By Carly Sauvageau, Reno Gazette Journal
Though some may find it tempting, it is illegal to shoot down drones in Nevada and every other state in the United States, even if they are hovering above your property, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Doing so could result in a civil penalty from the FAA and/or criminal charges from federal, state, or local law enforcement.
Drones have become increasingly popular nationwide over the last several years.
The Department of Homeland Security notes that drones have become more affordable and, as a result, more accessible to more people, which is why unmanned aircraft are more common.
Here’s what to know about federal rules for drones and where you can and can’t fly in Reno and across Nevada.
What is a drone?
The FAA classifies drones as “small unmanned aircraft systems,” or UAS. People use drones for a variety of purposes, including aerial photography. As of July 2025, the FAA has registered more than 822,000 drones in the US, according to its website.
What is the process for lawfully operating a drone?
Drones must be registered with the FAA. Registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years.
In order to register, applicants must be:
- At least 13 years old
- A US citizen or legal permanent resident
Typically, drone operators must carry their registration certificate while flying and may face criminal penalities if they don’t.
What are the rules for flying a drone?
Drone flying requirements differ depending on whether you are a recreational flyer or a certified remote pilot.
Recreational flyers who use a drone for personal enjoyment or educational purposes must:
- Keep the drone within visual line of sight
- Not interfere with other aircraft
- Pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test
- Carry proof of registration
- Not fly their drone in a way that “endangers the safety of the national airspace system”
While flying drones over people, operators cannot fly in a “careless or reckless manner” that could harm life or property, according to the FAA.
Certified remote pilots are operators who fly for commercial, government, or other reasons and fall under “Part 107” rules, according to the FAA. In addition to knowing the rules under Part 107, certified drone pilots must be at least 16 years old and become FAA-certified by passing a knowledge test and registering the drone. The default rule set for drones weighing below 55 pounds is Part 107.
Operators who “endanger other aircraft or people on the ground” can face fines that exceed $30,000 and the FAA can suspend or revoke their pilot certificate.
Where am I not allowed to fly a drone?
Drones are permitted in “controlled and uncontrolled airspace,” but the FAA has rules and restrictions.
Drone operators should avoid flying:
- In and around stadiums that seat 30,000 or more people around the time of sporting events. Drones are barred from one hour before to one hour after the scheduled event
- Near airports
- Near facilities, such as military bases, natural landmarks, and nuclear power plants, that have national security sensitivities
- Near a wildfire or hurricane
If you plan to fly in or around Washington, D.C., be aware of stricter rules.
Where in Reno can I fly a drone?
Washoe County code allows drones and radio-controlled aircraft in specific parks and areas. To see where drones are allowed, visit the Washoe Regional Mapping System, which shows where recreational drones are allowed and where the no-fly zones are.
Is it legal to shoot down a drone in Nevada?
Shooting down a drone is illegal in Nevada and nationwide, according to the FAA.
If a drone is unsafely flying over your property, the FAA advises residents to call local law enforcement. The FAA doesn’t regulate drones for privacy. That is up to local municipalities.
Under Nevada state law, flying a drone within 250 feet of someone’s property is a civil offense. A property owner can bring a trespass action if the drone has flown over their property at least once before, the property owner or occupant told the operator they do not authorize drone flights over their home, and the drone is not taking off or landing.
If a drone operator is sued for trespass and loses the case, they could—depending on the trespass case—face charges for damages or attorney fees.
If trespassing is found to be a criminal charge, the drone operator could be charged with peeping or spying, capturing the image of another person in a private area, and/or intrusion of privacy, which are all against state law and could result in significant fines or jail time.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
