Missouri Statewide Rule
Missouri Recreational Drone Rules and Privacy Limits
Key Facts
- State surveillance statute
- None enacted
- Privacy statute
- RSMo 565.252
- Airspace authority
- FAA preempts
- Local authority
- Takeoff and landing
- Pilot rules
- FAA registration and limits
Summary
Recreational drones in Missouri follow FAA rules for registration and airspace, which preempt local flight regulation. Missouri has no drone-specific surveillance statute; using a drone to photograph someone with a privacy expectation can violate invasion-of-privacy law (RSMo 565.252).
1. A person commits the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft over an open-air facility or critical infrastructure facility if he or she purposely: (1) Operates an unmanned aircraft within a vertical distance of four hundred feet from the ground and within the property line of an open-air facility;
Full Breakdown
FAA regulations preempt most local drone airspace rules. Recreational pilots must register their aircraft, fly within visual line of sight, and follow FAA altitude and safety limits under Part 107 or the recreational exception. Missouri has not enacted a drone surveillance statute; the proposed "Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act" was introduced several times but never became law. General state law still applies: RSMo 565.252 makes it invasion of privacy to knowingly photograph or film a person in full or partial nudity, without consent, where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, which can reach a drone at a window or over a fenced yard. Cities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property but not navigable airspace.
Violations & Penalties
Invasion of privacy under RSMo 565.252 is a class A misdemeanor, rising to a class E felony for a repeat offense or dissemination. FAA violations carry separate federal civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Missouri city ban recreational drones?
Is it legal to film a neighbor with a drone in Missouri?
Sources
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