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 G.S. 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. (2) To hunt. - As defined in G.S. 113-130. (3) Unmanned aircraft. - As defined in G.S. 15A-300.1. (4) Unmanned aircraft system. - As defined in G.S. 15A-300.1. (5) Weapon. - Those weapons specified in G.S. 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).)