Lebanon, TN – The Tennessee State Fair continues in Wilson County with strong crowds, but police say not all the activity has been limited to the ground. Over a five-day period, the Lebanon Police Department has seized four drones flying illegally over the fairgrounds and issued citations to their operators.
Authorities noted that while drone flights may capture striking photos and videos, they pose safety and privacy concerns. “If you choose to fly a drone over the fair, our officers will track you down, seize your drone, and issue you a citation. For everyone’s safety at the fair, keep your drones at home,” the department said in an online statement.
Under Tennessee Code Annotated 39-13-903, it is a criminal offense to operate an unmanned aircraft in a way that intentionally places others in fear of injury or disrupts law enforcement or emergency services. The law also prohibits using drones to conduct surveillance of critical infrastructure without consent. Depending on the circumstances, violations can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges…