Thinking about flying a drone in Arkansas? Good news. The state welcomes drone pilots, but there are rules you need to follow.
Some of these rules come from the government in Washington. Others come from Arkansas itself. This guide breaks them all down in plain English.
What Are Drone Laws?
A drone is a small aircraft you fly with a remote control. Some people call them UAVs or UAS. That just means “unmanned aircraft.”
Drone laws are the rules for flying these machines safely. They protect people, property, and privacy. They also keep our skies safe from crashes.
In Arkansas, two sets of rules apply. One comes from the federal government. The other comes from the state. You have to follow both. Makes sense, right?
Federal Drone Rules in Arkansas
Let’s start with the federal rules. The FAA runs these. That stands for Federal Aviation Administration.
These rules apply in every state, including Arkansas. They are kind of like the floor. Everyone stands on it.
Flying for Fun
Are you flying just for fun? Then you are a hobbyist pilot. You still have a few boxes to check.
First, you must pass the TRUST test. TRUST stands for The Recreational UAS Safety Test. It is free, and it is online. You take it once, and you keep your certificate.
Next, check your drone’s weight. Does it weigh more than 0.55 pounds? That is about 250 grams. If so, you must register it with the FAA.
Registration costs $5. It lasts for three years. You also write your registration number on the outside of your drone. So simple!
Flying for Work
Now, here’s where things change a bit. Are you flying for money or business? Then you need a Part 107 license.
To get it, you pass an FAA test. It checks what you know about flying safely. After you pass, you get a Remote Pilot Certificate.
This covers things like real estate photos, roof checks, or wedding videos. Basically, any drone work that helps a business.
Basic Flight Rules Everyone Follows
Some rules apply to all pilots. Fun or work, it does not matter.
Keep your drone below 400 feet in the air. Always keep it in your sight while flying. Don’t lose track of where it is.
Your drone also needs Remote ID. Think of it like a license plate for the sky. It tells others who is flying.
Flying near an airport? You may need special permission first. The FAA has an app called B4UFLY. It shows you where you can and cannot fly.
> Quick tip: Download the B4UFLY app before your first flight. It checks the airspace for your exact spot. Trust me, this saves headaches.
Arkansas State Drone Laws
Okay, this part is important. Arkansas has its own drone laws too. These add to the federal rules.
Most of them deal with privacy. A few deal with safety and security. Let me break them down.
The Privacy Law (Newest Update)
Here’s where it gets interesting. In 2025, Arkansas passed a new law. It is called the Arkansas Privacy Act. You may also see it listed as Act 597.
This law protects people from spying drones. It is now illegal to use a drone to photograph someone in a private place. Same goes for taking pictures of a private home.
The key phrase is “reasonable expectation of privacy.” That means a place where someone expects to be alone. Like inside their house or backyard.
Breaking this rule is a Class C misdemeanor. We will cover what that means in a minute.
But wait, there’s more. This law also lets people sue you in civil court. If you capture an image you shouldn’t, they can claim up to $5,000. If you share that image, the amount jumps to $10,000.
Wondering if this affects you? It does, if you fly near homes. Be careful where you point that camera.
The Older Privacy Law
Arkansas also has an older privacy law from 2015. People call it HB 1349. It lives in the state code as Section 5-14-138.
This one bans using drones to spy on people. No filming someone who expects privacy. No peeking into changing rooms or bathrooms.
Honestly, this is just common sense. Don’t use your drone to creep on people. Don’t be that person.
Critical Infrastructure Law
Now, let’s talk about an important safety rule. Arkansas has a law called HB 1770, also from 2015.
This law protects “critical infrastructure.” That is a fancy term for important facilities. Things our state really needs to run.
What counts as critical infrastructure? Here is the short list. Power plants and power lines. Oil refineries. Chemical and rubber factories. Fuel storage sites. Railroads and communication towers also count.
You cannot use a drone to spy on these places. You cannot record them either. Not without written permission from the owner.
A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor. Do it again, and it becomes a Class A misdemeanor. That second one is more serious.
The Sex Offender Rule
Here is one more state rule. Some people cannot own or fly drones at all.
Arkansas bans certain registered sex offenders from drone use. This applies to Level 3 and Level 4 offenders. These are the highest risk levels.
The law exists to keep people safe. Pretty straightforward.
Where You Can and Cannot Fly
Not all spots in Arkansas are open for drones. Some places have extra rules.
State parks are one example. You cannot just show up and fly. You need a Special Use Permit first.
To get one, you contact the park’s office. You fill out a form. You also send your drone registration and proof of insurance.
National parks are even stricter. Places like Hot Springs and Buffalo National River ban drones completely. No permits, no exceptions.
> Heads up: Some colleges, like the University of Arkansas, also limit drones. Always check local rules before you fly somewhere new.
Penalties and Consequences
So what happens if you break these laws? Let’s talk about the penalties. They can hit your wallet and your freedom.
In Arkansas, drone crimes are usually misdemeanors. That is less serious than a felony. But it is still no joke.
A Class C misdemeanor is the lightest. You could face up to 30 days in jail. Plus a fine up to $500.
A Class B misdemeanor is a step up. That means up to 90 days in jail. And a fine up to $1,000.
A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious. You could spend up to one year in jail. The fine can reach $2,500.
And don’t forget the FAA. Federal fines can be huge. They range from about $1,771 to over $36,000 per violation. Yikes.
Here’s a quick way to think about it. A small privacy slip is like a serious traffic ticket. But spying on a power plant? That is a whole different level.
Special Situations and Exceptions
Some rules have exceptions. The law knows real life gets messy.
Take the privacy law, for example. It does not punish accidental images. Maybe a person walked into your shot by surprise. That is different from spying on purpose.
The law also allows business and law enforcement uses. Police can fly drones under certain rules. Companies can fly for legitimate work.
Personally, I think these exceptions are fair. They protect privacy without banning all drone use. The goal is to stop bad behavior, not good pilots.
How to Fly Legally in Arkansas
Ready to fly the right way? Here is your simple game plan. Follow these steps and you will be in good shape.
First, figure out why you are flying. Fun or work? This decides whether you need TRUST or Part 107.
Second, register your drone if it weighs over 0.55 pounds. It only costs $5. Don’t skip this.
Third, check the B4UFLY app before every flight. It shows you the airspace rules for your spot.
Fourth, respect people’s privacy. Keep your camera away from homes and private areas. When in doubt, fly somewhere else.
Fifth, get permits when needed. State parks require them. So do many other special places.
You’re not alone if this feels like a lot. Most new pilots feel the same way. Take it one step at a time, and it gets easy.
How to Report a Drone Problem
What if a drone is bothering you? Maybe one is spying on your home. You have options.
For privacy issues, you can call local police. They handle state law violations. Write down what you saw, including the time and place.
For safety dangers, like a drone near a plane, call 911 right away. That is an emergency.
You can also report problems to the FAA. They handle federal violations. Keep any photos or notes you have. They help your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fly a drone in Arkansas?
It depends on why you fly. For fun, you just need to pass the free TRUST test. For business, you need an FAA Part 107 license.
Do I have to register my drone in Arkansas?
Only with the FAA, and only if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds. Arkansas does not have its own separate registration.
Can I fly my drone in Arkansas state parks?
Not without a Special Use Permit from the park office. National parks like Hot Springs ban drones completely.
Is it illegal to film my neighbor with a drone?
Yes, if they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. You could face criminal charges and a lawsuit for up to $5,000.
How high can I fly my drone in Arkansas?
The FAA limit is 400 feet above the ground. You must also keep your drone in your sight at all times.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. Flying a drone in Arkansas is totally doable. You just have to know the rules.
Remember the basics. Pass your test. Register your drone. Respect people’s privacy. And check the airspace before every flight.
The laws are mostly about safety and privacy. Follow them, and you will have a great time flying. Stay smart, stay safe, and when you are unsure, look it up or ask a lawyer.
This guide is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Laws can change, so always check official sources before you fly.
