Drone Rules in El Paso, TX (2026)
2 verified drone rules for El Paso, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Recreational drone use in El Paso is primarily governed by FAA regulations under 14 CFR Part 107 and the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations. El Paso is home to Fort Bliss, one of the largest military installations in the U.S., which creates significant restricted airspace (Class D and restricted areas) over much of the city. Drone operators must use the FAA's LAANC system or DroneZone to obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace. The city does not have a separate local drone ordinance but park rules may restrict drone use in city parks.
El Paso Recreational Drone Flying Rules
Light RestrictionsTexas Government Code Sec. 423.003 (Illegal Use of Unmanned Aircraft to Capture Image)
Sec. 423.003. OFFENSE: ILLEGAL USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT TO CAPTURE IMAGE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person uses an unmanned aircraft to capture an image of an individual or privately owned real property in this state with the intent to conduct surveillance on the individual or property captured in the image.(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.(c) It is a d...
Airport Proximity Rules
Drones flown near El Paso International Airport fall inside a zoning map covering all land within five miles of the runway, where structures and trees are height-capped under FAA Part 77 surfaces, and City Code makes clear UAS operation is regulated by federal and state law according to its purpose.
Drone Rules Near El Paso International Airport
Some RestrictionsEl Paso City Code §§ 14.08.020, 14.08.030, 14.12.050, 14.12.220
In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the area referenced herewith covers all the land within five miles of the landing area of the airport and within the territory of the United States of America. ... no structure or tree shall be erected, altered, allowed to grow, or maintained within the airport zone map to a height in excess of the applicable elevations ... shown on the Part 7...
Looking for El Paso County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement El Paso city rules.
Drone Rules in El Paso County →