Drone Rules in Tyler, TX (2026)
2 verified drone rules for Tyler, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Recreational drones in Tyler follow FAA rules, not a local ordinance. Register any drone weighing 0.55 pounds or more, pass the TRUST test, and stay below 400 feet. Texas law makes drone surveillance of people or private property a crime.
Tyler Recreational Drone Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Gov't Code Sec. 423.003
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. ... An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Commercial Drones
Commercial drone operators in Tyler need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; the city issues no separate permit. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 restricts capturing images of people or private property, and state no-fly rules protect critical infrastructure and sports venues.
Tyler Commercial Drone Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Gov't Code Sec. 423.004
A person commits an offense if the person: (1) captures an image in violation of Section 423.003; and (2) possesses, discloses, displays, distributes, or otherwise uses that image. ... An offense under this section for the possession of an image is a Class C misdemeanor. An offense under this section for the disclosure, display, distribution, or other use of an image is a Class B misdemeanor.
Looking for Smith County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tyler city rules.
Drone Rules in Smith County →