NC H850

Officers may ask persons being searched whether they possess hypodermic needles or other sharp objects prior to conducting a search of the person, premises, or vehicle.

A person who alerts an officer to the presence of a hypodermic needle or sharp object in their possession prior to search shall not be charged with or prosecuted for possession of drug paraphernalia for that needle or object.

The exemption applies only to the needle or sharp object itself and does not protect against charges for any other drug paraphernalia found during the search.

The law applies to searches conducted by criminal justice officers and justice officers as defined in G.S. 17C-2(3) and G.S. 17E-2(3).

The act became effective December 1, 2013, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.