Maine Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Maine maintains a moderate regulatory framework focused on law enforcement drone accountability rather than civilian restrictions. The state has detailed statutory requirements for police drone use (requiring approval and warrants), a hunting prohibition on drone-assisted surveillance, and a general state park ban, but does not require state-level registration or licensing for civilian or commercial operators beyond federal FAA requirements.
State Drone Laws
25 M.R.S. § 4501Regulation of UAVs - Law Enforcement
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval from their governing body before acquiring or using unmanned aerial vehicles. Mandates warrant requirement for UAV use in criminal investigations (with limited constitutional exceptions). Establishes minimum standards for operator training, data handling, thermal imaging and facial recognition restrictions, and annual reporting of drone deployments to the Maine Commissioner of Public Safety. Prohibits weaponized drones and surveillance of persons peacefully exercising free-speech and assembly rights. Maine Criminal Justice Academy sets written minimum standards in coordination with the Attorney General.
12 M.R.S. § 11216Hunting with Aid of Aircraft
Prohibits use of any aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles, to aid or assist in hunting bear, deer, or moose from the ground or airborne. Applies to scouting, locating, and assisting hunters. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has clarified that drones qualify as 'aircraft' under Maine statute. Using a drone to locate a wounded animal for recovery can violate this statute.
17-A M.R.S. § 511Violation of Privacy
General violation of privacy statute applicable to civilian use of drones. Prohibits intentional viewing, photographing, filming, or recording of a person in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy without consent. Applies to drone surveillance of private property when directed at windows, enclosed spaces, fenced yards, or other private spaces where a person has reasonable privacy expectations.
LD 2157Unauthorized Use of Drones on Correctional Facilities and Jails Premises
Prohibits the unauthorized launching, landing, or operation of drones on or over the premises of correctional facilities and jails in Maine. Enacted to prevent contraband delivery, security breaches, and surveillance of incarcerated persons. Applies to all state and county correctional institutions.
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Drone PolicyState Parks, Historic Sites, and DACF Boat Launches - Drone Restriction
Administrative policy prohibiting the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles in all 48 Maine State Parks, Historic Sites, and Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) boat launches without a Special Activity Permit or direct oversight from an approved law enforcement agency conducting search and rescue or training operations. Commercial drone use in these areas is prohibited entirely, with no permit available for commercial operations. Recreational pilots may apply for Special Activity Permits under limited circumstances, subject to approval by regional park managers.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Portland
cityCity Parks Drone Restrictions and Airspace Rules
Portland restricts drone launching and landing in municipal parks and public spaces including Deering Oaks Park and the Eastern Promenade. Portland International Jetport (PWM) overlies the city with Class C controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization for flights in designated rings.
Restrictions
No launching or landing in Deering Oaks Park, Eastern Promenade, and other city parks without prior approval from Parks Department. LAANC authorization required for flights in PWM Class C airspace. Police acquired drone through city council approval (March 2, 2026) with restrictions on surveillance of free-speech and assembly activities.
Bangor
cityCity Airspace and Park Rules
Bangor International Airport (BGR) overlies the city with Class C controlled airspace. General park conduct rules apply to drone launching and landing on city property. Bangor is the gateway to Acadia National Park and northern Maine.
Restrictions
LAANC authorization required in BGR Class C airspace. General park rules apply to municipal land. Proximity to Acadia means most northern Maine flights encounter federal NPS drone restrictions.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using aircraft (including drone) to hunt or aid hunting of bear, deer, or moose without taking animal | Civil Violation | $100 to $500 | None | Maine Warden Service | Drone will be confiscated. Includes scouting, locating, and recovery of wounded animals. Maine Warden Service actively enforces this provision. |
| Using aircraft (including drone) to hunt or aid hunting of bear, deer, or moose and animal is taken | Class E Crime | $500 minimum | Class E felony penalties apply | Maine Warden Service | Mandatory minimum fine of $500. Drone will be confiscated. Charges filed in state court. |
| Repeat hunting-aid violations (3 or more civil violations within 5 years) | Class E Crime | Not specified in statute | Class E felony penalties apply | Maine Warden Service | Escalated to felony level based on pattern of violations |
| Violation of privacy by drone surveillance | Class D Crime | Not specified in statute | Class D felony penalties apply | Local law enforcement | Applies to recording or photographing persons in places of reasonable privacy expectation. Civil liability also possible. |
| Law enforcement drone surveillance violation (unauthorized collection, failure to obtain warrant, surveillance of protected activities) | Civil Action | Up to $5,000 in damages | None | Private civil lawsuit / Attorney General | Additional award of reasonable attorney fees and court costs. Violations of 25 M.R.S. § 4502-4505 |
| Unauthorized drone operation on or over correctional facility or jail premises | Criminal (specific classification not specified in sources) | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources | Maine Department of Corrections and local law enforcement | LD 2157, effective April 8, 2026. Penalties to be determined by enforcement actions. |
| Drone operation in Acadia National Park or other National Park Service units | Federal petty offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service rangers and federal court | NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 (2014). Drone may be confiscated. Covers all NPS units, including Acadia, Mount Desert Island areas, and Saint-Gaudens. |
Using aircraft (including drone) to hunt or aid hunting of bear, deer, or moose without taking animal
Drone will be confiscated. Includes scouting, locating, and recovery of wounded animals. Maine Warden Service actively enforces this provision.
Using aircraft (including drone) to hunt or aid hunting of bear, deer, or moose and animal is taken
Mandatory minimum fine of $500. Drone will be confiscated. Charges filed in state court.
Repeat hunting-aid violations (3 or more civil violations within 5 years)
Escalated to felony level based on pattern of violations
Violation of privacy by drone surveillance
Applies to recording or photographing persons in places of reasonable privacy expectation. Civil liability also possible.
Law enforcement drone surveillance violation (unauthorized collection, failure to obtain warrant, surveillance of protected activities)
Additional award of reasonable attorney fees and court costs. Violations of 25 M.R.S. § 4502-4505
Unauthorized drone operation on or over correctional facility or jail premises
LD 2157, effective April 8, 2026. Penalties to be determined by enforcement actions.
Drone operation in Acadia National Park or other National Park Service units
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 (2014). Drone may be confiscated. Covers all NPS units, including Acadia, Mount Desert Island areas, and Saint-Gaudens.
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
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
Maine does not require state-level drone registration. Only federal FAA registration applies ($5 for 3 years for drones over 250 grams). Maine does not require a state pilot license for recreational (TRUST test only) or commercial (FAA Part 107 only) operations beyond federal FAA requirements. No state-specific insurance mandate exists, though liability insurance is required for Special Activity Permit applications in state parks and some commercial clients may require minimum $1 million coverage.
Special Activity Permit required to fly in Maine State Parks, Historic Sites, and DACF boat launches (all 48 state parks). Commercial use in these areas is prohibited entirely with no permit option available. Recreational permits issued under rare circumstances only. Permit applications require a certificate of liability insurance naming the State of Maine, Bureau of Parks and Lands, and the specific park as co-insured parties. Applications processed through regional park office.
Not required by state law for general commercial or recreational operations. However, mandatory for Special Activity Permit applications (state parks). Most professional drone service providers carry $1 million general liability coverage; state government contracts may require minimum coverage amounts.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID broadcast required for all FAA-registered drones since March 16, 2024
All commercial and recreational pilots in Maine must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements. Standard Remote ID broadcast modules, or operations within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) are acceptable compliance methods. Non-compliance is a federal violation.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone operations in Maine
Commercial pilots must pass the FAA aeronautical knowledge test ($175 fee), maintain current Part 107 certificate, and comply with all Part 107 flight rules: 400 ft AGL, Visual Line of Sight, daylight/civil twilight operations, no flight over people without Part 135 waiver, etc. Maine does not impose additional state-level commercial licensing or permitting beyond FAA rules.
Recreational Operations Under 49 USC 44809
Recreational drone pilots must pass the TRUST test and follow FAA recreational model aircraft rules
Recreational pilots need FAA registration for drones over 250 grams ($5 for 3 years), free TRUST test certification, and must follow Visual Line of Sight, 400 ft AGL, and other FAA recreational rules. Maine recognizes FAA-recognized Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) per Advisory Circular 91-57C.
Controlled Airspace Authorization (LAANC)
LAANC authorization required for flights in controlled airspace around Portland (PWM) and Bangor (BGR) airports
Portland International Jetport and Bangor International Airport Class C airspace requires real-time or pre-coordinated LAANC approval before flight. Multiple general aviation fields throughout Maine have Class D or E surface overlays requiring prior FAA authorization via LAANC or manual coordination.
National Park Service Drone Ban
Federal ban on all drone operations in Acadia National Park and other NPS units under 36 CFR § 1.5 and NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05
Acadia National Park, one of Maine's premier drone photography destinations, has prohibited launching, landing, and operating drones throughout the park since 2014. The ban covers carriage roads, mountain summits, coastal areas, and all park boundaries. Violations carry up to $5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. Drone may be confiscated. NPS also maintains enforcement presence in Saint-Gaudens and other Maine NPS units.
Wildlife Management Area Restrictions
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife may restrict drone operations during sensitive wildlife seasons
Certain Wildlife Management Areas and natural areas may have seasonal restrictions or Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to protect nesting birds, breeding mammals, and other sensitive species. Check Maine IFW regulations and B4UFLY for active restrictions before flying in wildlife areas, particularly during spring nesting (March-June) and fall migration (August-October).
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 authorization required for flights in controlled airspace. Portland International Jetport (PWM) is Class C with extensive coverage rings over Portland metropolitan area. Bangor International Airport (BGR) is Class C with coverage over Bangor area. Multiple general aviation airports (LEW, FOH, and others) have Class D or E surface overlays throughout the state. Use B4UFLY app or DJI Fly's built-in map for real-time airspace confirmation before every flight.
Major Airports
PWM - Portland International Jetport (Class C)BGR - Bangor International Airport (Class C)LEW - Auburn-Lewiston Municipal AirportMultiple general aviation fields throughout state
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are issued for special events, security operations, military training, and wildlife management activities. Acadia National Park area typically has activity-based TFRs during peak tourist seasons. Check FAA Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and B4UFLY before every flight. Military installations (Dow Air Force Base area) maintain permanent restricted airspace.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
LD 2157 Enacted - Correctional Facility Drone Ban
legislationMaine legislature enacted LD 2157, prohibiting unauthorized drone use on or over correctional facilities and jails. Bill passed both houses with committee amendments (H-891) and became law effective April 8, 2026. Enforcement by Maine Department of Corrections and local law enforcement.
Portland City Council Approves Police Drone Purchase
regulatory changePortland City Council voted 6-3 to approve Maine's first municipal police department drone (Axon-Skydio UAS system, cost $45,316) under 25 M.R.S. § 4501 approval process. Vote included explicit no-surveillance amendment prohibiting use against persons exercising free-speech and assembly rights. Use restricted to search and rescue, accident reconstruction, and monitoring barricaded suspects.
Portland City Council Rejects Initial Police Drone Proposal
regulatory changePortland City Council initially rejected police department drone purchase 4-3, citing concerns about surveillance capabilities, ICE contractor involvement (Axon), and potential racial profiling. Demonstrated enforcement of 25 M.R.S. § 4501 requirement that municipal governing body approve law enforcement UAS acquisition.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maine | University of Maine (Orono campus) requires coordination with campus police and the Office of Safety and Environmental Management for any drone operations on university property. This coordination ensures compliance with university airspace, safety protocols, and research regulations. Restrictions: Coordination with campus police required before any flight on UMaine property. No flights over university events, athletic gatherings, or public assemblies. Flights over buildings and crowds restricted without special approval. Operations restricted during school events and athletic competitions. | Yes | Office of Safety and Environmental Management, University of Maine, Orono, ME |
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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