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Drone Rules

Drone Rules in Clarksville, TN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Clarksville or are thinking about moving there, drone rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Clarksville has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of drone rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Commercial Drones

Clarksville's code contains no drone provision, so commercial operators answer to FAA Part 107 and Tennessee criminal law. Flying within 250 feet of a critical infrastructure facility without written consent is a Class E felony, subject to an FAA-authorization carve-out.

Key details: Clarksville drone ordinance: None. Critical infrastructure buffer: 250 feet. Current subdivision: § 39-13-903(a)(7). Renumbered effective: July 1, 2026. Ticketed event buffer: 400 feet.

Class E felony for a critical infrastructure flight: one to six years and a fine up to $3,000. The ticketed-event offense is a Class A misdemeanor.

Recreational Drones

No Clarksville ordinance regulates hobby drones and no park rule names them. Tennessee makes it a Class C misdemeanor to capture an image of a person or private property with intent to conduct surveillance.

Key details: Clarksville hobby drone rule: None. City park drone rule: None in code. Surveillance offense: Class C misdemeanor. School-grounds offense effective: July 1, 2026. Drone over a private yard: Can be criminal trespass.

Class C misdemeanor: up to 30 days and a fine up to $50. Criminal trespass by drone is also a Class C misdemeanor.

The Bottom Line

Clarksville's drone rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Clarksville is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Clarksville can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.