§ 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 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).)