NORTH CAROLINA – The North Carolina Department of Transportation is reminding drone pilots in the state to fly safe and legal this summer.

• A record number of North Carolinians are expected to fly drones this summer.
• A lot of people don't realize that some things are illegal to do with drones.
• Approxiately 30,000 people now use drones in NC.

The department expects a record number of drones to lift off in the state this summer. They estimate that around 30,000 North Carolinians now own and operate drones for personal and recreational use.

As such, NCDOT’s Division of Aviation has provided the following eight tips to help pilots make sure they’re flying safely and legally:

1. Always fly below 400 feet above ground level
2. Never fly near airports
3. Avoid flying over events or crowds
4. Don’t fly at night, even if your drone has lights
5. Never fly directly over people,
6. Don’t fly near or above prisons,
7. Respect people’s privacy
8. Always keep the drone within your visual line of sight

DOT says pilots should also take the time to learn about the state and federal laws governing drones, as well as local restrictions in their area, before taking off.