North Carolina Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
North Carolina maintains mixed drone regulations with strong privacy protections and critical infrastructure safeguards. The state repealed its state-level drone operator permit requirement in December 2024, aligning with federal FAA Part 107 as the sole commercial license. State law prohibits UAS-based surveillance without consent, restricts launch and recovery from state and private property, maintains a 500-foot buffer around correctional facilities, prohibits hunting with drones, and restricts flights in state parks.
State Drone Laws
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-300.1Restrictions on Use of UAS (Drone Surveillance and Imagery)
Prohibits using an unmanned aircraft system to conduct surveillance of a person, a dwelling occupied by a person, or private real property without consent. Surveillance includes photographing, video-recording, or observing. Exceptions exist for law enforcement with warrant, exigent circumstances, news-gathering of newsworthy events, and certain research uses. Violations expose operators to both criminal liability and civil liability.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-300.2Regulation of Launch and Recovery Sites
No unmanned aircraft system may be launched or recovered from any state or private property without consent. Written consent is the defensible practice. Applies to state office buildings, university campuses, state parks, state highway right-of-way, and private property.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-300.3Use of Unmanned Aircraft System Near Confinement or Correctional Facility Prohibited
No person may use a UAS within 500 feet horizontal or 250 feet vertical distance from any local confinement facility, state, or federal correctional facility. Applies to state prisons, county jails, federal correctional institutions, and juvenile detention centers. Law-enforcement operations and written consent from facility officials are excepted.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-280.3Interference with Manned Aircraft by UAS
Any person who willfully damages, disrupts the operation of, or otherwise interferes with a manned aircraft through use of a UAS while the manned aircraft is taking off, landing, in flight, or otherwise in motion is guilty of a Class H felony.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-401.24Unlawful Possession and Use of UAS with Weapon; Hunting/Fishing; Thermal Imaging
Makes it a Class E felony to possess or use an unmanned aircraft system with a weapon attached. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to fish or hunt using an unmanned aircraft system. Makes it a Class A1 misdemeanor to publish or disseminate images taken through infrared or thermal imaging attached to a UAS revealing individuals, materials, or activities inside a structure without the property owner's consent.
HB 128 (Enacted 2017)Prohibit Drone Use Over Prison/Jail
Enacted 2017. Reinforces prohibition on operating UAS within 500 feet horizontal or 250 feet vertical of correctional facilities. Excludes persons operating in official capacity or with written consent from facility officials.
HB 337 (Enacted 2017)Unmanned Aircraft Systems Law Revisions
Enacted 2017. Allows the use of UAS for emergency management activities, including incident command, area reconnaissance, search and rescue, preliminary damage assessment, hazard risk management, and floodplain mapping. Exempts model aircraft from training and permitting requirements for UAS.
SB 446 (Enacted 2015)State UAS Authority and Operations
Enacted 2015. Expands the authority of the state's Chief Information Officer to sanction the state's purchase and operations of unmanned aerial systems, establish a permitting process for the commercial use of drones, administer tests for UAS operators, and ensure compliance of programs with FAA regulations.
HB 198 / Session Law 2024-15 (DOT Legislative Changes)Repeal of NCDOT UAS Knowledge Test and State Drone Permits
Effective December 1, 2024. Repealed Article 10 of N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 63, which previously required commercial and government drone operators to pass the NCDOT UAS Knowledge Test and obtain a state permit. The bill became law on June 27, 2024 when the General Assembly overrode Governor Cooper's veto. North Carolina no longer requires a state-level permit or knowledge test for commercial drone operations; the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the sole federal license requirement.
7 NCAC 13B.1204 (North Carolina Administrative Code)State Parks Drone Prohibition
Prohibits the ascending or taking off of any aircraft, including drones and unmanned aircraft systems, within or upon any state park area or state park water surface. Limited exceptions for operators with permits to operate at Jockey's Ridge State Park or a Special Activity Permit issued by the Division director. Applies to all NC state parks, natural areas, and state-administered trails.
15A NCAC 10B (North Carolina Administrative Code)Wildlife: Prohibition on Drone Use to Harass or Scout Wildlife
Makes it unlawful to use a drone to take, harass, or disturb wildlife. Prohibits using a drone to locate, drive, scout, or herd game animals. Prohibits harassing nesting birds or marine mammals. Coastal flights over sea turtle nesting areas (May-October) trigger both state wildlife violations and federal Endangered Species Act violations.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of Beech Mountain
townMunicipal Ordinance 2017 - Prohibition of Drone Operations on Town Property
Prohibits the operation of drones from all town-owned property without official written permission from the Town Manager or designee.
Restrictions
No drone operations on town-owned property, public vehicular areas, common areas, apartments, condominiums, or multi-family properties without written permission
Town of Chapel Hill
townMunicipal Ordinance - Enforcement of Federal Drone Regulations
Town ordinance authorizes Chapel Hill Police Department to enforce existing FAA drone regulations within town jurisdiction.
Restrictions
Subject to federal FAA Part 107 requirements and all applicable FAA regulations
City of Kannapolis
cityOrdinance 12-31 - Ban on Drones in City Parks
City ordinance prohibits the use of all flying machines, including drones, in all city parks except for those granted special permission from the city manager.
Restrictions
No drone operations in any city park without special permission from city manager
Gaston County
countyParks and Recreation Drone Policy
County policy bans all drone operations from Gaston County Park and Recreation sites without a special permit.
Restrictions
No drone operations in Gaston County parks without special permit. Permitted operations available at special use facility at Lewis Brooks Airfield in Bessemer City.
City of Raleigh
cityParks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Drone Policy
City policy regulates drone operations in city parks and cultural spaces. Drones are banned in nature preserves, nature parks, wetland centers, cemeteries, and city lakes. Six parks have designated recreational drone use areas.
Restrictions
Banned: nature preserves, nature parks, wetland centers, cemeteries, city lakes. Allowed with restrictions: Baileywick Park, Eastgate Park, Spring Forest Park, Marsh Creek Park, Dorothea Dix Park, Southgate Park (dawn to dusk)
Mecklenburg County (Charlotte area)
countyParks and Recreation Drone Permit Policy
Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation (which operates Charlotte's parks) prohibits drone launch and landing from county park property without a permit. Permits issued through parks office.
Restrictions
Permit required for launch/landing in county parks including Freedom Park, Little Sugar Creek Greenway, Reedy Creek. Charlotte uptown parks subject to City of Charlotte policy. Bank of America Stadium: Federal TFR applies during Carolina Panthers games.
City of Asheville
cityParks and Recreation Drone Permit Policy
City of Asheville Parks and Recreation requires advance permission for drone use in city parks. Coordinate through parks office.
Restrictions
Permit required for city parks. Surrounding federal lands (Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains) prohibit launch/recovery from NPS property. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests allow operation with conditions (no designated wilderness, no wildlife harassment).
Town of Nags Head (Outer Banks)
townOrdinance Prohibiting Drone Operations from Town Property
Town ordinance prohibits drone operations from all town-owned property without written permission from the Town Manager.
Restrictions
No drone operations from town property without written permission. Can still fly over town-managed beaches per FAA rules.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance without consent (§ 15A-300.1) | Class 1 Misdemeanor / Civil Liability | Criminal penalties vary; Civil: $5,000 per published image | Up to 120 days | Local law enforcement, State District Attorneys, private civil action | Victims have private right of action for $5,000 per published image. Unlawful distribution is Class 1 misdemeanor. |
| Unlawful distribution of drone images (§ 14-401.24) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Discretionary | Up to 120 days | Local law enforcement, State District Attorneys | First offense; repeat violations may result in higher penalties |
| Launch/recovery without consent (§ 15A-300.2) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | $500 mandatory fine | Up to 120 days | Local law enforcement, State District Attorneys | Mandatory $500 fine; most distinctive NC rule for visiting pilots |
| Flying within 500 ft of correctional facility - weapon delivery (§ 15A-300.3) | Class H Felony | $1,500 mandatory fine | 4-25 months presumptive | NC State Police, FBI, Bureau of Prisons, State District Attorneys | Active enforcement priority for NC DPS and Bureau of Prisons |
| Flying within 500 ft of correctional facility - contraband delivery (§ 15A-300.3) | Class I Felony | $1,000 mandatory fine | Up to 58 months presumptive | NC State Police, FBI, Bureau of Prisons, State District Attorneys | Contraband includes controlled substances, cigarettes, alcohol, communication devices |
| Flying within 500 ft of correctional facility - other use (§ 15A-300.3) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | $500 mandatory fine | Up to 120 days | Local law enforcement, State District Attorneys | Mandatory $500 fine |
| Interference with manned aircraft (§ 14-280.3) | Class H Felony | Not specified; federal civil penalties also apply | 4-25 months presumptive | FAA, Federal Bureau of Investigation, State District Attorneys | Applies to interference with medevac helicopters, wildfire suppression aircraft, news helicopters. Federal 14 C.F.R. § 91.13 applies in parallel. |
| Possession or use of UAS with weapon attached (§ 14-401.24) | Class E Felony | Not specified | Up to 88 months | Federal and state law enforcement | Weapons defined per G.S. 14-401.24(c) |
| Hunting or fishing with UAS (§ 14-401.24) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Discretionary | Up to 120 days | N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission | Includes using drone to locate, scout, or herd game animals |
| Publishing or disseminating thermal imaging from UAS (§ 14-401.24) | Class A1 Misdemeanor (felony if disseminated) | Not specified | Up to 150 days (A1 misdemeanor); up to 60 months if felony | Local law enforcement, State District Attorneys | Applies to images revealing individuals, materials, or activities inside structures without consent |
| Harassment or disturbance of wildlife with UAS (15A NCAC 10B) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Discretionary | Up to 120 days | N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission | Includes harassing sea turtles during nesting season (May-October); federal ESA violations may also apply |
| State park flight without permit (7 NCAC 13B) | Administrative / Civil Citation | Varies per Division of Parks and Recreation | None | N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation rangers | Applies to all state parks, natural areas, and state-administered trails |
Drone surveillance without consent (§ 15A-300.1)
Victims have private right of action for $5,000 per published image. Unlawful distribution is Class 1 misdemeanor.
Unlawful distribution of drone images (§ 14-401.24)
First offense; repeat violations may result in higher penalties
Launch/recovery without consent (§ 15A-300.2)
Mandatory $500 fine; most distinctive NC rule for visiting pilots
Flying within 500 ft of correctional facility - weapon delivery (§ 15A-300.3)
Active enforcement priority for NC DPS and Bureau of Prisons
Flying within 500 ft of correctional facility - contraband delivery (§ 15A-300.3)
Contraband includes controlled substances, cigarettes, alcohol, communication devices
Flying within 500 ft of correctional facility - other use (§ 15A-300.3)
Mandatory $500 fine
Interference with manned aircraft (§ 14-280.3)
Applies to interference with medevac helicopters, wildfire suppression aircraft, news helicopters. Federal 14 C.F.R. § 91.13 applies in parallel.
Possession or use of UAS with weapon attached (§ 14-401.24)
Weapons defined per G.S. 14-401.24(c)
Hunting or fishing with UAS (§ 14-401.24)
Includes using drone to locate, scout, or herd game animals
Publishing or disseminating thermal imaging from UAS (§ 14-401.24)
Applies to images revealing individuals, materials, or activities inside structures without consent
Harassment or disturbance of wildlife with UAS (15A NCAC 10B)
Includes harassing sea turtles during nesting season (May-October); federal ESA violations may also apply
State park flight without permit (7 NCAC 13B)
Applies to all state parks, natural areas, and state-administered trails
Registration, Fees & Taxes
North Carolina imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Local park permit fees — Varies by jurisdictionCities and counties may charge permit fees for launch/recovery from their property. Specific amounts vary (e.g., Charlotte/Mecklenburg County parks require permits; Raleigh designates 6 parks for free recreational use; Asheville requires permits).
North Carolina has NO state-level drone registration requirement. Federal FAA registration through FAA DroneZone is the only registration requirement ($5 for 3 years per drone over 0.55 lbs). North Carolina repealed its state drone operator permit requirement on December 1, 2024 (HB 198 / Session Law 2024-15). Commercial operators need only the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. There is no state commercial drone license, no state insurance mandate, and no state sales tax specifically on drones (general sales tax applies).
No state-level permit required. HB 198 repealed the NCDOT UAS Knowledge Test and Commercial/Government UAS Operator Permits effective December 1, 2024. Local jurisdictions (cities, counties, state parks) may require permits for launch/recovery on their property.
No state-level insurance requirement. However, most commercial clients, government agencies, and park permit offices require certificates of insurance naming them as additional insureds. Typical UAV liability insurance costs $500-$1,500 per year for $1,000,000 coverage.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Primary federal license for commercial UAS operations
North Carolina no longer requires a state-level license on top of Part 107 (repealed December 1, 2024). The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 knowledge test) is the sole federal and state licensing requirement for commercial operations.
Remote ID Requirements
Mandatory remote identification compliance
All drones flown outdoors in North Carolina must broadcast Remote ID information (location, altitude, drone ID) since March 16, 2024, unless operating inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
TRUST Certification for Recreational Flying
Free Recreational UAS Safety Test
North Carolina recreational drone operators must pass the TRUST test before flying. Certificates available free through FAA-approved test administrators.
LAANC Authorization
Required for flights in controlled airspace
Flights in North Carolina Class B (Charlotte), Class C (Raleigh, Greensboro, Wilmington, Asheville, Fayetteville), Class D, or surface Class E airspace require LAANC authorization through B4UFLY or similar services. LAANC is free for many low-altitude grid squares.
Airspace Restrictions Over Federal Lands
NPS and USFS restrictions apply to federal property
Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park: No launch or recovery from park property. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests: Allow operation with restrictions (no designated Wilderness Areas, no wildlife harassment). Cape Hatteras, Cape Lookout, and Wright Brothers National Memorials: NPS bans on launch/recovery.
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Federal wildlife protection during nesting season
Low-altitude flights over North Carolina beaches May-October trigger federal ESA protections for sea turtles and other nesting species, in addition to state wildlife violations under 15A NCAC 10B.
Military Restricted Airspace
Active military bases prohibit civilian drone operations
Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point MCAS, and Seymour Johnson AFB all have restricted airspace. Civilian operations require specific military authorization.
Surveying License Requirements
NC Board interpretation affects commercial drone mapping
The NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors considers orthomosaic mapping, 3D models, and georeferenced imagery to constitute 'land surveying' under G.S. 89C, potentially requiring a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license. This applies even to Part 107-certified pilots. Legal status unresolved as of 2024 (Fourth Circuit sided with Board; case petitioned to U.S. Supreme Court).
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
North Carolina has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC authorization required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace. Major North Carolina cities with controlled airspace include Charlotte (CLT - Class B), Raleigh (RDU - Class C), Greensboro (GSO - Class C), Wilmington (ILM - Class C), Asheville (AVL - Class C), and Fayetteville (FAY - Class C).
Major Airports
CLT — Charlotte Douglas International (Class B)RDU — Raleigh-Durham International (Class C)GSO — Greensboro-High Point International (Class C)ILM — Wilmington International (Class C)AVL — Asheville Regional (Class C)FAY — Fayetteville Regional (Class C)JQF — Concord-Padgett (Class D satellite of CLT)EQY — Monroe Executive (Class D satellite of CLT)
TFR Notice
Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte Panthers): Federal 14 C.F.R. § 99.7 TFR applies on NFL Sundays and qualifying events (3 statute miles, up to 3,000 ft AGL, 1 hour before through 1 hour after). Kenan Memorial Stadium (UNC Chapel Hill), Wallace Wade Stadium (Duke Durham), Carter-Finley Stadium (NC State Raleigh) all have stadium TFRs during football games. Active disaster TFRs may be issued after hurricanes/emergencies. Check B4UFLY before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Anson Correctional Institution Drone Smuggling Attempt
enforcementThree Fayetteville residents (Roland J. Snoke, David A. Johnson, and Trudy M. Gibbs) arrested for attempting to use a drone to smuggle K2 paper, methamphetamine, tobacco, cigarettes, and suboxone strips into Anson Correctional Institution in Polkton. All three charged with providing contraband to an inmate and held on $100,000 secured bonds each. Case illustrates enforcement of 500-foot correctional facility buffer under § 15A-300.3.
Pending Legislation
HB 707In Committee — House (Re-ref to Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House as of 2026-04-15)Drones/Certain Vendor Purchases Prohibited
Would prohibit state and local government agencies from purchasing drones and certain equipment from specific vendors (likely Chinese manufacturers such as DJI). Related to broader federal supply-chain security concerns regarding foreign-made drone equipment.
Last action: April 15, 2026
SB 670In Committee — Senate (Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate)Drones/Certain Vendor Purchases Prohibited
Senate companion to HB 707. Would prohibit state and local government agencies from purchasing drones and certain equipment from specific vendors (likely Chinese manufacturers).
Last action: March 26, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | UNC requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Office of Environment, Health & Safety before flight. Stadium TFR applies during Kenan Memorial Stadium football games. Restrictions: No flights without prior EHS approval. Stadium TFR during athletic events (Kenan Memorial Stadium). No flights over campus buildings, crowds, or parking areas without authorization. | Yes | Office of Environment, Health & Safety — ehs@unc.edu |
| Duke University | Duke requires prior approval from the Office of Campus Safety and Environmental Health & Safety for all drone flights on university property. Stadium TFR applies during Wallace Wade Stadium football games. Restrictions: Prior approval from Campus Safety/EHS required. Stadium TFR during athletic events (Wallace Wade Stadium). No flights over Duke Forest research areas without specific authorization. No flights over buildings or crowds without approval. | Yes | Office of Campus Safety / Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@duke.edu |
| North Carolina State University | NC State requires all UAS operations on campus to be approved by Environmental Health & Safety. The university operates UAS research through multiple engineering departments. Stadium TFR applies during Carter-Finley Stadium football games. Restrictions: EHS approval required before flight. Stadium TFR during athletic events (Carter-Finley Stadium). No flights over campus buildings or research facilities without authorization. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@ncsu.edu |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
Stay Compliant
Stay Compliant. Stay Organized.
Now that you know North Carolina's drone laws, let PilotLedger help you stay on top of compliance. Manage your quotes, invoices, clients, and run your drone business from one platform.