Nevada Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Nevada maintains a moderate regulatory stance toward drone operations, relying primarily on its foundational AB 239 (2015) statute, codified in NRS Chapter 493, which addresses weaponization of UAS, critical infrastructure protection, and restrictions on law enforcement use of drones. The state does not require state-level drone registration or permits beyond federal FAA requirements, and commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Local jurisdictions such as Las Vegas have enacted additional municipal restrictions in specific areas like city parks, and the 83rd (2025) Legislative Session may have introduced new UAS-related measures that warrant further monitoring.
State Drone Laws
NRS 493.100–493.170 (AB 239, 2015)Unmanned Aircraft System Regulations — Weaponization, Critical Infrastructure, Law Enforcement
Codified as NRS 493.100 through 493.170, AB 239 from the 78th (2015) Session prohibits the weaponization of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Nevada. It restricts UAS operations within a specified distance of critical facilities (including power generation, water treatment, and correctional facilities) and airports without authorization. It establishes restrictions on UAS use by law enforcement and public agencies, requiring a warrant for surveillance in most circumstances, and mandates creation of a public registry of all UAS operated by state and local government agencies.
NRS 493.010–493.090General Definitions and State Authority Over Airspace
Establishes Nevada's general framework for aeronautics, defining terms and affirming state authority over airspace. These provisions form the statutory backbone within which UAS regulations operate and establish the Nevada Department of Transportation's (NDOT) Division of Aeronautics as the primary state aeronautics authority.
NRS 493.109Prohibition on Weaponization of Unmanned Aircraft
Explicitly prohibits attaching, equipping, or operating a UAS with any weapon, including firearms, explosives, or other dangerous instruments capable of causing bodily harm or property damage. Violations constitute a category E felony.
NRS 493.112Restrictions on UAS Operations Near Critical Facilities
Prohibits the operation of a UAS within a certain distance of critical facilities — including power generation facilities, water treatment plants, correctional institutions, and airports — without the authorization of the facility operator or relevant authority. Designed to protect sensitive infrastructure from surveillance or interference by drones.
NRS 493.115–493.120Law Enforcement Use of UAS — Warrant Requirements and Restrictions
Restricts law enforcement agencies from using UAS to gather evidence or conduct surveillance without a valid warrant, with limited exceptions for emergency situations, search and rescue, wildfire monitoring, and other specified circumstances. Requires public agencies to maintain and publish records of UAS use.
NRS 493.130Public Agency UAS Registry
Requires all state and local government agencies operating UAS in Nevada to register their unmanned aircraft with the Nevada Division of Aeronautics and make registry information publicly available. Promotes transparency in government drone operations.
NRS 493.160Privacy Protections — Prohibition on UAS Surveillance of Private Property
Prohibits the use of a UAS to capture images, video, or other data of a person or private property with the intent to conduct surveillance without consent, in a manner that would be offensive to a reasonable person. Provides a civil cause of action for individuals whose privacy has been violated by UAS surveillance.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Las Vegas
cityLas Vegas City Parks Municipal Ordinance — Prohibition on Aircraft in Parks
Prohibits the use of all aircraft, including drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles, within any City of Las Vegas park property and associated parking lots. This ordinance applies to recreational and commercial operations alike within designated city park boundaries.
Restrictions
No drone operations permitted in any Las Vegas city park or associated parking areas. Violators may be subject to fines and removal from park property.
Clark County
countyClark County Parks and Recreation — Drone Use Policy
Clark County restricts drone operations within county-managed parks and recreation areas. Operators typically must obtain a special use permit from Clark County Parks and Recreation prior to conducting any drone flights on county park property, including filming or photography for commercial purposes.
Restrictions
Special use permit required for drone operations in Clark County parks. Commercial filming operations subject to additional permitting. Operations near Harry Reid International Airport subject to FAA airspace restrictions and LAANC authorization requirements.
Reno
cityCity of Reno Parks and Recreation — UAS Operations Policy
The City of Reno restricts or regulates drone operations within city-managed parks and open spaces. Operators are advised to contact the Reno Parks and Recreation Department prior to flying in city parks, particularly for commercial or event-related operations.
Restrictions
Contact Reno Parks and Recreation required for park-based drone operations. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 and may require a city filming permit. Operations near Reno/Tahoe International Airport subject to LAANC authorization.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weaponization of a UAS (attaching weapons or dangerous instruments to a drone) | Category E felony under Nevada law. Category E felonies carry 1–4 years in state prison, with possibility of probation for first offense. | ||||
| Unauthorized UAS operation over critical facilities | Gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor depending on specific circumstances. Nevada misdemeanors carry up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine; gross misdemeanors up to 364 days and/or up to $2,000 fine. | ||||
| Law enforcement UAS surveillance without warrant | Evidence obtained in violation may be suppressed; agency may face civil liability and suit. | ||||
| UAS privacy violation — surveillance of private persons or property without consent | Civil cause of action available to injured party. Actual and punitive damages may be awarded. |
Weaponization of a UAS (attaching weapons or dangerous instruments to a drone)
Category E felony under Nevada law. Category E felonies carry 1–4 years in state prison, with possibility of probation for first offense.
Unauthorized UAS operation over critical facilities
Gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor depending on specific circumstances. Nevada misdemeanors carry up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine; gross misdemeanors up to 364 days and/or up to $2,000 fine.
Law enforcement UAS surveillance without warrant
Evidence obtained in violation may be suppressed; agency may face civil liability and suit.
UAS privacy violation — surveillance of private persons or property without consent
Civil cause of action available to injured party. Actual and punitive damages may be awarded.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Nevada does not require state-level registration for privately owned or commercially operated drones. Federal FAA registration is required: recreational drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA for a $5 fee, and registration must be renewed every three years. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 certification requirements. Public agencies (state and local government) operating UAS must register their aircraft with the Nevada Division of Aeronautics as required by NRS 493.130.
No state permit is required for private recreational or commercial drone operations. Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Public agencies operating UAS must comply with NRS 493.130 registry requirements. Certain local jurisdictions (e.g., Clark County parks, City of Las Vegas parks) require separate local permits or authorization for drone operations on public property.
No state-level drone insurance mandate exists in Nevada. Some local permit programs and private property owners may require proof of liability insurance as a condition of operation, particularly for commercial filming or event-related flights.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Nevada commercial drone operators must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
All commercial drone operations in Nevada are subject to FAA Part 107 requirements, including obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate, securing airspace authorization via LAANC or FAA DroneZone waivers, and adhering to operational limitations such as altitude caps, daylight operations, and visual line-of-sight requirements. This federal framework applies statewide and supersedes any conflicting local ordinances under federal airspace preemption principles.
Recreational UAS Operations — TRUST, Remote ID, and Registration
Recreational drone pilots must comply with FAA recreational model aircraft rules, Remote ID, and registration requirements
Recreational operators in Nevada must pass the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), register drones over 0.55 lbs with the FAA, maintain visual line-of-sight operations, and comply with altitude and airspace restrictions. Remote ID compliance has been required since March 16, 2024, for most UAS operations under FAA's Remote ID Final Rule (89 FR 61744). Operators may fly at FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) without Remote ID broadcast capability if using non-compliant aircraft.
Law Enforcement and Government Operations — COA and State Registry
Nevada law enforcement and government agencies must comply with both federal COA requirements and state NRS 493.115–493.130 restrictions
Public agencies in Nevada operating UAS must register with the state Division of Aeronautics as required by NRS 493.130, and may operate under FAA Part 107 or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA). Nevada's AB 239 (NRS 493.115–493.120) imposes warrant requirements and operational restrictions on government UAS use that go beyond federal mandates, creating a supplemental layer of state privacy and accountability obligations.
Federal Airspace Preemption
Federal law preempts state and local regulation of navigable airspace, though states retain authority over land use and privacy
Under the Supremacy Clause and FAA Reauthorization Acts, the federal government retains exclusive authority over the navigable airspace of the United States. State and local ordinances that purport to regulate drone flight operations (altitude, routes, speed) in navigable airspace may be preempted. However, Nevada's state laws addressing privacy, weaponization, trespass, and land-based operational restrictions (e.g., park bans) are generally considered within the traditional state police power and not preempted by federal aviation law, consistent with the FAA's 2015 and 2017 guidance and circuit court decisions.
Remote ID Final Rule Compliance
FAA Remote ID requirements became fully enforceable in March 2024 and affect all Nevada operators
As of March 16, 2024, all UAS operating in Nevada (recreational and commercial) must comply with FAA's Remote ID Final Rule, broadcasting identification and location information during flight. Standard Remote ID UAS broadcast directly from the drone; operators of non-compliant drones must fly within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Nevada has no conflicting state Remote ID statute.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at major Nevada airports including Harry Reid International (LAS), Reno/Tahoe International (RNO), Henderson Executive (HND), North Las Vegas Airport (VGT), and several smaller general aviation fields. Operators must check current LAANC availability for their specific operating location using the FAA DroneZone or approved LAANC apps before flying in controlled airspace.
Major Airports
LAS — Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas)RNO — Reno-Tahoe International Airport (Reno)HND — Henderson Executive Airport (Henderson)VGT — North Las Vegas Airport (North Las Vegas)MMH — Mammoth Yosemite Airport (border area)ELY — Ely Airport (White Pine County)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are frequently active around Las Vegas, particularly during NFL games at Allegiant Stadium, major concerts, NASCAR events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and large-scale conventions such as CES. Reno also experiences TFRs during the National Championship Air Races and other events. Operators must check FAA NOTAM (Notices to Air Missions) and TFR notices at tfr.faa.gov before every flight. The Las Vegas metropolitan area includes multiple overlapping controlled airspace designations requiring LAANC authorization.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
83rd Session (2025) — UAS-Related Bills TBDunknownPotential UAS Legislation from Nevada's 83rd Legislative Session (2025)
Last action: Invalid Date
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) | UNLV requires prior written approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) for all drone operations on campus property, whether for academic research, administrative purposes, or contracted commercial work. The campus is located in close proximity to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), placing most of the campus within the airport's Class B or Class C surface area airspace. All operators must obtain LAANC authorization or an FAA waiver in addition to campus EHS approval. Restrictions: EHS approval required prior to any drone operations on campus. Operators must secure FAA airspace authorization (LAANC or waiver) due to proximity to Harry Reid International Airport. Operations near Allegiant Stadium subject to TFR restrictions during NFL games and other major events. Commercial drone operators working under contract for UNLV must provide proof of FAA Part 107 certification and liability insurance. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), UNLV |
| University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) | UNR requires coordination with the Office of Environmental Health & Safety and Campus Police prior to conducting any drone operations on university property. The main campus is located near Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), creating airspace constraints that necessitate FAA LAANC authorization for most campus flights. UNR's Desert Research Institute (DRI) conducts significant UAS research operations under separate research-specific authorization frameworks. Restrictions: Prior coordination with Campus Police and EHS required for all drone operations. LAANC authorization required for main campus flights due to RNO airspace proximity. Mackay Stadium and Lawlor Events Center areas subject to TFR restrictions during large athletic events. Research UAS operations through DRI may operate under separate FAA authorizations and COAs. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Campus Police, University of Nevada Reno |
| Nevada State University (NSU) | Nevada State University, located in Henderson, Nevada, requires faculty, staff, and students to comply with FAA regulations and obtain institutional approval before operating drones on campus property. Henderson is within the Las Vegas metropolitan airspace complex, requiring LAANC authorization for most operations. Restrictions: Institutional approval required prior to campus drone operations. FAA LAANC authorization required due to proximity to Las Vegas metropolitan airspace. Commercial and research operations require additional documentation. | Yes | Nevada State University — Office of the Provost or Facilities Management |
| College of Southern Nevada (CSN) | The College of Southern Nevada, with campuses across the Las Vegas Valley, requires compliance with all FAA regulations for any drone operations on or near campus property. Given the proximity of multiple campuses to controlled airspace around Harry Reid International Airport, operators must secure appropriate LAANC authorizations. Restrictions: FAA compliance and LAANC authorization required for all campus-area drone operations. Campus authorization required for research or filming activities. Multiple campuses in Las Vegas Valley fall within restricted airspace. | Yes | CSN Facilities and Safety Office |
Last Updated
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