Maine Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Maine takes a privacy-protective approach to drone regulation by restricting law enforcement surveillance use rather than imposing broad restrictions on civilian operators. The state requires law enforcement to obtain warrants before drone surveillance, prohibits weaponized drones, and bans drones in state parks without permits. Hunting with drones is prohibited, and as of 2026, drones are banned near correctional facilities. Civilian recreational and commercial operators follow standard FAA rules.
State Drone Laws
25 M.R.S.A. § 4502Law Enforcement Drone Surveillance Warrant Requirement
Requires Maine law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before conducting drone surveillance in criminal investigations. Exceptions exist for consent-based collection, genuine emergencies threatening life or serious bodily injury, and emergency national security situations. Even in emergencies, a warrant must be filed within 48 hours.
25 M.R.S.A. § 4504Law Enforcement Drone Use Restrictions and Data Deletion
Prohibits weaponized drones for law enforcement. Bans surveillance of free speech and assembly activities. Requires deletion of unauthorized data collected by law enforcement within 24 hours. Establishes civil liability for violations.
25 M.R.S.A. § 4505Civil Liability for Unlawful Law Enforcement Drone Surveillance
Establishes civil cause of action for persons whose privacy rights are violated by law enforcement drone use. Allows recovery of damages up to $5,000 plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs.
12 M.R.S.A. § 11216Prohibition on Using Aircraft to Hunt or Assist in Locating Game
Prohibits using any aircraft, including drones, to hunt bear, deer, or moose, or to assist a ground hunter in locating these animals. Game wardens actively enforce this rule and may confiscate drones used in violation. Gray area exists around scouting before hunting and recovering wounded animals.
Bureau of Parks and Lands Drone PolicyDrone Prohibition in Maine State Parks
Prohibits the use of drones in Maine's 48 State Parks, Historic Sites, and DACF Boat Launches without a Special Activity Permit. Commercial drone use in state parks is prohibited entirely, with no permit option available. Recreational operators may apply for Special Activity Permits under rare circumstances. Applicants must provide a certificate of liability insurance naming the State of Maine, Bureau of Parks and Lands, and the specific park as co-insured.
25 M.R.S.A. (LD 2157)Prohibition on Unauthorized Use of Drones at Correctional Facilities and Jails
Prohibits the unauthorized use of drones on or over the premises of correctional facilities and jails. Enacted in 2026 in response to security concerns at detention facilities. Applies to all persons attempting to operate drones within facility airspace.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Portland
cityPortland Parks Drone Flight Restrictions
Portland restricts drone flying in certain public parks without prior approval from the city
Restrictions
Requires prior approval for drone flights in Deering Oaks Park and Eastern Promenade
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized law enforcement drone surveillance (25 M.R.S.A. § 4505) | Civil Violation | Up to $5,000 in damages | None (civil action) | Private civil action; Maine Attorney General oversight | Plaintiff may also recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs |
| Using aircraft (including drones) to hunt bear, deer, or moose (12 M.R.S.A. § 11216) | Class C or D Misdemeanor | $100-$500 | Up to 6 months (varies by class) | Maine Warden Service / Game Wardens | Mandatory drone confiscation. Game wardens actively enforce. |
| Unauthorized drone use at correctional facilities (25 M.R.S.A. LD 2157) | Class D Felony | To be determined | Possible | Maine State Police / Local Law Enforcement | New law effective April 8, 2026 |
Unauthorized law enforcement drone surveillance (25 M.R.S.A. § 4505)
Plaintiff may also recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs
Using aircraft (including drones) to hunt bear, deer, or moose (12 M.R.S.A. § 11216)
Mandatory drone confiscation. Game wardens actively enforce.
Unauthorized drone use at correctional facilities (25 M.R.S.A. LD 2157)
New law effective April 8, 2026
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Maine does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) is required for drones over 250g. Recreational drones under 250g are exempt from FAA registration.
Special Activity Permit required only for recreational flights in Maine State Parks (commercial flights prohibited entirely). No statewide permit requirement outside state parks for recreational or commercial operations under FAA Part 107.
Not legally required statewide. However, liability insurance is mandatory for Special Activity Permits in state parks (applicants must name State of Maine, Bureau of Parks and Lands, and the specific park as co-insured). Most commercial clients in Maine expect at least $1 million coverage; state government requires insurance for drone operations by state employees.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Registration and Remote ID
All drones over 250g must be FAA-registered; Remote ID required since March 2024
Federal registration costs $5 for 3 years via FAA DroneZone. Remote ID mandatory for all registered drones. Penalties for non-compliance: up to $27,500 civil or $250,000 criminal. Drones under 250g are exempt from FAA registration but must still follow all flight rules including VLOS, altitude limits, and TRUST certification for recreational use.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Required for all recreational drone pilots
Free online test through FAA-approved administrators. Must carry proof of certification. TRUST covers aeronautical knowledge, safety, and regulatory compliance. Pass rate is near 100% with correctable questions.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Required for commercial drone operations
$175 test fee. Available at PSI testing centers in Portland, Bangor, and Augusta. Valid for 24 months. Maine does not impose additional state-level commercial licensing beyond federal requirements except state park prohibitions.
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Maximum 400 feet AGL; VLOS or designated observer required at all times
Both recreational and Part 107 operators must maintain VLOS (or visual observer in direct communication). Maine enforces federal limits; no state-specific restrictions on altitude or VLOS are more stringent.
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability)
Required for controlled airspace operations; also applies to recreational flyers
Recreational and Part 107 operators can request near-real-time authorization for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace. Part 107 operators can request 'further coordination' to fly above designated UAS Facility Map ceilings, up to 400 feet, up to 90 days in advance.
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 D), plus other airports statewide. Access through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers: Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, UASidekick, and others.
Major Airports
PWM — Portland International JetportBGR — Bangor International Airport
TFR Notice
Acadia National Park has a complete drone ban under NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 (up to $5,000 fine and 6 months jail). Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) issued around military installations, coastal areas, and event venues. Check B4UFLY for current TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
LD 2157 Becomes Law - Correctional Facility Drone Prohibition Enacted
legislationMaine legislature enacted LD 2157 prohibiting unauthorized drone use at correctional facilities and jails after passage in both chambers. Law addresses security concerns at detention centers.
Portland City Council Approves Police Drone Purchase with Restrictions
newsPortland City Council voted 6-3 to approve a $45,316 Axon-Skydio drone purchase for police department, limited to search and rescue, accident reconstruction, and barricaded suspect monitoring (not general surveillance). This followed a 4-3 rejection in November 2025 due to surveillance and civil rights concerns.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maine (UMaine) | UMaine requires advance coordination with campus police and the Office of Safety and Environmental Management for any drone operations on university property or within university airspace. Stadium and event areas have additional TFRs during games and events. Restrictions: Coordination with campus police mandatory before flight. No flights over events, gatherings, or sporting events. Stadium areas restricted during athletic events. | Yes | Office of Safety and Environmental Management — ehs@umaine.edu |
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.
Stay Compliant
Stay Compliant. Stay Organized.
Now that you know Maine's drone laws, let PilotLedger help you stay on top of compliance. Manage your quotes, invoices, clients, and run your drone business from one platform.