Louisiana Statewide Rule

Louisiana Recreational Drone Rules and FAA Preemption

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Louisiana (2026)

Key Facts

State statutes: R.S. 14:283.3, 14:337
FAA test: TRUST required
Altitude ceiling: 400 feet AGL
Registration threshold: Over 0.55 lbs
First-offense penalty: Up to $500

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Louisiana State Legislature

Summary

Recreational drone flight in Louisiana is governed by FAA Part 107 and the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). State law (La. R.S. 14:283.3 and 14:337) adds privacy and surveillance crimes that apply uniformly statewide.

§2. Regulation of unmanned aerial systems and unmanned aircraft systems; preemption A. Subject to the provisions of Subsection C of this Section and except as otherwise provided by law: (1) The state shall have exclusive jurisdiction to regulate all unmanned aircraft systems and all unmanned aerial systems. (2) State law shall supersede and preempt any rule, regulation, code, or ordinance of any political subdivision or other unit of local government. Nothing in this Section shall preempt the exclusive sovereignty of airspace of the United States as set forth in 49 U.S.C. 40103. Any interpretation or application of any provision of this Section that contradicts the exclusive authority of the United States government to regulate unmanned aircraft systems and all unmanned aerial systems shall be null.

Source: Louisiana State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Federal law preempts the design, registration, and airspace operation of unmanned aircraft. Recreational pilots must register drones over 0.55 pounds with the FAA, pass the TRUST exam, fly below 400 feet AGL, keep visual line of sight, avoid controlled airspace without LAANC authorization, and yield to manned aircraft. On top of federal rules, Louisiana criminalizes use of a drone to conduct surveillance of a critical infrastructure facility (R.S. 14:337) and to capture images of an individual on private property where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (R.S. 14:283.3). These state crimes apply to recreational and commercial pilots alike.

Violations & Penalties

Conducting surveillance over critical infrastructure or capturing private images without consent under R.S. 14:283.3 and 14:337 carries fines up to $2,000 and imprisonment up to six months, increasing for repeat offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Louisiana city ban drones in its parks?

Cities cannot regulate airspace operation, but they may prohibit drone takeoff and landing from city-owned property like parks. Federal preemption prevents local rules on flight altitudes or routes.

Is it illegal to film over private property in Louisiana?

Using a drone to capture images of a person on private property where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy is a crime under R.S. 14:283.3, even if the drone is operated from public airspace.

Sources

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