prior authorization or a permit from the Nevada Division of State Parks. Operators should contact the specific park office before flying.
Local Government Authority
Nevada does not have a blanket state-level preemption statute that prevents local governments from regulating drone operations on their own property, though local ordinances must not conflict with federal FAA authority.
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 Nevada
Turn the rules into a flight plan — find a place to fly, hire a local professional, or join the CityDrones pilot directory.
Nevada Drone Laws FAQ
Quick answers for recreational and commercial pilots.
Are drones legal in Nevada?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Nevada 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 Nevada?
FAA registration is a federal requirement and applies nationwide, including Nevada. Whether registration is required depends on the aircraft and type of operation.
Can I fly a drone in Nevada state parks?
Drone use in Nevada State Parks is generally restricted and often requires prior authorization or a permit from the Nevada Division of State Parks. Operators should contact the specific park office before flying.
Can cities in Nevada make their own drone rules?
There is no explicit state-wide preemption law, meaning local jurisdictions may retain authority to regulate drone operations on public property they own or manage.
What do commercial drone pilots need in Nevada?
Commercial pilots generally need to comply with FAA Part 107 requirements as well as applicable Nevada, 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.