Maine Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Maine maintains a permissive stance toward civilian and commercial drone operations with minimal state-level restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements. The state's primary drone law focuses on law enforcement restrictions and warrant requirements. Specific restrictions apply to hunting with drones and operations in state parks, but Maine has no state registration, pilot licensing, or insurance mandates for civilian operators.
State Drone Laws
25 M.R.S. § 4501Unmanned Aircraft System Acquisition and Use by Law Enforcement
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval from their governing body before acquiring an unmanned aircraft system. Mandates a warrant for drone use in criminal investigations, with limited exceptions for emergencies and national security. Prohibits weaponized drones and surveillance of people exercising free-speech and assembly rights. Requires written minimum standards for operator training, prosecutor approval, limitations on facial recognition and thermal imaging, mandatory data destruction, and annual reporting to the Legislature.
12 M.R.S. § 11216Prohibition on Hunting with Aid of Aircraft
Prohibits using any aircraft, including drones, to aid or assist in hunting bear, deer, or moose, whether the aircraft is airborne or operated from the ground. Maine defines drones as aircraft under this statute. The Maine Warden Service has cautioned that even locating a wounded animal with a drone may violate this provision, as the statute does not carve out exceptions for scouting or recovery.
17-A M.R.S. § 511Violation of Privacy
General privacy statute that applies to drone surveillance. Prohibits intentionally exposing intimate body parts of another person or knowingly allowing such exposure to be photographed, recorded, or observed with intent to arouse or gratify. Applies when a person uses a remote device to capture images in a private place where reasonable expectation of privacy exists.
LD 2157An Act to Prohibit the Unauthorized Use of Drones on or over the Premises of Correctional Facilities and Jails
Prohibits the unauthorized launching, landing, or operation of unmanned aerial vehicles on or over state and county correctional facilities and jails. Enacted in response to security concerns related to drone-facilitated contraband delivery and other security threats at correctional institutions.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Portland
cityDrone Restrictions in Municipal Parks
Portland restricts drone launching and landing in municipal parks without prior approval from the city.
Restrictions
No drone launching, landing, or operation in municipal parks including Deering Oaks Park and Eastern Promenade without prior city authorization. LAANC required for flights in Class C airspace around Portland International Jetport (PWM).
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting bear, deer, or moose with aid of aircraft/drone (no animal taken) | Civil Violation | $100 to $500 | None | Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife / Maine Warden Service | Drone subject to confiscation. Includes scouting, locating, and assisting hunters. No exceptions for recovery of wounded animals. |
| Hunting bear, deer, or moose with aid of aircraft/drone (animal taken) | Class E Crime | $500 minimum | Possible | Maine Warden Service | Mandatory minimum $500 fine. Drone confiscation likely. |
| Repeated hunting violations with aircraft (3+ civil violations within 5 years) | Class E Crime | Determined by court | Possible | Maine Warden Service | Civil violations escalate to felony classification after third violation. |
| Violation of privacy with drone (general) | Class D Crime | Determined by court | Possible | Local Law Enforcement | Applies when drone used to capture intimate images or conduct surveillance in places where reasonable expectation of privacy exists. |
| Unauthorized law enforcement drone surveillance without warrant | Civil Action | Up to $5,000 per violation | None | Private civil suit under § 4505 | Injured party may sue for damages, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs. |
| Operating drone in state park, historic site, or DACF boat launch without permit | Park Use Violation | Varies by jurisdiction | None | Bureau of Parks and Lands | Commercial drone use in state parks is prohibited entirely with no permit available. |
| Operating drone in Acadia National Park or other National Park Service units | Federal Petty Offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service / Federal Courts | 36 CFR § 1.5 establishes absolute ban on all NPS lands. Drone confiscation likely. |
| Unauthorized drone operation over correctional facility or jail | Class E Crime | Determined by court | Possible | Law Enforcement / Correctional Officers | LD 2157 enacted April 8, 2026. Penalty structure to be determined upon codification. |
Hunting bear, deer, or moose with aid of aircraft/drone (no animal taken)
Drone subject to confiscation. Includes scouting, locating, and assisting hunters. No exceptions for recovery of wounded animals.
Hunting bear, deer, or moose with aid of aircraft/drone (animal taken)
Mandatory minimum $500 fine. Drone confiscation likely.
Repeated hunting violations with aircraft (3+ civil violations within 5 years)
Civil violations escalate to felony classification after third violation.
Violation of privacy with drone (general)
Applies when drone used to capture intimate images or conduct surveillance in places where reasonable expectation of privacy exists.
Unauthorized law enforcement drone surveillance without warrant
Injured party may sue for damages, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs.
Operating drone in state park, historic site, or DACF boat launch without permit
Commercial drone use in state parks is prohibited entirely with no permit available.
Operating drone in Acadia National Park or other National Park Service units
36 CFR § 1.5 establishes absolute ban on all NPS lands. Drone confiscation likely.
Unauthorized drone operation over correctional facility or jail
LD 2157 enacted April 8, 2026. Penalty structure to be determined upon codification.
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
- State Parks Special Activity Permit — Fee amount not specified in sourcesRequired to operate a drone in any of Maine's 48 State Parks, Historic Sites, or Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) boat launches. Application submitted to regional Parks and Lands office. Commercial drone use prohibited regardless of permit status.
Maine does not require state-level drone registration, pilot licensing, or commercial operator permits beyond federal FAA requirements. The only registration that applies is the FAA's $5 drone registration (valid 3 years) for drones over 250 grams. Commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 certification; recreational operators must pass the free TRUST test. No state-specific taxes, fees, or insurance mandates apply.
State Parks: Special Activity Permit required from Bureau of Parks and Lands to fly in Maine's 48 State Parks, Historic Sites, or Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry boat launches. Application must include certificate of liability insurance naming the State of Maine as co-insured. Commercial drone use in state parks is prohibited entirely regardless of permit status. Permits granted only under rare circumstances.
Maine does not legally mandate drone insurance. However, state parks require proof of liability insurance for special activity permits, and most commercial clients expect $1 million or higher coverage.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 - Commercial Remote Pilot Certificate
Required for all commercial drone operations in Maine
Any drone flight that benefits a business—real estate photography, aerial surveying, inspections, paid content creation—requires an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. Maine has no separate state commercial drone license. The Part 107 knowledge test costs $175, is valid for 24 months, and consists of 60 questions on airspace, weather, and regulations. Testing centers available in Portland, Bangor, and Augusta.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Required for all recreational drone operations in Maine
Non-commercial pilots must pass the free online TRUST test before flying. Test is one-time, correctable to 100%, and completion certificate must be carried when flying. Maine has no additional state-level recreational pilot requirements.
FAA Drone Registration
Required for all drones over 250 grams (0.55 pounds)
Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years through FAA DroneZone. Registration number must be visible on the aircraft. No separate Maine state registration exists.
Remote ID
Mandatory for all registered drones since March 16, 2024
All drones must broadcast Remote ID information while operating. Standard Remote ID, a broadcast module, or operation inside a Federal Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) each fulfill this requirement.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Required for all drone operations unless waivered
Operator must maintain visual line of sight with the drone at all times, or use a visual observer who is physically present and in direct communication with the operator.
Altitude Limitations
400 feet above ground level (AGL) is the standard maximum altitude
FAA Part 107 and recreational rules cap drone altitude at 400 feet AGL. Maine does not impose a lower ceiling, though LAANC may authorize lower ceilings near Portland and Bangor airports due to proximity to runways.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) / Part 108
Not yet routinely available; requires FAA waiver
The FAA proposed Part 108 rulemaking for routine BVLOS operations, but as of this review there is no final rule or published effective date. Until Part 108 is finalized, BVLOS flights in Maine require a specific FAA waiver. Forestry crews surveying large tracts and utility operators inspecting long line runs must currently plan around VLOS operations.
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 is available at Portland International Jetport (PWM, Class C) and Bangor International Airport (BGR, Class C). LAANC authorization is required for drone operations within controlled airspace rings around these major airports. Most of Maine's airspace is uncontrolled (Class G) and does not require LAANC.
Major Airports
PWM — Portland International JetportBGR — Bangor International AirportLEW — Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport
TFR Notice
No permanent statewide TFRs specific to Maine drones. Temporary flight restrictions may be issued for major events, emergency response, or special circumstances. Acadia National Park maintains year-round drone ban creating a large restricted zone in eastern Maine.
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 | UMaine requires drone operators to coordinate with campus police and the Office of Safety and Environmental Management before conducting any drone operations on university property. Restrictions: Coordination with campus police required before any flight. No flights over events, gatherings, or crowds. All drone operations on campus require prior approval from the Office of Safety and Environmental Management. | Yes | Office of Safety and Environmental Management, University of Maine |
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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