Lubbock, Texas Drone Laws

Overview

Lubbock is located in Texas. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Texas Government Code Chapter 423 governs drone image capture and restricts operations near correctional facilities, critical infrastructure, and event venues. Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (KLBB) operates under Class D airspace. Reese Technology Center (former Reese Air Force Base) has associated legacy airspace considerations. Texas Tech University campus and athletic venues (Jones AT&T Stadium) regularly host events that trigger restrictions under Texas Government Code § 423.0045. Lubbock's flat Llano Estacado terrain and strong wind environment are key operational factors. No Texas state drone license required beyond FAA certification.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• Texas Government Code § 423.003: Unlawful to capture images of individuals with expectation of privacy — Class C misdemeanor
• Texas Government Code § 423.004: Unlawful distribution of images captured by drone — Class C misdemeanor
• Texas Government Code § 423.0045: Prohibited locations include correctional facilities (Lubbock County Detention Center, nearby state prison units), critical infrastructure, and sports/entertainment venues during events (Jones AT&T Stadium during Texas Tech football games, United Supermarkets Arena during events)
• Texas Penal Code § 42.072: Drone surveillance used to stalk or harass is criminal
• Texas Penal Code § 30.05: Flying a drone over private property without consent may constitute criminal trespass
• 14 CFR Part 107: Maximum 400 ft AGL, Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) required, FAA registration mandatory
• KLBB Class D airspace: contact Lubbock Approach Control (LAANC) before flying within 5 NM of airport
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Code § 62.003: Drones may not disturb or harass wildlife

Permits & Registration

Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107). Recreational: FAA registration + TRUST test. No TX state drone license required.

Official Statute Links

• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.423.htm
• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.42.htm
• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.30.htm
• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PW/htm/PW.62.htm
• https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107

Local Ordinances

Lubbock enforces drone restrictions through its park use policies and general ordinances. The City of Lubbock Parks & Recreation Department prohibits drone operations in all city parks without prior written authorization. Texas Tech University (TTU) independently prohibits drone flights over its campus and athletic facilities without written authorization from TTU Risk Management — the university's policies apply to both students/staff and the general public. Jones AT&T Stadium and United Supermarkets Arena regularly trigger restrictions under Texas Government Code § 423.0045 during Big 12 athletic events.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• All City of Lubbock parks and recreation facilities: drone flight prohibited without written permit from Parks & Recreation
• Mackenzie Park: permit required; be aware of Prairie Dog Town within the park — no wildlife disturbance (Parks & Wildlife Code § 62.003)
• Texas Tech University campus: drone flights prohibited without prior written authorization from TTU Risk Management — applies to all persons
• Jones AT&T Stadium: prohibited during Texas Tech football games and major events per Texas Government Code § 423.0045
• United Supermarkets Arena: prohibited during events per Texas Government Code § 423.0045
• Lubbock County Detention Center and state correctional units in the region: prohibited per Texas Government Code § 423.0045
• Reese Technology Center (former Reese AFB, west Lubbock): industrial/commercial complex — contact facility management before flying
• KLBB Class D airspace: LAANC authorization required for flights within 5 NM of airport
• Private farmland: Texas trespass laws strictly enforced — obtain written landowner permission

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: City of Lubbock Parks & Recreation Department, (806) 775-2673, www.mylubbock.us/parks

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Open farmland and cotton fields south and east of Lubbock with landowner permission (outside KLBB Class D — beyond 5 NM)
• Private ranchland in Lubbock County with written landowner consent and appropriate LAANC clearance
• Designated LAANC-authorized grid cells — check Aloft or Kittyhawk apps for current authorizations around KLBB
• City parks with advance written permit from Parks & Recreation (apply 2–3 weeks in advance)
• Private commercial/industrial property with landowner permission outside Class D

Areas to Avoid

• KLBB Class D airspace (5 NM radius) — LAANC required
• Reese Technology Center (KLUE) vicinity — coordinate with facility management
• Texas Tech University campus — TTU written authorization required
• Jones AT&T Stadium during Texas Tech football games and events
• United Supermarkets Arena during events
• Lubbock County Detention Center vicinity
• Mackenzie Park during crowded events (Prairie Dog Town area)
• All city parks without permit

Weather Considerations

Lubbock sits atop the Llano Estacado (High Plains) at 3,200 ft MSL — one of the flattest terrains in North America. This means persistent and strong southwest winds year-round, averaging 13–15 mph with frequent gusts to 30–40 mph, especially March–June. Spring brings severe thunderstorm risk with large hail and tornadoes. Dust storms (haboobs) are common in spring. Summer temperatures reach 95–100°F. Monitor NWS Lubbock (weather.gov/lub) for wind advisories. Density altitude at 3,200 ft MSL significantly reduces drone performance on hot summer days.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: October–November (stable air, 50–70°F, fewer wind events, post-storm season). Good: December–February (calm and cool, some fog). AVOID: March–May (peak wind season — sustained 25+ mph winds common, also tornado/hail risk), June–August (extreme heat plus high density altitude degrades battery and motor performance). Always check winds aloft — surface observations from KLBB are most relevant. Morning flights before 10 AM recommended spring through fall.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ Texas state regulations
• ✓ Lubbock local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety