FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions and stadium TFRs ban drone flights over large Austin events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits, and University of Texas football. Austin Code 14-8 and Texas Penal Code 423.0045 add local trespass and reckless-endangerment exposure.
Federal law (49 USC 40103 and FAA Notice 4/3621) imposes a permanent stadium TFR banning drones within three nautical miles of major outdoor stadiums seating 30,000 or more from one hour before to one hour after game time. UT Austin's Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium falls under this rule. The FAA also issues event-specific TFRs over Zilker Park during ACL Festival, the SXSW main areas, and Formula 1 weekends at Circuit of the Americas. Texas Penal Code Section 423.0045 makes drone overflight of a sports venue, correctional facility, or critical infrastructure a Class B or A misdemeanor. Austin Police and UT police can seize unauthorized drones.
Flying inside an event TFR or stadium TFR can lead to large FAA civil penalties, federal criminal charges, Texas Class B or A misdemeanor under Penal Code 423.0045, and drone seizure.
Austin, TX
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Austin, TX
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See how Austin's event drone restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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