Can You Fly a Drone on the Las Vegas Strip? The Las Vegas Strip is a world-famous destination for its bright lights, lavish casinos, and endless entertainment options. But have you ever considered taking to the skies to see it from a different perspective?
Operating a drone in the Las Vegas Strip can provide a unique and breathtaking experience, allowing you to capture breathtaking aerial views of the city’s iconic skyline and landmarks.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that certain rules and regulations are in place for flying a drone in Las Vegas and any city.
In this blog, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of flying a drone on the Las Vegas Strip and provide tips for making the most of your aerial adventure.
Are Drones Allowed On The Las Vegas Strip?
Drones are generally not allowed on the Las Vegas Strip. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), drones are not permitted to fly within five miles of an airport without prior authorization.
The Las Vegas Strip is located within this five-mile radius of McCarran International Airport, making it illegal to fly drones in this area.
Additionally, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department prohibits using drones for any type of surveillance or recording without prior written consent from the department.
Can You Fly A Drone On The Las Vegas Strip?
It is not recommended to fly a drone on the Las Vegas Strip. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict regulations for flying drones in urban areas, and the Las Vegas Strip is considered an urban area.
Additionally, the Strip is a heavily populated tourist area with many buildings and structures, making it a potentially dangerous location to fly a drone.
Flying a drone over any casinos or hotels in Las Vegas is also illegal. Suppose you wish to fly a drone in Las Vegas.
In that case, it is recommended to do so in a designated and safe area away from the Strip and other crowded areas.
Near The Airport:
The Las vegas strip is located near the airport. This airport in the past was called McCarran Airport, but now the name has been changed to Harry Reid International Airport. The airport’s name might have been changed, but the location is still the same.
Downtown Vegas and the Las Vegas Strip are only five miles from Harry Reid International Airport. So, it means the airport is within the range of FAA rules that drones must be flown away from the airport.
On the other hand, flying drones near the airport can cause a collision with manned aircraft or a plane. So the Las Vegas strip and the airport are at a close distance. That’s why drones are not allowed on the Las Vegas strip.
Crowded Area:
If you are a drone pilot, you must be familiar with FAA’s Operations Over People law. According to this law, whether you are a small drone operator or a commercial drone operator, you cannot fly a drone over people without their permission.
This law is for the safety of people because a drone can injure a person with its blades.
Can you fly a drone on the las vegas strip? No, drones should not be flown because thousands of tourists and residents visit here every day, and the number of people is increasing yearly.
So, flying drones in so much crowded and near people is not allowed for the safety of tourists and residents. This is also against the FFA laws for operating drones over people.
High Risks Of Property Damage:
You cannot fly a drone on the Las Vegas strip because this place is full of buildings, festival grounds, and stadiums. There are more than 40,000 square feet of shopping areas along the Strip, stadiums, amusement parks, and casinos galore. This place is full of cars, people, tourists, casinos, and markets.
Flying drones at the las vegas strip could damage buildings or injure some people. So, drones are not allowed to fly on the las vegas strip because of buildings and crowded areas because they can collide with any obstacle.
What Are The Penalties For Flying A Drone On A Las Vegas Stripe?
If you fly a drone on the las vegas strip, if you are caught by the authorities, then you have to suffer the following penalties.
Fine:
Flying a drone on the Las Vegas Strip can result in a fine of up to $1,000 for violating local ordinances and FAA regulations. If you fly a drone on Las Vegas Stripe without permission from the authorities, if got caught, then you could have to pay a fine.
Seizure Of The Drone:
Authorities may seize the drone if it is being used in a way that threatens public safety or causes a disturbance. There is a high chance that if you don’t follow drone rules, the authorities could temporarily or permanently seize your drone.
Criminal Charges:
Depending on the circumstances, a person flying a drone on the Las Vegas Strip could face criminal charges for reckless or negligent behavior. In this case, the drone pilot could be sent to jail.
Loss Of Pilot Certification:
Suppose the person flying the drone is a certified pilot. In that case, they could face disciplinary action from the FAA, including losing their certification. This could significantly impact their ability to fly professionally in the future.
Read also: Can You Fly A Drone In Sedona? Quick Guide 2023
5 Best places To Fly Drone Instead Of Las Vegas Stripe:
Don’t worry if you cannot fly a drone on the Las Vegas strip. You can fly your drone to capture amazing images and videos in multiple places. Some of the famous places to visit and capture shots with a drone in Vegas are given below:
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area:
Located just a short drive outside Las Vegas, this beautiful conservation area offers stunning rock formations, hiking trails, and scenic vistas that are perfect for flying drones.
Hoover Dam:
This iconic landmark is just a short drive from Las Vegas. It offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the surrounding desert landscape. So, this could be the best place to capture amazing photos with a drone.
Mount Charleston:
Located about an hour outside Las Vegas, this mountain range offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and a chance to fly your drone in cooler temperatures.
Valley of Fire State Park:
Located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas, this state park offers beautiful red rock formations, hiking trails, and stunning vistas that are perfect for flying a drone.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area:
Located just a short drive outside of Las Vegas, this massive recreation area offers a variety of landscapes, including beautiful beaches, stunning rock formations, and breathtaking views of the surrounding desert.
Read also: Can you Fly a Drone at Hanauma Bay? Quick Answer 2022
Conclusion:
Can You Fly a Drone on the Las Vegas Strip? It is not legal to fly a drone on the Las Vegas Strip. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict regulations regarding the use of drones, and the Las Vegas Strip is considered a restricted airspace due to its heavy air traffic and the presence of several major hotels and casinos.
Additionally, the city of Las Vegas has ordinances that prohibit drone operation within city limits without prior permission from the city.
While flying a drone on the Las Vegas Strip may be tempting for a unique perspective of the city, it is important to follow the laws and regulations to avoid fines and potential safety risks.