Maine Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Maine has a moderate drone regulatory environment, with state law establishing law enforcement oversight requirements for government drone use, including warrant requirements for criminal investigations. The state prohibits drone operations in state parks, historic sites, and boat launches without special permits, and is actively considering new legislation to restrict drone use over correctional facilities. Pending legislation from the 132nd Legislature (LD 2157) targeting drones over jails and correctional facilities is advancing through the legislature, which would meaningfully expand the state's drone restrictions if enacted.
State Drone Laws
25 M.R.S.A. §§ 4501-4507Law Enforcement Drone Oversight and Standards
Requires law enforcement agencies to receive approval before adopting the use of drones, sets out standards for the operation of UAS by law enforcement, and requires that law enforcement secure a warrant to use UAS for criminal investigations. The original bill was LD 25 from the 127th Legislature, enacted as Public Law 2015, Chapter 317.
Bureau of Parks and Lands Drone PolicyDrone Operations in State Parks and Historic Sites
Prohibits the general operation of drones in Maine State Parks, Historic Sites, and DACF Boat Launches without direct oversight from an approved law enforcement agency or through a Special Activity Permit. Commercial use of drones is prohibited in these locations.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
No state-specific penalty information on record.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Maine does not require state-level drone registration. Recreational drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA. All commercial drone operators must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements.
Special Activity Permits required for drone operations in Maine State Parks, Historic Sites, and DACF Boat Launches.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Operations
All commercial drone operators in Maine must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
Commercial drone operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Operations must comply with altitude restrictions, line-of-sight requirements, and airspace regulations.
FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone operators in Maine must pass the TRUST
Hobbyist drone operators must pass the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test and comply with recreational model aircraft rules. Drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA for $5.
Law Enforcement Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Government employees may operate under Part 107 or obtain a federal COA
Maine law enforcement agencies (State Police, Warden Service, Marine Patrol, Forest Service, County Sheriffs, and Municipal Police) may obtain Certificates of Authorization for drone operations including search and rescue.
FAA Remote ID Compliance
Drone operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements
All drone operators must ensure compliance with the FAA's Remote ID rule, which requires drones to broadcast remote identification information.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at major Maine airports for Part 107 operators seeking airspace authorizations.
Major Airports
PWM — Portland International JetportBGR — Bangor International AirportAUG — Augusta State Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may be issued around major events and government facilities. Pilots should check NOTAMs and the FAA B4UFly app.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
LD 2157Passed House with Committee Amendment B (as of 2026-03-25); Awaiting Senate actionAn Act to Prohibit the Unauthorized Use of Drones on or over the Premises of Correctional Facilities and Jails
Would prohibit the unauthorized use of drones on or over the premises of correctional facilities and jails. The bill passed the Maine House of Representatives with Committee Amendment B on March 25, 2026, and is pending in the Senate. If enacted, it would add a targeted criminal prohibition to state drone law.
Last action: March 25, 2026
LD 2144Died upon conclusion of 129th LegislatureAn Act To Protect Maine Residents From Stalking And Unauthorized Surveillance By Use Of An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Would have created protections against stalking and unauthorized surveillance conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles. This bill did not advance and died at the end of the 129th Legislature. It is retained for historical tracking purposes only.
Last action: November 17, 2020
LD 823Died upon conclusion of 128th LegislatureAn Act To Promote Transparency With Respect To Surveillance Technology
Would have promoted transparency with respect to surveillance technology, potentially including drone surveillance applications. This bill did not advance and died at the end of the 128th Legislature. It is retained for historical tracking purposes only.
Last action: April 28, 2020
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maine | UMaine requires coordination with campus police and the Office of Safety and Environmental Management for drone operations on university property. All operators must comply with FAA regulations and obtain prior approval before conducting any drone flights on or over university property. Restrictions: Coordination with campus police required. No flights over events or gatherings. Must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. | Yes | Office of Safety and Environmental Management |
| University of Southern Maine | USM follows the University of Maine System drone policy, requiring prior approval for all drone operations on campus property and compliance with all applicable FAA regulations. Restrictions: Prior approval required. Must comply with FAA regulations. No flights over people or events without authorization. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health and Safety |
| Bowdoin College | Bowdoin College restricts drone operations on and over campus property. Use of drones for academic or research purposes requires prior administrative approval and must comply with FAA regulations. Restrictions: Prior approval required for all campus drone operations. Must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules. Photography and video restrictions apply to protect student privacy. | Yes | Office of Safety and Security |
| Colby College | Colby College requires prior authorization for any drone operations on or over college property. Operators must demonstrate FAA compliance and obtain campus approval before flying. Restrictions: Prior authorization required. FAA compliance mandatory. Restrictions apply near athletic facilities and residential areas. | Yes | Dean of Students Office / Facilities |
| Bates College | Bates College restricts drone operations on campus property and requires coordination with campus authorities prior to any drone flights. All operators must comply with applicable FAA rules. Restrictions: Prior coordination with campus authorities required. FAA compliance mandatory. Privacy of students and community members must be respected. | Yes | Campus Safety and Security |
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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