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Mohave County, AZ Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State preemption
A.R.S. § 13-3729
Registration
Over 250 grams
Altitude
Below 400 feet
Test
FAA TRUST required
Lake Mead / parks
Federal no-drone rules

Summary

Arizona law A.R.S. § 13-3729 preempts Mohave County from regulating drones, so recreational flights follow FAA rules under 49 U.S.C. § 44809: register drones over 250 grams, pass the TRUST test, stay below 400 feet, keep visual line of sight.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Mohave County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Except as authorized by law, a city, town or county may not enact or adopt any ordinance, policy or rule that relates to the ownership or operation of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system or otherwise engage in the regulation of the ownership or operation of an unmanned aircraft or an unmanned aircraft system.

Source: Arizona Revised StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Mohave County cannot pass its own drone ban. A.R.S. § 13-3729 reserves drone regulation to the state and voids conflicting local ordinances. Recreational pilots therefore fly under the FAA's Exception for Recreational Flyers, 49 U.S.C. § 44809: register any drone over 250 grams, pass the free TRUST test, keep the aircraft within visual line of sight, stay below 400 feet, and give way to crewed aircraft. The county's narrow remaining power is to regulate takeoff and landing from its own parks. Federal no-drone rules apply over Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon-area parks, and airspace near the Kingman, Lake Havasu, and Laughlin/Bullhead airports may require FAA LAANC authorization before you fly.

Violations & Fines

FAA penalties for unregistered or unsafe recreational flight can run into the thousands of dollars. National Park Service drone bans over Lake Mead carry separate federal fines. Mohave County can restrict launches only from its own parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Mohave County ban my drone?
No. A.R.S. § 13-3729 reserves drone regulation to the state and voids local ordinances. The county may only regulate takeoff and landing from its own parks.
Can I fly a drone over Lake Mead?
No. The National Park Service prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. That is a federal rule, separate from FAA airspace limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Mohave County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsFew Restrictions

All Mohave County rules

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