North Carolina has over 19,000 registered drones in the airspace. The problem is that most of these drone operators don't know all the drone laws.

Because of this, drones in NC have nearly caused serious airplane and helicopter crashes on several occasions.

Now the drone laws in NC have recently changed, so if you're currently a drone operator or plan to be one in the near future, you need to make sure you know all the right laws.

Keep reading to learn about the new laws on drones in NC.

What Has Changed

There are two new laws you need to be aware of if you are a drone operator. They both went into effect on December 1, 2017, so if you still haven't heard about them, make sure you spend some time getting familiar with them.

1. Drones and Prisons

You can no longer fly drones near prisons, jails, or correctional facilities. To be more specific, you can't fly more than 250 feet above or 500 feet around any of these establishments.

If you are caught flying any closer to a prison than those specifications, you can face a charge of misdemeanor.

Why Was This Law Created?

Multiple drones have been caught flying contraband inside prisons walls. Usually, NC police found this contraband before any prisoners could get to it, but one prisoner was able to use supplies flown into prison by a drone to escape.

2. Looser Restrictions on Drone Emergency Management

Emergency management agencies can now use special imaging technology to assist law enforcement during search and rescue operations. This includes features like thermal and infrared technology.

These types of technology were previously only allowed to be used for scientific reasons, but now private and commercial drone operators can use them to help emergency situations.

Other Drone Laws to Remember

Those may be the only two new or updated drone laws, but the other drone laws are equally important to remember. Flying a drone without properly understanding drone laws can result in accidents and fines.

• Don't fly above 400 feet

• Keep your drone in sight at all times

• Don't fly near airports

• Don't fly near any kind of aircraft

• Don't fly near response emergency efforts, like a fire

• Don't fly over stadiums of any kind

• Don't fly above large groups of people

• Make sure your drone is registered

If these laws aren't familiar, you may want to take the time to do further research and make sure you are completely aware of all the drone laws in NC. Remember, you are responsible for your drone, so you have to fly it correctly.

Understanding Drones in NC

Before you operate your drone, double check the place you've picked to fly is safe. Are there large crowds? Airplanes? Emergency teams? If so, you may want to pick somewhere else to fly.

Most importantly, drone laws are always changing and adapting, so make sure you stay up to date. And remember, don't fly your drones anywhere near prisons.

Accidentally missed one of these laws and find yourself in a bit of trouble? Contact us and we can give you the bail bond assistance you need.