Nevada Drone Laws

Overview

Nevada follows federal FAA Part 107 regulations for commercial and recreational drone operations. Private property trespass and harassment laws apply.

Key State Laws & Restrictions

The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Nevada. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.

• 14 CFR 107: Maximum altitude 400 feet AGL (above ground level)
• 14 CFR 107.19: Remote Pilot must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times
• 14 CFR 107.21: Remote Pilot must not fly in a manner that interferes with manned aircraft
• 14 CFR 107.39: No flight over moving vehicles or people
• Private property trespass laws apply — unauthorized flight over private land is illegal
• Check B4UFLY and LAANC for airspace restrictions before every flight
• Recreational drones: No commercial purpose; must register with FAA
• Nevada Revised Statutes § 200.575: Stalking
• Nevada Revised Statutes § 200.571: Harassment
• Nevada Division of Wildlife: Wildlife protection
• Las Vegas Harry Reid International: Class B airspace LAANC required
• Reno-Tahoe International: Class B airspace required
• Nevada Department of Education: School airspace protection
• Nevada Department of Health: Hospital airspace protection
• Nevada Public Utilities Commission: Utility infrastructure protection
• Nev. Rev. Stat. § 493.103: Trespass action for low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle over private property — Creates a trespass cause of action against the owner/operator of an unmanned aerial vehicle flown below specified heights over private property under stated conditions.
• Nev. Rev. Stat. § 493.109: Operation near critical facility or within 5 miles of airport prohibited — Restricts operation of unmanned aerial vehicles near critical facilities and airports.
• Nev. Rev. Stat. § 493.112: Operation by law enforcement agency; warrant requirements — Regulates law enforcement use of unmanned aerial vehicles and imposes warrant requirements in certain cases.

State-Enacted Drone Statutes

The following statutes expressly reference drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), UAVs, or unpiloted aircraft and have been enacted into law in Nevada.

Permits & Licensing

Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.

Recreational Flying in Nevada

Recreational drone pilots in Nevada must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:

• Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
• Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
• Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
• Maintain visual line of sight at all times
• Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
• Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
• Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws

Commercial Operations (Part 107) in Nevada

Commercial drone operations in Nevada require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:

• Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
• Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
• Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
• Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
• Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
• Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
• Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations

Airspace & Restricted Areas

Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in Nevada must respect federal airspace designations:

• Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
• National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
• Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
• Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
• Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.

Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.

Official Resources & Statute Links

• https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/
• https://faadronezone.faa.gov/
• https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/chapter-493/statute-493-103/
• https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/chapter-493/statute-493-109/
• https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/chapter-493/statute-493-112/

Additional federal resources: FAA UAS · B4UFLY · LAANC