CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you're planning on giving or receiving a drone this holiday season, the North Carolina Department of Transportation wants you to know how to safely and legally fly the unmanned aircraft.

• More than 30,000 North Carolinians now own and operate drones recreationally
• Drones can be dangerous to others when not operated properly
• Before flying commercially in North Carolina, pilots must obtain a permit from the NC Division of Aviation

“It’s amazing how much can be done with a drone these days,” NCDOT Director of Aviation Bobby Walston says. “We’ve just got to make sure everyone is aware that they’re more than just a toy and need to be flown responsibly.”

Officials with the NCDOT say more than 30,000 people in North Carolina now own and operate drones for recreational use. With this many drones taking to the skies, pilots need to be sure to follow safety precautions to avoid dangers posed to others when not properly operated.

The following tips provided by the NCDOT can help ensure safe and legal flight:

• Always fly under 400 feet above ground level
• Never fly near airports
• Avoid flying over events or crowds
• Don’t fly at night, even if your drone has lights
• Never fly directly over people
• Don’t fly near or above prisons
• Respect people’s privacy
• Always keep the drone within your visual line of sight

Before taking off, the NCDOT also recommends that pilots take time to learn about the state and federal laws governing drones, as well as local restrictions in their area.

Anyone interested in flying a drone for commercial or government operations in North Carolina must obtain a permit from the N.C. Division of Aviation. Before applying, officials say prospective users must pass NCDOT’s UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Knowledge Test. The permitting system began in 2016 and is designed to help drone owners better understand restrictions on drone use through a simple and efficient online process.