Drone Laws in Arkansas
Your complete 2026 guide to flying drones legally in Arkansas.
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to drone laws in Arkansas.This guide covers everything you need to know about federal, state, and local drone regulations in The Natural State. Arkansas, with its beautiful landscapes ranging from the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi River Delta, offers incredible opportunities for drone pilots. However, it’s essential to be aware of the rules that govern the skies to ensure you’re flying responsibly and respecting the privacy and safety of others.
As a drone operator in Arkansas, you are subject to the regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as state-specific laws passed by the Arkansas General Assembly. This can seem complex, but we’ve broken it down into easy-to-understand sections to help you understand the rules. From registration and certification to where you can and cannot fly, we’ll cover all the essential information to ensure you’re flying legally and responsibly.
Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on Arkansas drone laws. We’ll explore the key statutes, including those related to privacy and critical infrastructure, and provide you with the resources you need to stay informed. With the drone industry rapidly evolving, staying current on these regulations is more important than ever. We are committed to ensuring that this guide reflects the latest legal landscape, so you can focus on what you do best: capturing notable aerial footage and enjoying the freedom of flight.
Federal Drone Laws That Apply in Arkansas
Federal drone laws, established by the FAA, apply in all 50 states, including Arkansas. These regulations provide a baseline for safe drone operation throughout the United States. It is essential for every drone pilot, regardless of whether they are flying for fun or for work, to be familiar with these rules. The FAA’s regulations are designed to ensure the safety of the national airspace and to protect people and property on the ground.
For Recreational Flyers
If you are flying your drone for purely recreational purposes in Arkansas, you must adhere to the FAA’s guidelines for recreational flyers. A key requirement is to take and pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). This is a free online test that provides you with essential safety information. Once you pass the test, you will receive a certificate that you must be able to provide if asked by law enforcement. The TRUST exam covers topics such as airspace restrictions, flying at night, and the importance of keeping your drone within your line of sight.
Additionally, if your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams), you must register it with the FAA. Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. Your registration number must be clearly marked on the exterior of your drone. This registration system helps the FAA to identify the owner of a drone in case of an incident.
For Commercial Pilots
For those who operate drones for commercial purposes in Arkansas, the requirements are more stringent. You must follow the FAA’s Part 107 regulations, which are designed for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). To become a certified commercial drone pilot, you must pass the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test, also known as the Part 107 exam. This will earn you a Remote Pilot Certificate, which is required to operate a drone for any business-related purpose. The Part 107 exam covers a wide range of topics, including airspace classifications, weather, and drone operations.
General Federal Regulations
All drone pilots in Arkansas must abide by the following general federal regulations:
- Fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace. This is to ensure that drones do not interfere with manned aircraft, which typically fly at higher altitudes.
- Keep your drone within your visual line of sight. This means that you should be able to see your drone with your own eyes at all times.
- Do not fly in restricted airspace without proper authorization. This includes areas around airports, military bases, and other sensitive locations.
- Do not interfere with manned aircraft. Drones must always yield the right of way to airplanes and helicopters.
- Do not fly over people or moving vehicles unless you have a waiver from the FAA. This is to prevent injuries in case of a drone malfunction.
- Do not operate your drone in a reckless manner. This includes flying under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For the most current and detailed information on federal drone laws, please refer to the official FAA website.
Arkansas-Specific Drone Laws
In addition to federal regulations, Arkansas has its own set of laws that govern the use of drones within the state. These laws primarily focus on privacy and the protection of critical infrastructure. It is important for all drone operators in Arkansas to be aware of and comply with these state-specific statutes.
Arkansas Privacy Act (HB1148)
Passed in 2025, the Arkansas Privacy Act (HB1148), now Act 597, addresses concerns about drone surveillance and the capturing of images without consent. This act makes it illegal to use a drone to take pictures of people or private property where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Specifically, the law states:
A person commits the offense of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system if he or she knowingly uses an unmanned aircraft system to capture an image of an occupied structure or another person in a place where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Violating this provision is a Class C misdemeanor. However, the law includes several exceptions, such as for law enforcement, for legitimate business purposes, or for images captured inadvertently. This law is designed to protect the privacy of individuals without stifling the legitimate use of drones for commercial and recreational purposes.
Critical Infrastructure (HB1770)
Arkansas law also protects critical infrastructure from drone surveillance. HB1770 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to knowingly use a drone to conduct surveillance of or record critical infrastructure without prior written consent from the owner or operator. Critical infrastructure is defined to include:
- Electrical power generation and delivery systems
- Petroleum refineries
- Chemical and rubber manufacturing facilities
- Water and wastewater treatment facilities
- Telecommunications facilities
- Ports, railroad switching yards, and trucking terminals
This law is in place to protect these sensitive facilities from potential threats and to ensure the security of the state’s infrastructure.
Sex Offender Restrictions (AR Code § 5-14-138)
Arkansas law prohibits registered sex offenders who have been assessed as a Level 3 or Level 4 offender from owning or operating a drone. This law is intended to prevent the use of drones for illicit purposes and to protect vulnerable populations.
For more detailed information on these laws, you can refer to the Arkansas State Legislature website.
Local and City Regulations
While Arkansas has state-level drone laws, local municipalities may also have their own ordinances. However, our research has not found any major city-specific drone regulations in Arkansas. It is always a good practice to check with the local authorities in the specific area where you plan to fly your drone. Local regulations can vary widely, so it is important to do your due diligence before you fly.
One important local regulation to be aware of concerns Arkansas State Parks. The operation of drones in any Arkansas State Park is prohibited without a Special Use Permit issued by the Director. To apply for a permit, you will need to provide a copy of your drone registration and proof of liability insurance. This regulation is in place to protect the natural beauty of the state parks and to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.
Where You Can and Can’t Fly in Arkansas
Knowing where you can and cannot fly your drone is one of the most important aspects of being a responsible pilot. In Arkansas, the following restrictions apply:
- National Parks: Drones are banned in all National Parks. This is a nationwide rule that applies to all national parks in the United States.
- State Parks: As mentioned above, flying in Arkansas State Parks requires a special permit. This is to protect the wildlife and natural resources of the parks.
- Airports: Do not fly within 5 miles of an airport without proper authorization. This is to prevent collisions with manned aircraft.
- Military Bases: Avoid flying near military installations. These are sensitive areas with strict security measures.
- Stadiums and Sporting Events: Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are often in place during major sporting events. This is to ensure the safety of the spectators and participants.
- Wilderness Areas: Check for any specific restrictions in designated wilderness areas. These areas are often protected to preserve their natural state.
Always use the B4UFLY app to check for any airspace restrictions in your planned flight location. This app provides real-time information on airspace restrictions and is an essential tool for any drone pilot.
Penalties and Enforcement
Violating drone laws in Arkansas can result in significant penalties. The FAA can impose fines ranging from $1,771 to $36,770 per violation for breaches of federal regulations. These fines can be substantial, so it is important to be aware of and comply with all applicable laws. At the state level, as previously mentioned, using a drone for unlawful surveillance of critical infrastructure is a Class B misdemeanor, while privacy violations under the Arkansas Privacy Act are a Class C misdemeanor. These misdemeanors can result in fines and even jail time.
Tips for Staying Compliant
To ensure you are always flying your drone legally and safely in Arkansas, follow these tips:
- Check the B4UFLY app before every flight to be aware of any airspace restrictions. This is the single most important thing you can do to avoid flying in restricted airspace.
- Register your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds. This is a legal requirement and can help you to be identified as the owner of your drone in case of an incident.
- Obtain the appropriate certification: TRUST for recreational flyers and a Part 107 certificate for commercial pilots. This will ensure that you have the knowledge and skills to operate your drone safely and legally.
- Respect privacy and property rights. Do not fly over private property without permission and be mindful of the privacy of others.
- Check for any local ordinances in the area where you plan to fly. Local regulations can vary, so it is important to be aware of any specific rules in your area.
- Keep your drone within your visual line of sight at all times. This is a key safety requirement that can help you to avoid collisions and other incidents.