Nevada Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Nevada maintains a moderate stance on drone regulation, balancing recreational and commercial operations with targeted restrictions. The state is distinguished by exceptionally strong property owner protections through treble damages provisions, rigorous critical infrastructure and airport safeguards, and recent government procurement restrictions on certain manufacturers. Commercial operations are permitted under FAA Part 107 with minimal additional state requirements.
State Drone Laws
NRS 493.100Dangerous Flying: Penalty
Prohibits acrobatic, trick flying, dangerously low-level flying, or reckless dropping of objects over heavily populated areas. Includes explicit carve-out allowing acrobatic flying in parks unless operator acts with reckless disregard for safety and willful indifference to injuries.
NRS 493.103Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Trespass and Treble Damages
Property owners may sue for trespass and recover treble (3x) damages, attorney fees, and court costs if a drone operates below 250 feet over their property after prior written notice of prohibition. Commercial operators licensed by FAA and conducting lawful business are exempt if operations do not unreasonably interfere with property use. HOAs cannot impose stricter drone restrictions than state law.
NRS 493.106Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Weaponization Prohibited
Prohibits attaching any weapon to a drone or operating a weaponized drone. Enhanced penalties apply if weapon is discharged from the drone.
NRS 493.109Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Operation Near Critical Facilities and Airports
Prohibits operating drones within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of critical facilities (petroleum refineries, chemical plants, power plants, water treatment plants, mining facilities, pipelines, rail yards, ports, jails, prisons) without written consent. Also prohibits operations within 5 miles of airports without proper authorization.
NRS 493.112Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Law Enforcement Warrant Requirements
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance in areas where individuals have reasonable expectations of privacy. Warrants limited to 10 days and may be renewed. Exceptions allow operation for exigent circumstances, with consent, search and rescue, imminent threats, or state emergencies. Evidence obtained without warrant is inadmissible.
NRS 493.115Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Public Agency Operation and DJI Restriction
Public agencies must register drones with Department of Public Safety and comply with state regulations. Effective January 1, 2025 (via SB 11), Nevada public agencies are prohibited from purchasing or operating drones manufactured by entities flagged under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act, currently including DJI. Public agencies cannot use drones to assist law enforcement or conduct criminal prosecutions.
NRS 493.118Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Public Agency Registry
Department of Public Safety establishes and maintains a registry of unmanned aerial vehicles operated by public agencies. Public agencies must submit operator names and contact information, drone identification, and statement of intended use to the Department.
NRS 493.130Operation of Aircraft While Under Influence or in Reckless Manner
Prohibits operating any aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled substances, or in a careless or reckless manner that endangers life or property. Applies same standards to UAS as manned aircraft.
Assembly Bill 239Revises Definition of Aircraft to Include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Amended Nevada law to include unmanned aerial vehicles in the definition of 'aircraft' under Title 44 Chapter 493. Establishes comprehensive regulatory framework for drone operations including restrictions on weaponization, operations near airports, and critical infrastructure protection.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Las Vegas
cityCode Chapter 13.58.020 - Launching and Landing Prohibition
Prohibits launching and landing of any aircraft, including drones, on public streets, highways, parking lots, or other public right-of-way
Restrictions
No drone launch or landing permitted on public streets, highways, or public parking lots. Exceptions: aircraft operated by government entities, authorized by City Council, or necessary to protect life or property.
Las Vegas
cityCode Chapter 13.36.020 - Park and Recreation Area Prohibition
Prohibits remote control airplanes and drones in city parks and recreational facilities
Restrictions
No drones in Las Vegas City Parks, recreational facilities, or public plazas, including parking areas serving these facilities. Note: City Drone Operations Program Manager has indicated drones are allowed in some parks with compliance with standard safety rules.
Washoe County
countyCode 95.150 - County Parks Drone Restrictions
Prohibits drone use in county parks except by permit or in designated areas
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in all Washoe County parks unless authorized by special permit or in designated drone-operating areas. Operations must not cause disruption of peace or threat to public safety.
Clark County
countyClark County Parks Drone Policy - Expanded Locations
Designates 28 parks where recreational drone operations are permitted; expanded from 8 approved parks in November 2025
Restrictions
Drones allowed only in designated parks including Desert Breeze Park, Mountain's Edge Regional Park, Lone Mountain Park, Bennett Airfield, Silver Bowl Park, Horseman Park, Clark County Shooting Complex, James Regional Park, and 20 additional parks. FPV racing drones require special use permit from Parks and Recreation Department.
City of Henderson
cityHenderson Parks Drone Policy
Unmanned aircraft operations permitted only in designated parks during normal operating hours
Restrictions
Drones limited to designated parks: Amador Vista Park, Cornerstone Park, Hidden Falls Park, Mission Hills Park. All operations must comply with Nevada, city, and federal regulations.
Nevada State Parks
countyNevada State Parks Drone Prohibition
Drones prohibited throughout state park system except in designated areas or with special permit
Restrictions
No drone operations in state parks without permit approval or specific park supervisor designation for activities.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone trespass below 250 feet over private property (NRS 493.103) | Civil Action (Trespass) | Treble (3x) actual damages awarded | None (civil liability only) | Private civil action by property owner | Additionally recoverable: reasonable attorney fees, court costs, and injunctive relief preventing future flights. Applies after property owner has given prior written notice. Exception for FAA-licensed commercial operators conducting lawful business. |
| Weaponization of drone without discharge (NRS 493.106) | Category D Felony | Up to $5,000 | 1-4 years | Nevada State Police / Local Law Enforcement / Federal authorities | Attaching or possessing weapon attachment on drone |
| Weaponization with discharge (NRS 493.106) | Category C Felony | Up to $10,000 | 1-5 years | Nevada State Police / Local Law Enforcement / Federal authorities | Discharge of weapon from weaponized drone constitutes enhanced felony |
| Operation within critical facility buffer or airport without authorization (NRS 493.109) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Nevada State Police / Local Law Enforcement / FAA | Applies to flights within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of critical infrastructure; also 5-mile airport buffer without proper authorization |
| Acrobatic flying over populated areas with reckless disregard (NRS 493.100) | Misdemeanor | Varies | Varies | Nevada State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Exception for park operations unless pilot acts with reckless disregard for safety and willful indifference to injuries |
| Operating aircraft under influence or recklessly (NRS 493.130) | Gross Misdemeanor | Varies | Varies | Nevada State Police / Local Law Enforcement / FAA | Applies to operation while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or in manner that endangers life or property |
Drone trespass below 250 feet over private property (NRS 493.103)
Additionally recoverable: reasonable attorney fees, court costs, and injunctive relief preventing future flights. Applies after property owner has given prior written notice. Exception for FAA-licensed commercial operators conducting lawful business.
Weaponization of drone without discharge (NRS 493.106)
Attaching or possessing weapon attachment on drone
Weaponization with discharge (NRS 493.106)
Discharge of weapon from weaponized drone constitutes enhanced felony
Operation within critical facility buffer or airport without authorization (NRS 493.109)
Applies to flights within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of critical infrastructure; also 5-mile airport buffer without proper authorization
Acrobatic flying over populated areas with reckless disregard (NRS 493.100)
Exception for park operations unless pilot acts with reckless disregard for safety and willful indifference to injuries
Operating aircraft under influence or recklessly (NRS 493.130)
Applies to operation while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or in manner that endangers life or property
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Nevada does not impose state-level registration for recreational or commercial drone operators. Federal FAA registration is required for drones over 250g. Public agencies must register all drones with Nevada Department of Public Safety.
No state-wide permit required for general recreational or commercial operations. Specific jurisdictions (state parks, city parks, some county areas) may require local permits, approvals, or may restrict operations to designated zones. Clark County parks require special use permit for FPV racing.
Not mandated by Nevada state law, but strongly recommended for commercial operations
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information
Effective March 2024. All drones over 250g must be FAA-registered and comply with Remote ID rules to broadcast drone location and operator information. Nevada pilots must equip drones with Remote ID capability before flying.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Commercial operators must hold FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
No state-level Nevada commercial license required. Part 107 test costs $175, covers 60 questions on airspace, weather, and regulations. Certificate valid 24 months. Commercial operations in Nevada are otherwise unregulated at state level, but all federal rules and state trespass/critical infrastructure laws apply.
FAA Registration
All drones over 250g must register with FAA
$5 for 3-year registration via FAADroneZone. Required for all recreational and commercial operations. Public agencies must also register with Nevada Department of Public Safety.
LAANC Authorization System
Authorization required for controlled airspace operations
Available at 726 U.S. airports, but NOT at Harry Reid International. Part 107 pilots must use FAA DroneZone manual process for Las Vegas airspace (days to weeks approval). Recreational pilots have no authorization pathway in controlled airspace.
National Airspace System Restrictions
Federal airspace classifications supersede state law
Las Vegas Strip in Class B airspace of Harry Reid International. Reno area in Class C. Other areas in Class D or uncontrolled Class G. Federal restrictions cannot be overridden by state law; Nevada law can only add restrictions.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
NRS 493.109 — Operation of UAV near critical facility or within 5 miles of airport prohibited
Penalty: Misdemeanor
Civil liability: NRS 493.103 provides a separate civil action for trespass against UAV operators with treble damages, attorney's fees, costs, and injunctive relief
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Nevada pairs criminal CI restrictions with a separate civil trespass cause of action under NRS 493.103, including treble damages — operators face concurrent criminal and civil exposure.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is NOT available at Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran/Las Vegas). Part 107 certified pilots must apply through FAA DroneZone for airspace authorizations, which can take days to weeks. Recreational pilots have no authorization pathway in controlled airspace around Harry Reid. This makes the Las Vegas Strip a practical no-fly zone for most operators.
Major Airports
HND — Harry Reid International AirportRNO — Reno-Tahoe International AirportMultiple smaller regional airports throughout state
TFR Notice
Las Vegas Strip sits in Class B airspace requiring special authorization. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) issued for major events (Super Bowl, conventions, public gatherings). Approximately 85% of Nevada is federally managed, primarily Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land which generally permits drone operations outside designated wilderness areas. National Parks enforce standard NPS drone bans.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Nevada Public Sector DJI Ban Takes Effect
legislationSB 11 effective date: Nevada public agencies banned from purchasing or operating DJI drones and other equipment flagged under NDAA Section 1260H
Clark County Parks Expansion for Drone Operations
regulatory changeClark County Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Almeido signed policy expanding drone-approved parks from 8 to 28 locations in response to advocacy by Vegas Drone Meetup group. Many newly approved parks in uncontrolled airspace.
FAA Enforcement Campaign Against Drone Violations
enforcementFAA increased enforcement actions against drone operators for unsafe and unauthorized operations, with multiple civil penalties proposed
FAA DETER Program Launch
regulatory changeFAA launches DETER (Drone Enforcement Through Education and Reauthorization) program offering fast-track settlement for first-time drone violators who forfeit appeal rights
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) | UNLV requires prior approval from Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) for all drone operations on campus. Allegiant Stadium area subject to additional TFR restrictions during athletic events. Proximity to Harry Reid International Airport adds federal airspace constraints. Restrictions: EHS approval mandatory before any flight on campus. Allegiant Stadium TFR during events. No flights over buildings, crowds, parking areas, or athletic facilities without explicit authorization. Harry Reid International Airport Class B airspace requires federal authorization. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety |
| University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) | UNR requires coordination with Campus Police and Environmental Health & Safety for all drone operations on university property. Mackay Stadium area restricted during athletic events and game days. Restrictions: Campus Police and EHS coordination required before all operations. Mackay Stadium area restricted during athletic events. No unauthorized flights over campus facilities or crowds. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety and Campus Police |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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