Nevada Statewide Rule

Nevada Commercial Drone Operations Statewide Framework

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nevada (2026)

Key Facts

Federal rule: FAA Part 107
Critical facility rule: NRS 493.109
Max altitude: 400 feet AGL
Buffer: 500 ft / 250 ft; 5-mi airport
Penalty: Misdemeanor; no local preemption statute

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Nevada Legislature

Summary

Commercial drone operators in Nevada must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and follow NRS 493. NRS 493.109 bars flying within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of a critical facility, or within 5 miles of an airport, without consent.

NRS 493.109 Unmanned aerial vehicles: Operation near critical facility or within 5 miles of airport prohibited; exceptions; penalty. 1. A person shall not operate an unmanned aerial vehicle within: (a) A horizontal distance of 500 feet or a vertical distance of 250 feet from a critical facility without the written consent of the owner of the critical facility. (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, 5 miles of an airport.

Source: Nevada LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Commercial drone use in Nevada is governed by FAA Part 107 combined with NRS Chapter 493. Operators must hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate, keep visual line of sight or obtain a waiver, fly under 400 feet AGL, and avoid controlled airspace without LAANC authorization. NRS 493.109 prohibits operating within 500 feet horizontally or 250 feet vertically of a critical facility, or within 5 miles of an airport, without written consent; NRS 493.103 allows trespass suits for flights below 250 feet over private property. Nevada has no statute expressly preempting local drone rules, though cities generally regulate only takeoff and landing on public land.

Violations & Penalties

Operating commercially without FAA certification is a federal violation. Flying near a critical facility or airport under NRS 493.109 is a Nevada misdemeanor, plus civil trespass liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Nevada city require its own drone business license?

Cities may require general business licenses. Nevada has no statute expressly preempting local drone rules, but state law (NRS 493) governs trespass and critical-facility flights.

Do I need permission to fly commercially over Hoover Dam or an airport?

Yes. You need FAA airspace authorization and must respect NRS 493.109's 500-foot horizontal and 250-foot vertical critical-facility buffer and the 5-mile airport limit.

Sources

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