Maine Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Maine maintains a permissive stance toward civilian and commercial drone operations, with targeted regulations focused on law enforcement oversight, hunting prohibitions, state park access, and critical infrastructure protection. The state has no registration or licensing requirements beyond federal FAA rules.
State Drone Laws
25 M.R.S. § 4501Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by Law Enforcement
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval from their governing body before acquiring or operating drones. Mandates warrants for criminal investigations except in emergencies or search and rescue. Bans weaponized drones and surveillance of peaceful assembly or free speech activities. Establishes minimum training and data protection standards.
12 M.R.S. § 11216Hunting with Aid of Aircraft
Prohibits using any aircraft, including drones, to aid or assist in hunting bear, deer, or moose, or to locate wounded animals. Applies to both airborne and ground-based use. Captures scouting, pushing animals, and prey location activities.
17-A M.R.S. § 511Violation of Privacy
General privacy statute applying to drone surveillance. Prohibits recording or observing someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy without consent. Applies to civilian drone operators.
LD 2157Prohibition on Unauthorized Use of Drones on or Over Correctional Facilities and Jails
Enacted in 2026, this law prohibits the unauthorized use, operation, or launching of drones on or over the premises of any correctional facility, jail, or detention center in Maine.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting with aid of aircraft (12 M.R.S. § 11216) — no animal taken | Civil Violation | $100-$500 | None | Maine Warden Service | Drone confiscation may occur. Includes scouting, locating wounded animals, and pushing game. |
| Hunting with aid of aircraft (12 M.R.S. § 11216) — animal taken | Class E Crime | $500 minimum | Up to 1 year | Maine Warden Service | Mandatory minimum $500 fine. Drone subject to confiscation. |
| Hunting with aid of aircraft — repeat civil violations (3+ in 5 years) | Class E Crime | $500 minimum | Up to 1 year | Maine Warden Service | Escalates from civil to criminal classification after third violation within 5 years. |
| Law enforcement drone surveillance without warrant (25 M.R.S. § 4502) | Civil Action | Up to $5,000 damages plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs | None | Civil courts; plaintiff lawsuit | Private right of action for individuals whose privacy is violated by unauthorized law enforcement surveillance. |
| Privacy violation via drone (17-A M.R.S. § 511) | Class D Crime | Determined by sentencing guidelines | Up to 1 year | State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Civil liability also available. Applies to recording or surveillance of persons where reasonable expectation of privacy exists. |
| Unauthorized drone use at correctional facility (LD 2157) | Misdemeanor | Determined by sentencing guidelines | Determined by sentencing guidelines | Department of Corrections / State Police | Newly enacted in 2026. Specific penalty ranges to be published in sentencing guidelines. |
| Drone operation in Acadia National Park (36 CFR § 1.5) | Federal Petty Offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service | Federal violation. Applies to launching, landing, or operating drones in any NPS unit. Drone subject to confiscation. |
Hunting with aid of aircraft (12 M.R.S. § 11216) — no animal taken
Drone confiscation may occur. Includes scouting, locating wounded animals, and pushing game.
Hunting with aid of aircraft (12 M.R.S. § 11216) — animal taken
Mandatory minimum $500 fine. Drone subject to confiscation.
Hunting with aid of aircraft — repeat civil violations (3+ in 5 years)
Escalates from civil to criminal classification after third violation within 5 years.
Law enforcement drone surveillance without warrant (25 M.R.S. § 4502)
Private right of action for individuals whose privacy is violated by unauthorized law enforcement surveillance.
Privacy violation via drone (17-A M.R.S. § 511)
Civil liability also available. Applies to recording or surveillance of persons where reasonable expectation of privacy exists.
Unauthorized drone use at correctional facility (LD 2157)
Newly enacted in 2026. Specific penalty ranges to be published in sentencing guidelines.
Drone operation in Acadia National Park (36 CFR § 1.5)
Federal violation. Applies to launching, landing, or operating drones in any NPS unit. Drone subject to confiscation.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Maine imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Special Activity Permit for State Parks, Historic Sites, and DACF Boat Launches — No fee specified; regional variationRequired for any drone operations in Maine State Parks, Historic Sites, or Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry boat launches. Must provide certificate of liability insurance. Commercial drone use prohibited regardless of permit.
Maine does not require state-level drone registration. Only FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) applies to drones over 250g. No state drone pilot license or permit is required beyond federal FAA Part 107 (commercial) and TRUST (recreational).
No statewide permit required. However, Special Activity Permits are required for flying in Maine State Parks, Historic Sites, and DACF boat launches. Commercial drone use in state parks is prohibited entirely. Permits issued by Bureau of Parks and Lands regional manager.
Liability insurance not legally required. However, liability insurance is required when applying for a Special Activity Permit to fly in state parks (must name State of Maine, Bureau of Parks and Lands, and specific park as co-insured).
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Requirement
Mandatory since March 16, 2024 for all registered drones
All drones must broadcast Remote ID or operate within a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Standard Remote ID or broadcast modules are acceptable. Maine has no exemption or exception.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial pilots must hold FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
Maine does not impose additional state-level commercial licensing. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 rules, obtain LAANC authorization in controlled airspace, and follow all state and local laws.
Recreational Flying
TRUST test required for all recreational pilots
Free online test administered by FAA-approved test administrators. Maine has no separate recreational license requirement.
Acadia National Park and NPS Units
Complete ban on all drone operations in National Park Service units
Acadia National Park and all other NPS units prohibit launching, landing, and operating drones. Federal violations carry up to $5,000 fine and 6 months imprisonment. Applies to all Maine NPS units.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Maine has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at Portland International Jetport (PWM, Class C) and Bangor International Airport (BGR, Class C). Most interior and coastal Maine is uncontrolled airspace (Class G), except for the Class C rings around these major airports.
Major Airports
PWM — Portland International Jetport (Class C)BGR — Bangor International Airport (Class C)LEW — Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions issued for special events, emergencies, and security purposes. Always verify with B4UFLY before flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maine | University of Maine requires coordination with campus police and the Office of Safety and Environmental Management for any drone operations on university property. No drone flights over university events, gatherings, or athletic events without prior authorization. Restrictions: Coordination with campus police required. No flights over university events, gatherings, or crowds. Compliance with all federal and state laws. Operations subject to campus security review. | Yes | Office of Safety and Environmental Management |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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