Haltom City, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Recreational drone operation in Haltom City is regulated by a mix of federal, state, and local rules. Federally, recreational flyers must register any unmanned aircraft over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) with the FAA through DroneZone for 5 dollars every 3 years, obtain the mandatory TRUST certificate by completing the FAA's free online test, operate at or below 400 feet above ground level within visual line of sight, yield right of way to manned aircraft, avoid flying over people and moving vehicles, stay clear of emergencies and wildfires, and follow community-based safety guidelines such as those from the AMA. Remote ID requirements now apply to most drones. Much of Haltom City falls within the DFW Class B airspace due to proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Meacham International, requiring LAANC airspace authorization before flight through providers like AirMap or Aloft. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 (Use of Unmanned Aircraft) restricts capturing images of private property with the intent to conduct surveillance of the individual or the property without consent. Class C misdemeanor penalties apply for taking such images, and Class B misdemeanor penalties for possessing or distributing them. Section 423.0045 establishes no-fly zones over critical infrastructure facilities (power plants, refineries, water treatment, rail yards) and correctional facilities. Haltom City typically prohibits drone takeoff and landing from city parks without a Parks and Recreation permit and from public rights-of-way except those that do not interfere with traffic. Flights over outdoor stadiums and sporting events are restricted under FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions and state law. Flying over private property without permission can be a civil trespass and, in limited cases, a criminal nuisance. Recreational flights at night are permitted for recreational flyers who operate at a CBO-identified fixed site or comply with the anti-collision lighting requirement.