Arkansas Drone Laws

Prohibits knowingly using a drone to conduct surveillance of, gather evidence about, collect information about, or photographically or electronically record critical infrastructure without prior written consent of the owner. Critical infrastructure includes electrical power systems, petroleum refineries, chemical/rubber manufacturing, petroleum/chemical storage, railroad facilities, communication towers, food processing/manufacturing, correctional/detention facilities, and natural gas systems. Amended by Act 597 of 2025 to clarify that commercially-compliant FAA flights and authorized public-agency work are exempt.

Created by Act 597 of 2025. Makes it an offense to purposely use a drone to capture an image of an individual or private property with the purpose of conducting surveillance on that person or property. Image includes thermal, infrared, ultraviolet, and electromagnetic wave captures. Defenses include: destroying the image promptly without sharing, capturing it lawfully under the permitted-uses list (§ 27-118-101), or acting as a law-enforcement officer on duty.

Created by Act 597 of 2025. If an image is captured in violation of § 5-60-103(e), possessing, disclosing, displaying, distributing, or otherwise using that image is a separate offense. Possession is a Class C misdemeanor; disclosure, distribution, or use is a Class B misdemeanor. Each image counts as a separate violation. Promptly destroying the image or capturing it lawfully is a defense.

Created by Act 597 of 2025. Property owners or tenants whose property or person was captured by a drone in violation of § 5-60-103(e), where they had a reasonable expectation of privacy, may sue for injunctive relief and recover fixed statutory damages: $5,000 for all images captured in a single episode, or $10,000 if the operator disclosed or distributed the images. Malicious distribution allows recovery of actual damages in addition. Courts award court costs and attorney's fees to the prevailing party. Statute of limitations is two years from date of capture or distribution.

Created by Act 597 of 2025. Establishes 25 specific lawful uses of drones to capture images in Arkansas, protecting such operations from the image-surveillance offense. Lawful uses include: agricultural and research use by universities and Game and Fish Commission, electric/natural-gas/water utility inspection and maintenance, pipeline inspection, real-estate marketing (without identifiable persons), surveying and GIS work by licensed professionals, insurance underwriting/claims, images from no more than 8 feet above ground in public places without magnification, law enforcement under valid search warrant, pursuit, crime/accident scenes, missing persons, high-risk tactical operations, search and rescue, and declared emergencies.

Prohibits knowingly using an unmanned vehicle or aircraft (drone specifically named) or concealed recording equipment to secretly record another person for the purpose of viewing any part of the body where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without consent. The drone-specific subsection is a Class B misdemeanor, rising to a Class A misdemeanor if the image is distributed, posted online, or if the person has a prior conviction.

Prohibits looking into a dwelling or private place inside a public accommodation through the use of an unmanned vehicle or aircraft (drone specifically named) for the purpose of sexual gratification of oneself or another.

Prohibits a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act of 1997 (§ 12-12-901 et seq.) who has been assessed as a Level 3 or Level 4 offender from knowingly purchasing, owning, possessing, using, or operating an unmanned aircraft, unless required as part of their employment.

Makes it unlawful to hunt, drive, herd, or harass wildlife from or with an aircraft. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission applies this rule to unmanned aircraft and drones. Using a drone to locate game, push birds, or otherwise harass wildlife is prohibited regardless of whether a shot is fired.

Prohibits hunting in any state or national park in Arkansas.

All 52 Arkansas state parks prohibit the operation of drones without obtaining a Special Use Permit from the Office of the Director. To obtain a permit, applicants must submit a copy of their FAA drone registration certificate and proof of liability insurance to parks.info@arkansas.gov. Permits are issued on a per-visit basis.

Prohibits Arkansas state agencies and public entities from purchasing, owning, or using small unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled by a 'covered foreign entity' (targeting China and Russia, particularly DJI). State agencies must phase out existing foreign-made drones by May 1, 2027. Does not restrict private individuals or commercial operators.

Informal Drone Policy

No formal civilian drone ordinance on record. The city operates under an informal policy requesting permission before flying on city-owned property.

No Formal City Drone Ordinance

Fayetteville has no formal standalone drone ordinance. University of Arkansas campus (located in Fayetteville) maintains a separate institutional drone ban.