Travis County, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Airspace
- KAUS Class C 5 NM
- Ceiling
- 4,000 ft MSL
- Authorization
- LAANC required
- Camp Mabry
- Permanent restriction
- State Law
- TX Gov Ch. 423
Summary
Recreational drone flight in Travis County is regulated by FAA Part 107 and 49 USC §44809. Austin-Bergstrom Class C airspace covers most of Travis County, requiring LAANC authorization. Camp Mabry (TX ARNG) restricts flight near Burnet Rd.
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 defense to prosecution under this section that the person destroyed the image:(1) as soon as the person had knowledge that the image was captured in violation of this section; and(2) without disclosing, displaying, or distributing the image to a third party.
Full Breakdown
Recreational pilots must pass the TRUST test, register drones over 0.55 lb at FAADroneZone, and follow community-based organization safety guidelines. Austin-Bergstrom International (KAUS) operates Class C airspace extending to 10 nautical miles with a ceiling of 4,000 ft MSL, requiring LAANC authorization via B4UFLY before flight in most of eastern Travis County. Class C surface extends 5 NM radius around KAUS. Camp Mabry (36th Infantry Division HQ) is a DoD National Security UAS Facility with permanent flight restrictions published in FAA NOTAMs. Austin City Code §9-2-50 prohibits drones in city parks without permit. Texas Government Code Ch. 423 prohibits drone surveillance of individuals and critical infrastructure.
Violations & Fines
FAA civil penalties up to $27,500. Texas Gov Code Ch. 423 surveillance: Class C misdemeanor first offense, Class B repeat (up to $2,000, 180 days jail).
Sources & Official References
- [1]FAA B4UFLY
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.