Drone Laws
in North Carolina (2023)

Welcome to this wiki. The goal of this wiki is to crowd-source drone information. Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

Federal Drone Laws

The Federal Aviation Administration controls where you can fly your drone
and under what conditions throughout the United States. You should become familar with the FAA's rules before flying.

Check FAA Drone Laws

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North Carolina State Drone Laws
These laws apply in the entire state.

North Carolina State Parks

Prohibits launching, landing, or recovery of any aircraft from all state parks and state park waters except for operators with permits to operate at Jockey’s Ridge State Park or a Special Activity Permit to fly issued by park authority.

Ref NCAC 13B.1204

 

Senate Bill 744

  • Establishes a licensing process for commercial and government drone operators, requiring them to apply for a State Permit by passing the NCDOT’s UAS Knowledge Test.
  • Does not stipulate any special permit requirement for recreational drone operations.

Ref Senate Bill 744

 

House Bill 337

Identifies emergency management operations where the use of drones is permitted. All drones used solely for recreational purposes is exempted from permitting, training, and other obligations.

Ref House Bill 337

 

House Bill 128

Bans all drone operations within 500 feet horizontal distance or 250 feet vertical distance of state or federal-run correctional facilities, except if done in an official capacity or with prior written consent.

Ref House Bill 128

 

Senate Bill 446

Authorizes the state 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.

Ref Senate Bill 446

City and County
Drone Laws
These laws apply in some areas.

Local drone laws in North Carolina refer to policies and regulations that are enacted and enforced at the county, city, or town levels.

 

Gaston County

Bans launching or landing of drones within Gaston County Parks and Recreation Sites except by special permit.

Ref Gaston County Drone Policy

 

City of Kannapolis

Prohibits the use of all flying machines in all city parks except for those granted special permission from the city manager

Ref Ordinance 12-31

 

City of Raleigh

  • Bans drone operations in Nature Preserves, Nature Parks, Wetland Centers, Cemeteries, and City Lakes.
  • Identifies six parks as designated areas for recreational drone use.

Raleigh Parks Drone Policy

 

Town of Beech Mountain

  • Prohibits drone operations from all town-owned property without official written permission from the Town Manager or designee.
  • Prohibits drone operations on any public vehicular area, common area for town homes, apartments or condominiums, or any multi-family property

Ref Town Ordinance

 

Town of Chapel Hill

Authorizes the Chapel Hill Police Department to enforce federal regulations on drone operations.

Ref Official Press Release (2017)

Where to fly
drones in North Carolina

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Best Places
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Best-Places-to-Fly-Your-Drone-in-Raleigh

Best Places
to Fly in Raleigh

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