Nevada Drone Preemption And Critical Facility Restrictions

Under NRS 493.103, only the Nevada Legislature may regulate the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft systems, expressly preempting cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from enacting conflicting ordinances. NRS 493.106 makes it unlawful to operate a drone within a horizontal distance of 500 feet or vertical distance of 250 feet over a critical facility, including airports, prisons, power plants, water treatment plants, and petroleum facilities. NRS 493.103 also prohibits flight below 250 feet over private property after the owner has notified the operator. Operators must comply with FAA Part 107 for commercial use and the Recreational UAS Safety Test for hobby flight. Local governments retain authority over takeoff and landing on government-owned land.

Flying over a critical facility is a misdemeanor on first offense and a category E felony on subsequent offenses, with civil liability for trespass and privacy harms.