Tennessee Recreational Drone Use Statewide Preemption

Tenn. Code Ann. Section 39-13-903 makes it a Class C misdemeanor to use a drone to capture images of persons or private property without consent in a manner that violates reasonable expectations of privacy. Section 39-13-609 prohibits drone surveillance of correctional facilities and critical infrastructure. Tennessee law generally preempts municipal drone regulation, although local airports and event-related restrictions may apply. Recreational pilots must follow FAA Part 107 hobbyist rules including registration of drones over 250 grams, line-of-sight operation, and altitude limits below 400 feet AGL.

Privacy-violating drone surveillance is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days jail and $50 fine; critical infrastructure violations escalate to Class A misdemeanors.