Depending on the situation, spotting a drone can spark excitement — especially at live music performances or sporting events, where they’re often used for aerial footage and crowd shots.
But seeing a drone hovering over your private property can raise concerns about privacy and safety.
Here’s a closer look at the laws surrounding drones in Tennessee and what steps you can take if you spot one.
What are the laws about drones in Tennessee?
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, all drones must be registered through the Federal Aviation Administration’s DroneZone website, except those weighing 0.55 pounds or less.
The drone’s registration number must be clearly displayed on its exterior.
The department urges drone owners and operators to fly responsibly and follow FAA regulations and best practices, whether flying commercially or recreationally. Law enforcement agencies must obtain a warrant or meet specific exceptions before using drones for surveillance, such as during emergencies, missing person searches or disaster response.
Close up of Drone Flying at Night
“Tennessee law includes protections to guide drone use so that drones are not used in ways that violate personal privacy,” writes the department online. “These measures help balance the benefits of drone technology with respect for personal privacy.”
“These regulations may not cover all aspects of drone operation, and remote pilots should always check local, state, and federal laws to ensure full compliance.”
When is it illegal to use drones in Tennessee?
According to the department, it is illegal to use drones to interfere with hunting or fishing, and drone surveillance of individuals engaged in these activities without consent is prohibited.
Operators should also follow federal aviation rules when using drones for tasks like mapping, surveying or capturing images at public events.
Drones cannot be used to collect personal information or record individuals in private settings without proper authorization. Those who believe their privacy has been violated by drone activity may seek legal action.
Can you shoot down a drone in Tennessee?
It is illegal to shoot down a drone over your property in the U.S. Drones are classified as aircraft and under federal law, damaging or destroying an aircraft, even one flying over private land, is a criminal offense.
The FAA regulates all U.S. airspace, not individual property owners.
This means that airspace above private property is not considered private, and any attempt to interfere with a drone in flight could result in serious charges, including property damage, endangerment, or violations under the Aircraft Sabotage Act.
While there are designated “No Drone Zone” areas where unmanned aircraft systems are prohibited, these zones are established by government entities and must be backed by specific statutes or local regulations.
The FAA provides customizable signage for official use, but private landowners are not permitted to use the “No Drone Zone” sign for personal property.
A drone is flying around my property. What can I do?
If you witness a drone operation that appears dangerous or is being used to commit a crime, the FAA recommends reporting it immediately to local law enforcement.
You may also contact your local FAAÂ flight standards district office. In Nashville, that number is (615) 324-1300.
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Can I shoot down a drone over my property in Tennessee
