Tennessee Drones

Drone Privacy & Surveillance Laws

Tennessee: Using drones for surveillance or harassing others is prohibited. Privacy laws may apply to drone photography.

DRONE PRIVACY LAWS

TENNESSEE LAW
Check state statutes for specific drone privacy provisions.

GENERAL PRIVACY PRINCIPLES
• Cannot use drones to surveil individuals without consent
• Cannot harass or stalk using drones
• Photography expectations vary by location
• Over private property below 350ft may require consent (CA)

COMMON VIOLATIONS
• Flying over someone's backyard to photograph
• Following individuals with a drone
• Recording in areas with expectation of privacy
• Peeping/voyeurism using drone camera

PHOTOGRAPHY RIGHTS
Public Spaces: Generally allowed to photograph
Private Property: May need consent, especially at low altitude
Commercial Use: Additional releases may be needed

LAW ENFORCEMENT
Many states restrict law enforcement drone use:
• Warrant requirements
• Data retention limits
• Public notice requirements

IF SOMEONE FILES COMPLAINT
• You may face trespass charges
• Harassment or stalking charges possible
• FAA complaint can result in fines up to $27,500
• Criminal charges possible for peeping/voyeurism

Drone in State Parks - Varies

Tennessee state parks: Drone flying varies. Check park-specific rules before flying.

DRONES IN TENNESSEE STATE PARKS

GENERAL RULE
Tennessee: Drone flying in state parks is VARIES.

COMMON STATE PARK DRONE RULES
• Most require advance permit or registration
• Designated flying areas may be available
• Prohibited near wildlife, crowds, and sensitive areas
• Time restrictions may apply (dawn/dusk for wildlife)
• Rangers can order you to stop at any time

GETTING PERMISSION
1. Contact park office before visiting
2. Apply for permit if required (often free or small fee)
3. Ask about designated flying areas
4. Review park-specific restrictions

NATIONAL PARKS (FEDERAL)
PROHIBITED in all National Parks without special permit.
NPS Policy prohibits launching, landing, or operating from NPS lands.

BLM LAND
Generally permitted unless posted. Check:
• Wilderness areas (prohibited)
• Wildlife refuges (seasonal restrictions)
• Active fire areas (prohibited)

STATE WILDLIFE AREAS
Often prohibited or restricted, especially:
• During hunting seasons
• Near nesting areas
• At dawn/dusk (wildlife active times)

Drone Registration - FAA Requirements

All drones 250g+ must be FAA registered. Recreational: TRUST certificate required. Commercial: Part 107 license required.

FAA DRONE REGISTRATION & LICENSING

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
All drones weighing 250 grams (0.55 lbs) or more must be registered with the FAA.
• Cost: $5 for recreational, valid 3 years
• Commercial: Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required

RECREATIONAL FLYERS (TRUST CERTIFICATE)
As of 2021, recreational flyers must:
1. Pass TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) - free online
2. Register drone with FAA
3. Mark drone with registration number
4. Fly under 400 feet
5. Keep drone in visual line of sight
6. Never fly near other aircraft
7. Never fly over people or moving vehicles
8. Never fly near emergency response

COMMERCIAL OPERATORS (PART 107)
Required for any commercial purpose:
• Pass FAA knowledge test
• Background check
• Recurrent testing every 24 months

REMOTE ID (REQUIRED 2024+)
All drones must broadcast Remote ID:
• Standard Remote ID module, or
• Broadcast via controller app

WHERE YOU CANNOT FLY (FEDERAL)
• Within 5 miles of airports without authorization
• Over groups of people
• Near stadiums during events
• Over federal facilities
• In restricted/prohibited airspace
• Near emergency operations

LAANC AUTHORIZATION
Use LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) apps to get instant airspace authorization:
• DJI Fly, AirMap, Aloft (formerly Kittyhawk)
• Required for controlled airspace near airports

Standard FAA Rules - Great Smokies Prohibited

Tennessee follows FAA rules. Great Smoky Mountains NP PROHIBITS drones.

Tennessee follows FAA regulations. Great Smoky Mountains National Park PROHIBITS drones. State parks generally allow drones with restrictions. Nashville and Memphis have no specific ordinances. Shiloh and other Civil War battlefields (NPS) prohibit drones. BNA and MEM airports have TFRs.