Tennessee preempts most local drone regulation under Tenn. Code 39-13-902 and 39-13-903, restricting cities to limited authority while state law and FAA rules govern recreational unmanned aircraft operations.
Tenn. Code Ann. Section 39-13-903 makes it a Class C misdemeanor to use a drone to capture images of persons or private property without consent in a manner that violates reasonable expectations of privacy. Section 39-13-609 prohibits drone surveillance of correctional facilities and critical infrastructure. Tennessee law generally preempts municipal drone regulation, although local airports and event-related restrictions may apply. Recreational pilots must follow FAA Part 107 hobbyist rules including registration of drones over 250 grams, line-of-sight operation, and altitude limits below 400 feet AGL.
Privacy-violating drone surveillance is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days jail and $50 fine; critical infrastructure violations escalate to Class A misdemeanors.
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