NV – Nevada
Completed in 1935, Hoover Dam on the Colorado River straddles the Arizona-Nevada border.
Photo courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Nevada government website just for reference.
The NVDOT website just for reference.
Nevada Legislature in case more laws were written since this book was published.
Last updated on March 27, 2024
Airspace
In addition to checking the FAA UAS Facility Map or B4UFLY or SkyVector or Google Maps one should consider also FAA JO 7400.10F – Special Use Airspace which is an order, published yearly, providing a listing of all regulatory and non-regulatory special use airspace areas, as well as issued but not yet implemented amendments to those areas established by the FAA.
Special Use Airspace consists of airspace of defined dimensions identified by an area on the surface of the earth wherein activities must be confined because of their nature, or wherein limitations are imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities, or both. The vertical limits of special use airspace are measured by designated altitude floors and ceilings expressed as flight levels or as feet above MSL. Unless otherwise specified, the word “to” (an altitude or flight level) means “to and including” (that altitude or flight level). The horizontal limits of special use airspace are measured by boundaries described by geographic coordinates or other appropriate references that clearly define their perimeter. The period of time during which a designation of special use airspace is in effect is stated in the designation. All bearings and radials in this part are true from point of origin. Unless otherwise specified, all mileages in this part are stated as statute miles.
Restricted Areas: No person may operate an aircraft within a restricted area between the designated altitudes and during the time of designation, unless they have the advance permission of:
(a) The using agency described in § 73.15; or
(b) The controlling agency described in § 73.17.
These using agencies may be the agency, organization, or military command whose activity within a restricted area necessitated the area being so designated. Upon the request of the FAA, the using agency shall execute a letter establishing procedures for joint use of a restricted area by the using agency and the controlling agency, under which the using agency would notify the controlling agency whenever the controlling agency may grant permission for transit through the restricted area in accordance with the terms of the letter. The using agency shall:
(1) Schedule activities within the restricted area;
(2) Authorize transit through, or flight within, the restricted area as feasible; and
(3) Contain within the restricted area all activities conducted therein in accordance with the purpose for which it was designated.
For the purposes of this part, the controlling agency is the FAA facility that may authorize transit through or flight within a restricted area in accordance with a joint-use letter issued under § 73.15.
Prohibited Areas: No person may operate an aircraft within a prohibited area unless authorization has been granted by the using agency. For the purpose of this subpart, the using agency is the agency, organization or military command that established the requirements for the prohibited area.
Military Operations Areas: A Military Operations Area (MOA) is airspace established outside of Class A airspace to separate/segregate certain nonhazardous military activities from IFR traffic and to identify for VFR traffic where these activities are conducted. Activities. MOA’s are established to contain certain military activities such as air combat maneuvers, air intercepts, acrobatics, etc.
Alert Areas: Airspace which may contain a high volume of pilot training activities or an unusual type of aerial activity, neither of which is hazardous to aircraft.
Warning Areas: A non regulatory warning area is airspace of defined dimensions designated over international waters that contains activity which may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. The purpose of such warning areas is to warn nonparticipating pilots of the potential danger. Activities may be hazardous.
National Security Areas: A national security area (NSA) consists of airspace of defined vertical and lateral dimensions established at locations where there is a requirement for increased security of ground facilities. The purpose of such national security areas is to request pilot cooperation by voluntarily avoiding flight through the NSA. When circumstances dictate a need for a greater level of security, flight in an NSA may be temporarily prohibited by regulation under the provisions of 14 CFR Section 99.7, Special Security Instructions. Such prohibitions will be issued by FAA Headquarters and disseminated via the US NOTAM System.
Crewed Aircraft in your Airspace
CREWED AIRCRAFT
Nevada Revised Statute 231.128
Registration and permits required for production of motion picture.
1. Before a media production company begins production of a motion picture in this State, the media production company must:
(a) Register with the Nevada Film Office; and
(b) Obtain any applicable permits otherwise required by other agencies and political subdivisions of this State.
2. The registration filed with the Nevada Film Office must:
(a) Contain a provision which provides that the media production company agrees to pay, within 30 days after the filming of the motion picture is completed in this State, all of the debts and obligations incurred by the media production company in the production of the motion picture in this State.
(b) Be signed by:
(1) A person who is authorized to enter into an agreement on behalf of the media production company; and
(2) The Administrator of the Nevada Film Office.
Nevada Revised Statute 231.1525
Duties of Office of Economic Development; agreement with nonprofit organization; acceptance of gifts, grants, and donations.
1. The Office shall, to the extent that money is available for this purpose, establish and carry out a program to facilitate the growth and safe integration of SUAS in Nevada. The Office shall ensure that the program complies with all applicable federal statutes, rules, and regulations.
2. The program established pursuant to subsection 1 may, upon the request of an operator of a SUAS:
(a) Provide training;
(b) Conduct testing; and
(c) Provide assistance with complying with any safety standards developed by the FAA regarding SUAS.
3. In carrying out the program, the Office may enter into an agreement with a nonprofit organization for the operation of the program. Such a nonprofit organization must have expertise relating to SUAS.
4. The Office may accept any gifts, grants, or donations for the support of the program.
5. As used in this section, “small unmanned aircraft system” has the meaning ascribed to it in 14 C.F.R. § 107.3.
Nevada Revised Statute 360.753
Partial abatement of certain taxes imposed on aircraft, components of aircraft and other personal property used for certain purposes related to aircraft: Powers and duties of Office of Economic Development, Nevada Tax Commission, applicant for abatement, business approved for abatement and county treasurer. [Effective through June 30, 2035.]
1. An owner of a business or a person who intends to locate or expand a business in this State may apply to the Office of Economic Development pursuant to this section for a partial abatement of one or more of:
(a) The personal property taxes imposed on an aircraft and the personal property used to own, operate, manufacture, service, maintain, test, repair, overhaul or assemble an aircraft or any component of an aircraft; and
(b) The local sales and use taxes imposed on the purchase of tangible personal property used to operate, manufacture, service, maintain, test, repair, overhaul or assemble an aircraft or any component of an aircraft.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary and except as otherwise provided in subsections 3 and 4, the Office of Economic Development shall approve an application for a partial abatement if the Office makes the following determinations:
(a) Not later than 1 year after the date on which the application was received by the Office, the applicant has executed an agreement with the Office which:
(1) Complies with the requirements of NRS 360.755;
(2) States the date on which the abatement becomes effective, as agreed to by the applicant and the Office, which must not be earlier than the date on which the Office received the application and not later than 1 year after the date on which the Office approves the application;
(3) States that the business will, after the date on which a certificate of eligibility for the partial abatement is issued pursuant to subsection 5, continue in operation in this State for a period specified by the Office, which must be not less than 5 years, and will continue to meet the eligibility requirements set forth in this subsection; and
(4) Binds any successor in interest of the applicant for the specified period;
(b) The business is registered pursuant to the laws of this State or the applicant commits to obtaining a valid business license and all other permits required by the county, city or town in which the business operates;
(c) The business owns, operates, manufactures, services, maintains, tests, repairs, overhauls or assembles an aircraft or any component of an aircraft;
(d) The average hourly wage that will be paid by the business to its employees in this State during the period of partial abatement is not less than 100 percent of the average statewide hourly wage as established by the Employment Security Division of the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation on July 1 of each fiscal year;
(e) The business will, by the eighth calendar quarter following the calendar quarter in which the abatement becomes effective, offer a health insurance plan for all employees that includes an option for health insurance coverage for dependents of the employees, and the health care benefits the business offers to its employees in this State will meet the minimum requirements for health care benefits established by the Office;
(f) If the business is:
(1) A new business, that it will have five or more full-time employees on the payroll of the business within 1 year after receiving its certificate of eligibility for a partial abatement; or
(2) An existing business, that it will increase its number of full-time employees on the payroll of the business in this State by 3 percent or three employees, whichever is greater, within 1 year after receiving its certificate of eligibility for a partial abatement;
(g) The business meets at least one of the following requirements:
(1) The business will make a new capital investment of at least $250,000 in this State within 1 year after receiving its certificate of eligibility for a partial abatement;
(2) The business will maintain and possess in this State tangible personal property having a value of not less than $5,000,000 during the period of partial abatement;
(3) The business develops, refines or owns a patent or other intellectual property, or has been issued a type certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to 14 C.F.R. Part 21; and
(h) If the application is for the partial abatement of the taxes imposed by the Local School Support Tax Law, the application has been approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Economic Development created by NRS 231.033.
3. The Office of Economic Development:
(a) Shall approve or deny an application submitted pursuant to this section and notify the applicant of its decision not later than 45 days after receiving the application.
(b) Must not:
(1) Consider an application for a partial abatement unless the Office has requested a letter of acknowledgment of the request for the partial abatement from any affected county, school district, city or town and has complied with the requirements of NRS 360.757; or
(2) Approve a partial abatement for any applicant for a period of more than 10 years.
4. The Office of Economic Development must not approve a partial abatement of personal property taxes for a business whose physical property is collectively valued and centrally assessed pursuant to NRS 361.320 and 361.3205.
5. If the Office of Economic Development approves an application for a partial abatement pursuant to this section, the Office shall immediately forward a certificate of eligibility for the partial abatement to:
(a) The Department;
(b) The Nevada Tax Commission; and
(c) If the partial abatement is from personal property taxes, the appropriate county treasurer.
6. An applicant for a partial abatement pursuant to this section or an existing business whose partial abatement is in effect shall, upon the request of the Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development, furnish the Executive Director with copies of all records necessary to verify that the applicant meets the requirements of subsection 2.
7. If an applicant for a partial abatement pursuant to this section fails to execute the agreement described in paragraph (a) of subsection 2 within 1 year after the date on which the application was received by the Office, the applicant shall not be approved for a partial abatement pursuant to this section unless the applicant submits a new application.
8. If a business whose partial abatement has been approved pursuant to this section and whose partial abatement is in effect ceases:
(a) To meet the requirements set forth in subsection 2; or
(b) Operation before the time specified in the agreement described in paragraph (a) of subsection 2, the business shall repay to the Department or, if the partial abatement was from personal property taxes, to the appropriate county treasurer, the amount of the partial abatement that was allowed pursuant to this section before the failure of the business to comply unless the Nevada Tax Commission determines that the business has substantially complied with the requirements of this section. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 360.232 and 360.320, the business shall, in addition to the amount of the partial abatement required to be repaid pursuant to this subsection, pay interest on the amount due at the rate most recently established pursuant to NRS 99.040 for each month, or portion thereof, from the last day of the month following the period for which the payment would have been made had the partial abatement not been approved until the date of payment of the tax.
9. The Office of Economic Development may adopt such regulations as the Office determines to be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
10. The Nevada Tax Commission may adopt such regulations as the Commission determines are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
11. An applicant for a partial abatement who is aggrieved by a final decision of the Office of Economic Development may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to review the decision in the manner provided in chapter 233B of NRS.
12. As used in this section:
(a) “Aircraft” means any fixed-wing, rotary-wing or UAV.
(b) “Component of an aircraft” means any:
(1) Element that makes up the physical structure of an aircraft, or is affixed thereto;
(2) Mechanical, electrical, or other system of an aircraft, including, without limitation, any component thereof; and
(3) Raw material or processed material, part, machinery, tool, chemical, gas or equipment used to operate, manufacture, service, maintain, test, repair, overhaul or assemble an aircraft or component of an aircraft.
(c) “Full-time employee” means a person who is in a permanent position of employment and works an average of 30 hours per week during the applicable period set forth in subparagraph (3) of paragraph (a) of subsection 2.
(d) “Local sales and use taxes” means any taxes imposed on the gross receipts of any retailer from the sale of tangible personal property sold at retail, or stored, used or otherwise consumed, in any political subdivision of this State, except the taxes imposed by the Sales and Use Tax Act.
(e) “Personal property taxes” means any taxes levied on personal property by the State or a local government pursuant to chapter 361 of NRS.
Nevada Revised Statute 493.020
Definitions.
As used in NRS 493.010 to 493.120, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. “Aircraft” includes a balloon, airplane, hydroplane, UAV and any other vehicle used for navigation through the air. A hydroplane, while at rest on water and while being operated on or immediately above water, is governed by the rules regarding water navigation. A hydroplane while being operated through the air other than immediately above water, is an aircraft.
2. “Critical facility” means a petroleum refinery, a petroleum or chemical production, transportation, storage or processing facility, a chemical manufacturing facility, a pipeline and any appurtenance thereto, a wastewater treatment facility, a water treatment facility, a mine as that term is defined in NRS 512.006, a power generating station, plant or substation and any appurtenances thereto, any transmission line that is owned in whole or in part by an electric utility as that term is defined in subsection 6 of NRS 704.187 or owned, operated, inspected, maintained or repaired in whole or in part by the Colorado River Commission of Nevada pursuant to NRS 538.161 or 538.166, a county, city or town jail or detention facility and any prison, facility or institution under the control of the Department of Corrections. The term does not include any facility or infrastructure of a utility that is located underground.
3. “Department” means the Department of Public Safety.
4. “Law enforcement agency” means an agency, office, bureau, board, commission, department or division of this State or a political subdivision of this State, the primary duty of which is to enforce the law.
5. “Operator” includes aviator, pilot, balloonist, and any other person having any part in the operation of aircraft while in flight.
6. “Passenger” includes any person riding in an aircraft but having no part in its operation.
7. “Public agency” means an agency, office, bureau, board, commission, department or division of this State or a political subdivision of this State other than a law enforcement agency.
8. “Unmanned aerial vehicle” means a powered aircraft of any size without a human operator aboard the vehicle and that is operated remotely or autonomously.
Nevada Revised Statute 493.100
Dangerous flying: Penalty.
1. Any operator or passenger, while an aircraft is in flight over a heavily populated area or over a public gathering within this state, who:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, engages in trick or acrobatic flying, or in any acrobatic feat;
(b) Except while in landing or taking off, flies at such a low level as to endanger the persons on the surface beneath; or
(c) Drops any object with reckless disregard for the safety of other persons and willful indifference to injuries that could reasonably result from dropping the object, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
2. The provisions of paragraph (a) of subsection 1 do not apply to the operator of an UAV in a park unless the operator is operating the UAV with reckless disregard for the safety of other persons and with willful indifference to injuries that could reasonably result from such operation.
Nevada Revised Statute 493.103
UAVs: Action for trespass against owner or operator; exceptions; award of treble damages for injury to person or property; award of attorney’s fees and costs and injunctive relief.
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a person who owns or lawfully occupies real property in this State may bring an action for trespass against the owner or operator of an UAV that is flown at a height of less than 250 feet over the property if:
(a) The owner or operator of the UAV has flown the UAV over the property at a height of less than 250 feet on at least one previous occasion; and
(b) The person who owns or occupies the real property notified the owner or operator of the UAV that the person did not authorize the flight of the UAV over the property at a height of less than 250 feet. For the purposes of this paragraph, a person may place the owner or operator of an UAV on notice in the manner prescribed in subsection 2 of NRS 207.200.
2. A person may not bring an action pursuant to subsection 1 if:
(a) The UAV is lawfully in the flight path for landing at an airport, airfield, or runway.
(b) The UAV is in the process of taking off or landing.
(c) The UAV was under the lawful operation of:
(1) A law enforcement agency in accordance with NRS 493.112.
(2) A public agency in accordance with NRS 493.115.
(d) The UAV was under the lawful operation of a business registered in this State or a land surveyor if:
(1) The operator is licensed or otherwise approved to operate the UAV by the FAA;
(2) The UAV is being operated within the scope of the lawful activities of the business or surveyor; and
(3) The operation of the UAV does not unreasonably interfere with the existing use of the real property.
3. A plaintiff who prevails in an action for trespass brought pursuant to subsection 1 is entitled to recover treble damages for any injury to the person or the real property as the result of the trespass. In addition to the recovery of damages pursuant to this subsection, a plaintiff may be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees and costs and injunctive relief.
Nevada Revised Statute 493.106
UAVs: Weaponization prohibited; penalties.
1. A person shall not weaponize an UAV or operate a weaponized UAV. A person who violates this section is guilty of a category D felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.
2. A person who weaponizes an UAV in violation of subsection 1 and who discharges the weapon is guilty of a category C felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.
Nevada Revised Statute 493.109
UAVs: Operation near critical facility or within 5 miles of airport prohibited; exceptions; penalty.
1. A person shall not operate an UAV 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.
2. A person may operate an UAV within 5 miles of an airport only if the person obtains the consent of the airport authority or the operator of the airport, or if the person has otherwise obtained a waiver, exemption or other authorization for such operation pursuant to any rule or regulation of the FAA. A person who is authorized to operate an UAV within 5 miles of an airport pursuant to this subsection shall, at all times during such operation, maintain on his or her person documentation of any waiver, exemption, authorization or consent permitting such operation.
3. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
4. As used in this section, “airport” means any area of land or water owned, operated or maintained by or on behalf of a city, county, town, municipal corporation or airport authority that is designed and set aside for the landing and taking off of aircraft and that is utilized in the interest of the public for such purposes.
Nevada Revised Statute 493.112
UAVs: Operation by law enforcement agency; warrant required under certain circumstances; information acquired in violation of section inadmissible and may not be used to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, nothing in this section shall be deemed to otherwise prohibit the operation of an UAV by a law enforcement agency for any lawful purpose in this State.
2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a law enforcement agency shall not operate an UAV for the purpose of gathering evidence or other information within the curtilage of a residence or at any other location or upon any property in this State at which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, unless the law enforcement agency first obtains a warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction authorizing the use of the UAV for that purpose. A warrant authorizing the use of an UAV must specify the period for which operation of the UAV is authorized. A warrant must not authorize the use of an UAV for a period of more than 10 days. Upon motion and a showing of probable cause, a court may renew a warrant after the expiration of the period for which the warrant was initially issued.
3. A law enforcement agency may operate an UAV without obtaining a warrant issued pursuant to subsection 2:
(a) If the law enforcement agency has probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime, is committing a crime or is about to commit a crime, and exigent circumstances exist that make it unreasonable for the law enforcement agency to obtain a warrant authorizing the use of the UAV.
(b) If a person provides written consent to the law enforcement agency authorizing the law enforcement agency to acquire information about the person or the real or personal property of the person. The written consent must specify the information to be gathered and the time, place, and manner in which the information is to be gathered by the law enforcement agency.
(c) For the purpose of conducting search and rescue operations for persons and property in distress.
(d) Under circumstances in which the law enforcement agency believes that an imminent threat exists to the life and safety of an individual person or to the public at large, including, without limitation, the threat of an act of terrorism. A law enforcement agency that operates an UAV pursuant to this paragraph shall document the factual basis for its belief that such an imminent threat exists and shall, not later than 2 business days after initiating operation, file a sworn statement with a court of competent jurisdiction describing the nature of the imminent threat and the need for the operation of the UAV.
(e) Upon the declaration of a state of emergency or disaster by the Governor. A law enforcement agency that operates an UAV pursuant to this paragraph shall not use the UAV outside of the geographic area specified in the declaration or for any purpose other than the preservation of public safety, the protection of property, or the assessment and evaluation of environmental or weather-related damage, erosion, or contamination.
4. Any photograph, image, recording or other information that is acquired by a law enforcement agency through the operation of an UAV in violation of this section, or that is acquired from any other person or governmental entity, including, without limitation, a public agency and any department or agency of the Federal Government, that obtained the photograph, image, recording or other information in a manner inconsistent with the requirements of this section, and any evidence that is derived therefrom:
(a) Is not admissible in and must not be disclosed in a judicial, administrative, or other adjudicatory proceeding; and
(b) May not be used to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause as the basis for investigating or prosecuting a crime or offense.
Nevada Revised Statute 493.115
UAVs: Operation by public agency; requirements; prohibited uses; information acquired in violation of section inadmissible and may not be used to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
1. A public agency:
(a) May operate an UAV only if:
(1) Before the operation of the UAV, the public agency registers the UAV with the Department pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 493.118.
(2) The public agency operates the UAV in accordance with the regulations adopted by the Department pursuant to subsection 4 of NRS 493.118.
(b) Must not operate an UAV for the purposes of assisting a law enforcement agency with law enforcement or conducting a criminal prosecution.
2. Any photograph, image, recording or other information that is acquired by a public agency through the operation of an UAV in violation of this section, and any evidence that is derived therefrom:
(a) Is not admissible in, and must not be disclosed in, a judicial, administrative, or other adjudicatory proceeding; and
(b) May not be used to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause as the basis for investigating or prosecuting a crime or offense.
Nevada Revised Statute 493.118
UAVs: Department of Public Safety required to establish and maintain registry of such vehicles operated by public agencies; public agencies required to submit certain information for inclusion in registry; annual reports to Legislature; regulations.
1. The Department shall, to the extent that money is available for this purpose, establish and maintain a registry of UAVs that are operated by public agencies in this State. The Department shall include on its Internet website the information that is maintained in the registry.
2. A public agency shall, for each UAV the public agency intends to operate, submit to the Department, on a form provided by the Department, for inclusion in the registry:
(a) The name of the public agency;
(b) The name and contact information of each operator of the UAV;
(c) Sufficient information to identify the UAV; and
(d) A statement describing the use of the UAV by the public agency.
3. The Department shall, on or before February 1 of each year, prepare and submit to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for submission to the Legislature, or to the Legislative Commission when the Legislature is not in regular session, a report outlining the activities of public agencies with respect to the operation of UAVs in this State.
4. The Department shall adopt regulations prescribing the public purposes for which a public agency may operate an UAV that is registered with the Department pursuant to this section, including, without limitation:
(a) The provision of fire services.
(b) The provision of emergency medical services.
(c) The protection of a critical facility that is public property.
(d) Search and rescue operations conducted for persons and property in distress.
Nevada Revised Statute 493.130
Operation of aircraft while under influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled substance or in reckless manner: Penalty; exception.
1. Any person operating an aircraft in the air, or on the ground or water:
(a) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance, unless in accordance with a lawfully issued prescription; or
(b) In a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
2. As used in this section:
(a) “Aircraft” includes an UAV as that term is defined in subsection 8 of NRS 493.020.
(b) “Controlled substance” has the meaning ascribed to it in 21 U.S.C. § 802(6).
(c) “Prescription” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 453.128.
Nevada Revised Statute 501.376
Unlawful killing or possession of bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk, deer, moose, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion or black bear; exceptions; criminal penalties.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not intentionally kill or aid and abet another person to kill a bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk, deer, moose, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion or black bear:
(a) Outside of the prescribed season set by the Commission for the lawful hunting of that animal;
(b) Through the use of a manned or UA or helicopter in violation of NRS 503.010;
(c) By a method other than the method prescribed on the tag issued by the Department for hunting that animal;
(d) Knowingly during a time other than:
(1) The time of day set by the Commission for hunting that animal pursuant to NRS 503.140; or
(2) If the Commission has not set such a time, between sunrise and sunset as determined pursuant to that section; or
(e) Without a valid tag issued by the Department for hunting that animal. A tag issued for hunting any animal specified in this subsection is not valid if knowingly used by a person:
(1) Except as otherwise provided by the regulations adopted by the Commission pursuant to subsection 9 of NRS 501.181, other than the person specified on the tag;
(2) Outside of the management area or other area specified on the tag; or
(3) If the tag was obtained by a false or fraudulent representation.
2. The provisions of subsection 1 do not prohibit the killing of an animal specified in subsection 1 if:
(a) The killing of the animal is necessary to protect the life of any person, pet, or livestock in imminent danger of being attacked by the animal; or
(b) The animal killed was not the intended target of the person who killed the animal and the killing of the animal which was the intended target would not violate the provisions of subsection 1.
3. A person who violates the provisions of subsection 1 shall be punished for a category E felony as provided in NRS 193.130 or, if the court reduces the penalty pursuant to this subsection, for a gross misdemeanor. In determining whether to reduce the penalty, the court shall consider:
(a) The nature of the offense;
(b) The circumstances surrounding the offense;
(c) The defendant’s understanding and appreciation of the gravity of the offense;
(d) The attitude of the defendant towards the offense; and
(e) The general objectives of sentencing.
4. A person shall not willfully possess any animal specified in subsection 1 if the person knows the animal was killed in violation of subsection 1 or the circumstances should have caused a reasonable person to know that the animal was killed in violation of subsection 1.
5. A person who violates the provisions of subsection 4 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
6. As used in this section:
(a) “Livestock” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 561.025.
(b) “Pet” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 202.487.
Nevada Revised Statute 501.3857
Forfeitures. Any gun, ammunition, trap, snare, vessel, vehicle, aircraft or other device or equipment used, or intended for use:
1. To facilitate the unlawful and intentional killing or possession of any big game mammal;
2. To hunt or kill a big game mammal by using information obtained as a result of the commission of an act prohibited by NRS 503.010 or a regulation of the Commission which prohibits the location of big game mammals for the purpose of hunting or killing by the use of:
(a) A manned or UA, including, without limitation, any UAV, as defined in NRS 493.020, or any other device that is used for navigation of, or flight in, the air;
(b) A hot air balloon or any other device that is lighter than air; or
(c) A satellite or any other device that orbits the earth and is equipped to produce images, or other similar devices; or
3. Knowingly to transport, sell, receive, acquire or purchase any big game mammal which is unlawfully killed or possessed, is subject to forfeiture pursuant to NRS 179.1156 to 179.1205, inclusive.
Nevada Revised Statute 503.010
Manner of hunting or trapping: Unlawful use of certain modes of transportation; information and equipment; exceptions.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section or subsection 2 of NRS 503.005, it is unlawful to harass any game mammals or game birds by any means, including, without limitation, with a manned or unmanned aircraft, firearm, helicopter, horse, motorboat, motor-driven vehicle, noisemaker, or sailboat.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, it is unlawful to shoot at any game mammals or game birds with a weapon from a manned or unmanned aircraft, helicopter, or motor-driven vehicle. A person who is a paraplegic, has had one or both legs amputated or has suffered a paralysis of one or both legs which severely impedes the person’s walking may shoot from a stopped motor vehicle which is not parked on the traveled portion of a public highway, but the person may not shoot from, over or across a highway or road specified in NRS 503.175.
3. It is unlawful to spot or locate game mammals or game birds with any kind of manned or UA or helicopter and communicate that information, within 24 hours after the aircraft or helicopter has landed or in violation of a regulation of the Commission, by any means to a person on the ground for the purpose of hunting or trapping. The provisions of this subsection do not prohibit an employee or agent of the Department from providing general information to the public concerning the location of game birds or game mammals.
4. It is unlawful to use any information obtained in violation of the provisions of subsection 3 to hunt or kill game mammals or game birds.
5. It is unlawful to use a helicopter to transport game, hunters, or hunting equipment, except when:
(a) The cargo or passengers, or both, are loaded and unloaded at airports, airplane landing fields or heliports, which have been established by a department or agency of the Federal or State Government or by a county or municipal government and which are accessible by a public road; or
(b) The loading or unloading is done in the course of an emergency or search and rescue operation.
6. It is unlawful to:
(a) Use any information obtained from a radio signal or other transmission received from any transmitting device;
(b) Make use of equipment designed to receive a radio signal or other transmission from a transmitting device; or
(c) Use any location information obtained from records maintained by the Department within 1 year after the date on which the information was collected, including, without limitation, records of information received from a transmitting device, to harass or take any game mammal, game bird or other wildlife.
7. It is unlawful to make use of equipment designed to receive a radio signal or other transmission from a transmitting device for any purpose without written authorization of the Department.
8. The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to an employee or agent of the Department who, while carrying out his or her duties, conducts a survey of wildlife with the use of an aircraft.
9. As used in this section:
(a) “Aircraft” includes, without limitation, any UAV, as defined in NRS 493.020, or any other device that is used for navigation of, or flight in, the air.
(b) “Game bird” does not include a raven, even if classified as a game bird pursuant to NRS 501.110.
(c) “Harass” means to molest, chase, rally, concentrate, herd, intercept, torment, or drive.
(d) “Transmitting device” means any collar or other device which is attached to any game mammal, game bird or other wildlife or which is placed for the express purpose of detecting any game mammal, game bird or other wildlife and emits an electronic signal or uses radio telemetry or a satellite transmission to determine the location of the game mammal, game bird or other wildlife.
City of Las Vegas Film Permits
City of Las Vegas Film Permits
A film permit is needed to film a commercial, still photo, music video, documentary, motion picture or television show in downtown Las Vegas. If drone use is requested, the applicant must provide an FAA exemption for that individual/company to use that specific drone for filming operations. Nevada Revised Statutes require that you register your project with the Nevada Film Office.
Henderson Parks and Recreation Rules
Henderson Parks and Recreation
Unmanned aircraft (an aircraft operated without the possibility of human intervention from within or on the aircraft, not limited to devices commonly referred to as drones, remote controlled aircraft and model aircraft) may only be operated in designated parks, as posted, during normal hours of operation and in accordance with all applicable Nevada, city and federal laws and regulations.
Individuals may operate unmanned aircraft (following all applicable rules) only at Amador Vista Park, Cornerstone Park, Hidden Falls Park, and Mission Hills Park.
Any and all commercial use, events and groups of 10 or more people require a special permit through the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Las Vegas Municipal Code
Las Vegas Municipal Code 13.58.010
Aircraft defined.
For purposes of this Chapter. “aircraft” means any vehicle used for navigation through the air.
Las Vegas Municipal Code 13.58.020
Prohibited in certain places.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 13.58.030, it is unlawful for any person to cause or permit any aircraft to be launched from or land upon the following areas within the City:
(A) Any public street, highway or other public right-of-way;
(B) Any parking lot which is provided for the use of the public.
Lincoln County Code 5-8
5-8-1: DEFINITIONS:
As used in this chapter:
IMAGE: A photograph, video, or any capturing, recording, or gathering, in analog, digital, or other form, of sound waves, thermal, infrared, ultraviolet, visible light, or other electromagnetic waves, radio waves, odor, or other conditions existing on or about real property in this county or an individual located on that property.
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT: An airborne device that is operated without an individual in or on the device. It may be expendable or recoverable.
5-8-2: PROHIBITIONS:
A person commits an offense if the person:
A. Operates an UA with the intent to gather, record, or transmit a sound or image of another individual in a place or location where the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
B. Operates an UA to photograph, videotape, record, transmit, or otherwise gather a sound or image of any portion of the Nevada Test And Training Range that is within Lincoln County.
C. Operates an UA unreasonably, unwarrantably, or unlawfully over real property that causes injury, damage, hurt, inconvenience, annoyance, or discomfort to any person or entity in that person’s or entity’s legitimate use or enjoyment of that property.
D. Operates an UA in airspace over Lincoln County that the FAA has ordered restricted pursuant to lawfully promulgated regulation.
5-8-3: PERMITTED:
Section 5-8-2 of this chapter shall not apply to:
A. UA operations, exercises, or missions authorized by the armed forces of the US; or
B. A law enforcement agency acting pursuant to a warrant; or
C. A local, state, or federal government entity after determining that under the circumstances, there is an immediate danger of death or serious injury.
5-8-4: PENALTY:
A person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be punished for a misdemeanor by imprisonment in the county jail for up to six (6) months and/or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).
Nevada State Parks Rules
Use of drones is prohibited in Nevada State Parks unless in an area designated for that use by a park supervisor or by issuance of a special use permit for use of an unmanned aircraft. All applicable FAA regulations apply.
Washoe County Parks Rules
Chapter 95, revised in 2022, now allows the use of drones and radio-controlled aircraft in specific parks/areas. To see where they are allowed, visit the Washoe Regional Mapping System, click on the menu to get to the map layers and select “Drone Zone” under “Recreation”. Pyrotechnics (sky lanterns) and liquefied or solid fuel model rockets are strictly prohibited without a permit. Helium, air and water balloons are also NOT allowed anywhere in the park system without a permit.
University Drone Policies
Note: This list is just a sample… many more could be added.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
2023 – Nevada County Transportation Commission – Aviation Reports – AAM
2024 – NEVADA UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) TEST SITE TRANSITIONING TO UNR
Short Essay Questions
Question 1
You have been hired by a Drone Startup Company. Your boss has immediately assigned this job to you.
They need you to prepare a one-page memo detailing the legalities of surveying the Hoover Dam, pictured above.
They need you to mention any state laws and local ordinances.
They specifically want to know what airspace you will be operating in, and whether or not you need an airspace authorization, with or without LAANC capability.
Lastly, there is a bonus for you if, as you scroll through this chapter, you find any typos or broken links!
Question 2
Do the state drone laws implicate the First Amendment? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 3
Do the state drone laws implicate the Fourth Amendment? Or involve law enforcement officers obtaining warrants? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 4
Do the state drone laws contain a preemption clause? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 5
Does the state have UAM/AAM laws? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 6
Are you aware of any new laws or policies not mentioned above? If so, describe, citing the exact law or policy.
