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.

Louisiana Recreational Drones Law: Statewide Drone Rules Rules (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

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.

Louisiana Recreational Drone Rules and FAA Preemption

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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