North Carolina General Statutes 14-401.24. Unlawful possession and use of unmanned aircraft systems
(a) It shall be a Class E felony for any person to possess or use an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system that has a weapon attached.
(b) It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to fish or to hunt using an unmanned aircraft system.
(c) The following definitions apply to this section:
(1) To fish. – As defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 113-130, except when an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system is used during, immediately preparatory to, or immediately subsequent to the taking of fish for (i) spotting; locating; recording, broadcasting, or streaming video of fish; or (ii) deploying bait.
Attorney's Note
Under the N.C. Gen. Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class E felony | between 15 and 63 months | |
| Class 1 misdemeanor | up to 120 days |
Terms Used In North Carolina General Statutes 14-401.24
- following: when used by way of reference to any section of a statute, shall be construed to mean the section next preceding or next following that in which such reference is made; unless when some other section is expressly designated in such reference. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3
(2) To hunt. – As defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 113-130
(3) Unmanned aircraft. – As defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-300.1
(4) Unmanned aircraft system. – As defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-300.1
(5) Weapon. – Those weapons specified in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269, 14-269.2, 14-284.1, or 14-288.8 and any other object capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death when used as a weapon.
(d) This section shall not prohibit possession or usage of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system that is authorized by federal law or regulation. (2014-100, s. 34.30(d); 2023-69, s. 2.6(a).)