Can You Legally Spy On Your Idaho Neighbors With A Drone?

You just shelled out a bucketload of money to purchase that brand new drone you've had your eye on for some time now. You could use it to get some incredible aerial shots of your town, or maybe nab some footage from a parade or local event.

What's that? You bought it so you can try to get a glimpse of your neighbor in their unmentionables? Okay. That's weird.

Can you get in trouble with the law for spying with a drone in Idaho?

Yes, we're at the point where we're "living in the future" and having to explain why it's not okay to use a flying portable camera to spy on your neighbors. While you may agree or disagree with that practice, will you actually get in trouble for it?

In a word, yes.

According to Idaho Legislature Title 21, Chapter 2:

No person, entity or state agency shall use an unmanned aircraft system to intentionally conduct surveillance of, gather evidence or collect information about, or photographically or electronically record specifically targeted persons or specifically targeted private property.

Even for government lingo, that seems pretty straightforward to us. If you fly your drone near your neighbor's windows, you're going to have a bad time.

Also, ew.

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This is more what we had in mind when it comes to drone usage. While they may be scary, these photos from an Idaho lightning storm are absolutely fascinating to check out from these views.

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And don't even get us started on drone shows. Love them. More of them, please.