Louisiana Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Louisiana maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with state law preempting local regulations and targeted restrictions on surveillance, critical infrastructure, and law enforcement interference. The state has enacted multiple drone-specific laws addressing privacy, trespass, voyeurism, and public safety, while federal Part 107, TRUST, and Remote ID rules apply to all operators. Several bills are pending in the 2026 Regular Session that may further amend criminal penalties and operational restrictions for UAS. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements, and recreational operators must complete the FAA TRUST exam.
State Drone Laws
La. HB 1029 (2014)Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft System
Creates the crime of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system, defined as intentional use of a drone to conduct surveillance of a targeted facility without the owner's prior written consent.
La. SB 183 (2015)Regulation of UAS in Agricultural Commercial Operations
Regulates the use of unmanned aircraft systems in agricultural commercial operations in Louisiana.
La. HB 19 (2016)Prohibition of Drone Surveillance of Schools and Correctional Facilities
Prohibits using a drone to conduct surveillance of a school, school premises, or correctional facilities without authorization.
La. SB 141 (2016)Criminal Trespass by Unmanned Aircraft
Specifies that surveillance by an unmanned aircraft constitutes criminal trespass under certain circumstances, extending existing trespass law to UAS operations.
La. HB 335 (2016)Registration and Licensing Fees for UAS
Authorizes the establishment of registration and licensing fees for unmanned aircraft systems in Louisiana, with a maximum limit of $100 per registration or license.
La. HB 635 (2016)Drone Use in Voyeurism and Video Voyeurism Crimes
Adds the use of unmanned aircraft systems as a method by which the crimes of voyeurism and video voyeurism may be committed under Louisiana law.
La. SB 73 (2016)Drone Interference with Law Enforcement and Emergency Response
Adds intentionally crossing a police cordon using a drone to the crime of obstructing an officer. Also authorizes law enforcement or fire department personnel to disable unmanned aircraft systems in the area if they endanger the public or an officer's safety.
La. SB 69 (2017)State Preemption of UAS Regulation
Specifies that only the state of Louisiana may regulate unmanned aircraft systems, preempting local government regulation of drones. Local ordinances or regulations inconsistent with this statute are invalid.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Audubon Nature Institute Parks
countyPark Rules — Drone Prohibition
Prohibits the use of drones in any parks owned or managed by the Audubon Nature Institute. This is a private land management policy rather than a governmental ordinance, and therefore may not conflict with the state preemption statute.
Restrictions
No drone operations permitted in Audubon Nature Institute Parks.
New Orleans
cityCity Park New Orleans — Drone Prohibition
Prohibits the use of drones within New Orleans City Park. Violation results in revocation of park pass. Note: The enforceability of this ordinance as a governmental regulation may be limited by the state preemption statute (La. SB 69, 2017), though park management rules on private or quasi-private property may be separately enforceable.
Restrictions
No drone flights within City Park. Violation may result in park pass revocation.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful use of unmanned aircraft system for facility surveillance (La. HB 1029, 2014) | Crime of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft system | First offense: up to $500; Second offense: up to $1,000 | First offense: up to 6 months; Second offense: up to 1 year | Louisiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Applies to intentional surveillance of a targeted facility without the owner's prior written consent |
| Drone surveillance of school, school premises, or correctional facilities (La. HB 19, 2016) | Criminal violation | Up to $2,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Specific statutory protection for schools and correctional institutions; applies to unauthorized surveillance |
| Crossing police cordon with drone / Obstructing officer (La. SB 73, 2016) | Crime of obstructing an officer | Law Enforcement | Law enforcement and fire personnel are authorized to disable the UAS if it endangers public or officer safety. Specific penalties follow the obstructing an officer statute. | ||
| Voyeurism or video voyeurism using a drone (La. HB 635, 2016) | Criminal voyeurism / video voyeurism | Local Law Enforcement | Penalties follow the general voyeurism and video voyeurism statutes, enhanced by use of a UAS as the surveillance device | ||
| Criminal trespass by unmanned aircraft (La. SB 141, 2016) | Criminal trespass | Local Law Enforcement | Penalties follow the general criminal trespass statute as applied to UAS surveillance |
Unlawful use of unmanned aircraft system for facility surveillance (La. HB 1029, 2014)
Applies to intentional surveillance of a targeted facility without the owner's prior written consent
Drone surveillance of school, school premises, or correctional facilities (La. HB 19, 2016)
Specific statutory protection for schools and correctional institutions; applies to unauthorized surveillance
Crossing police cordon with drone / Obstructing officer (La. SB 73, 2016)
Law enforcement and fire personnel are authorized to disable the UAS if it endangers public or officer safety. Specific penalties follow the obstructing an officer statute.
Voyeurism or video voyeurism using a drone (La. HB 635, 2016)
Penalties follow the general voyeurism and video voyeurism statutes, enhanced by use of a UAS as the surveillance device
Criminal trespass by unmanned aircraft (La. SB 141, 2016)
Penalties follow the general criminal trespass statute as applied to UAS surveillance
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Louisiana has authorized the establishment of registration and licensing fees for UAS (La. HB 335, 2016) with a maximum limit of $100, but no mandatory state registration program has been implemented. Federal registration with the FAA is required for all unmanned aircraft weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g), whether operated recreationally or commercially.
No state-level permit requirement is currently in force. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements, including Remote Pilot Certificate and aircraft registration. Recreational operators must comply with FAA recreational rules and complete the TRUST exam.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone pilots in Louisiana must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule.
All commercial drone operations in Louisiana are subject to FAA Part 107 requirements, including Remote Pilot Certificate, aircraft registration, and operational limitations (400 feet AGL maximum altitude in uncontrolled airspace, visual line-of-sight, daylight operations unless waived, etc.). State criminal laws supplement but do not replace federal requirements.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Hobbyist drone pilots must complete the FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test.
Recreational operators in Louisiana must take and pass the TRUST exam before flying, and comply with FAA recreational model aircraft rules, including aircraft registration for devices over 0.55 lbs (250g). Operators must fly within FAA-recognized community-based organization safety guidelines.
Remote ID Compliance
All UAS operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements effective September 2023.
As of September 16, 2023, all small unmanned aircraft operated in U.S. airspace must comply with Remote ID requirements, broadcasting identification and location information. Non-compliance may result in certificate suspension or civil penalties. Louisiana state law does not address Remote ID, leaving this entirely to federal regulation.
Airspace Authorization via LAANC and DroneZone
LAANC and FAA DroneZone provide airspace authorization and notification for Louisiana operators.
Louisiana operators must use LAANC for real-time airspace authorization at controlled airports and FAA DroneZone for waivers and authorizations not covered by LAANC. B4UFLY provides a mobile tool to check airspace restrictions before each flight.
State Law Enforcement Authority to Disable UAS
Louisiana's SB 73 (2016) authorizes disabling of UAS by law enforcement — potential conflict with federal airspace jurisdiction.
Louisiana SB 73 permits law enforcement and fire personnel to disable UAS that endanger public or officer safety. This may create tension with the FAA's exclusive authority over navigable airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 40103. The legality of state-authorized UAS disabling without federal authorization remains an unresolved area of federal-state law.
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Pending HB 429 (2026) could intersect with federal critical infrastructure protection laws.
HB 429 proposes adding theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism under Louisiana law. If enacted, drone-related unauthorized access to critical infrastructure could carry enhanced terrorism-related penalties, overlapping with federal statutes such as 18 U.S.C. § 1030 and FAA critical infrastructure airspace restrictions.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at major Louisiana airports including MSY, BTR, SHV, and LFT. Operators should use LAANC for real-time airspace authorization in controlled airspace.
Major Airports
MSY — Louis Armstrong New Orleans International AirportBTR — Baton Rouge Metropolitan AirportSHV — Shreveport Regional AirportLFT — Lafayette Regional AirportMLU — Monroe Regional AirportAEX — Alexandria International Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may be issued around major events (e.g., Mardi Gras, Essence Festival, LSU Tiger Stadium game days), military installations, and critical infrastructure sites. Operators must check the FAA website for active TFRs before each flight. Super Bowl and major sporting events generate significant airspace restrictions.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Federal agencies boost drone violation penalties after detection over Fort McNair
enforcementFederal agencies announced increased enforcement and civil penalty actions for drone violations detected over sensitive federal installations, with national implications for operators near military or federal sites.
FAA steps up enforcement against reckless drone pilots
enforcementFAA announced increased enforcement actions against unauthorized and unsafe drone operations nationwide, including civil penalties and certificate actions.
FAA stepping up drone restriction enforcement ahead of Super Bowl
enforcementFAA and FBI announced comprehensive drone restrictions and increased enforcement around Super Bowl LX airspace. New Orleans, as a recurring major event city, faces periodic enhanced UAS enforcement during large gatherings.
Pending Legislation
HB 155Scheduled for floor debateProvides relative to unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system
Proposes amendments to existing unlawful use of unmanned aircraft system statutes, addressing criminal penalties and operational restrictions for UAS. Details of specific amendments require verification against the full bill text.
Last action: March 26, 2026
HB 265In CommitteeProvides relative to conduct that constitutes the crime of video voyeurism
Proposes amendments to the crime of video voyeurism under Louisiana law, potentially including or clarifying drone-related surveillance conduct and updating definitions to address evolving technology.
Last action: March 9, 2026
HB 940In CommitteeProvides relative to the unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system
Proposes additional amendments to the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft system statutes, potentially expanding prohibited activities or modifying penalties. Bill text requires further review for specific changes.
Last action: March 9, 2026
HB 429Passed to 3rd readingAdds theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism
Adds theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism under Louisiana law. If enacted, drone operations used to conduct unauthorized entry or surveillance of critical infrastructure could trigger enhanced terrorism-related criminal penalties.
Last action: March 26, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University (LSU) | LSU requires all drone flights on campus property to be pre-approved by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Tiger Stadium has a FAA-designated TFR during home football game days. Flights over occupied buildings and crowds are prohibited. Restrictions: EHS pre-approval required for all campus UAS operations. Tiger Stadium TFR during football games. No flights over campus buildings or populated areas. Must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety |
| Tulane University | Tulane University restricts drone operations on its uptown New Orleans campus. Operators must obtain advance written authorization from university administration. The campus is located within New Orleans Class B/C airspace requiring LAANC authorization. Restrictions: Advance written authorization required from university administration. Must comply with FAA airspace requirements for New Orleans area. No unauthorized flights over campus buildings or events. | Yes | Tulane University Administration / Office of Risk Management |
| University of New Orleans (UNO) | The University of New Orleans has policies restricting unauthorized drone flights on campus property, consistent with Louisiana state law and FAA regulations. UNO's lakefront campus location involves specific airspace considerations. Restrictions: Unauthorized drone flights on campus are prohibited. Must comply with all applicable FAA regulations. Contact university administration for authorization. | Yes | UNO Administration / Environmental Health & Safety |
| Loyola University New Orleans | Loyola University New Orleans prohibits unauthorized drone operations on campus property. Operators requiring access for academic or research purposes must obtain prior written approval. Restrictions: No unauthorized drone operations on campus. Prior written approval required for academic or research use. Must comply with all FAA requirements. | Yes | Loyola University Administration |
| Southern University and A&M College | Southern University Baton Rouge requires authorization for drone operations on campus property. As a historically Black university with significant campus events, TFRs may apply during major gatherings. Restrictions: Authorization required for drone operations on campus. Must comply with FAA regulations and any applicable TFRs during campus events. | Yes | Southern University Administration / Campus Safety |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.1). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
Stay Compliant
Stay Compliant. Stay Organized.
Now that you know Louisiana's drone laws, let PilotLedger help you stay on top of compliance. Manage your quotes, invoices, clients, and run your drone business from one platform.