Arkansas Recreational Drone Privacy and Preemption Law

Arkansas Code 5-60-103 (unlawful use of unmanned vehicle or aircraft) makes it a Class B misdemeanor to use a drone to conduct video surveillance of a private place where someone has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Arkansas Code 5-60-104 prohibits drone operation over critical infrastructure such as power plants, refineries, and correctional facilities below 400 feet without authorization, a Class A misdemeanor. State law largely occupies the field, limiting cities' ability to regulate flight altitude, registration, or airspace. Recreational operators must register drones over 0.55 lbs with the FAA, pass TRUST, fly under 400 feet, and avoid restricted airspace.

Privacy or critical infrastructure violations are misdemeanors with up to 1 year jail and $2,500 fines. Federal FAA penalties may add civil fines up to $27,500 per violation.