Maine Drone Laws
Federal requirements, Maine statutes, local restrictions, and official resources — in one place, with primary-source citations, for recreational and commercial drone pilots.
Verified & Published
Last reviewed 2026-10-01 · Next review 2026-10-31 · 3 official sources
Maine maintains a relatively light regulatory framework for drones, focusing on specific operational contexts rather than comprehensive statewide legislation. While the state defers to federal FAA regulations for airspace management, it has implemented clear restrictions regarding wildlife protection, state park access, and law enforcement drone usage.
Are drones legal in Maine?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Maine when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Check airspace authorization and launch or landing restrictions before every flight.
Rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions can change. Check current airspace and official requirements before every flight.
At a Glance
N/A Recreational operators must follow FAA regulations and state-specific rules regarding hunting and state parks.
N/A Commercial operators must adhere to FAA Part 107 rules and comply with state property and privacy laws.
N/A Maine has no specific drone-privacy statute, though general harassment and privacy laws apply.
N/A There is no state-level statute specifically prohibiting drone flight over critical infrastructure.
12 M.R.S. § 11216 The use of unmanned aircraft to drive, harass, or hunt wildlife is prohibited.
N/A Drone use is prohibited in Maine State Parks, Historic Sites, and DACF Boat Launches without a Special Activity Permit.
N/A Municipalities may regulate drone takeoff and landing on property they own.
12 M.R.S. § 11216 Violations of hunting laws or state park policies may result in fines or permit revocation.
How the Three Layers Work Together
Every flight is governed by all three layers at once. A rule in one layer does not cancel or replace the others — you must satisfy each layer that applies to where and how you fly.
FAA requirements that apply nationwide — registration, Remote ID, airspace, and operating categories.
State statutes, regulations, agency policies, and rules for state-owned property.
Municipal and county rules, parks, public-property launch/landing limits, filming permits, and property policies.
Our Pre-Flight Recommendations
- Check airspace & get LAANC authorization via B4UFLY before every flight.
- Confirm Remote ID compliance — broadcast module or FAA-registered drone.
- Search the local municipal code for park, launch, and landing restrictions.
- Carry proof of FAA registration and your Part 107 certificate when flying commercially.
- Respect private property — get written permission before flying over private land.
- When layers conflict, follow the most restrictive rule that applies.
Court decisions are shown separately under “Developing Law & Court Decisions.” They inform how rules may evolve but do not replace Layer 3.
Federal Baseline (Applies Everywhere)
These FAA requirements apply nationwide, in addition to any state and local rules below. Federal updates appear automatically on every state page.
- Choosing the Correct Operating Category. Before flying, decide whether you're flying recreationally under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations or commercially under Part 107. The category determines which rules apply to you.
- Recreational Flying and TRUST. Recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST test, carry proof of passage, register drones over 0.55 lb, and follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization.
- Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Commercial drone operations require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, earned by passing the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
- Drone Registration and Exterior Markings. Drones weighing 0.55 lb (250 g) or more must be registered with the FAA, and the registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the aircraft.
- Remote ID. Most drones that require registration must also broadcast Remote ID — a digital 'license plate' — either built-in or via an add-on broadcast module.
- Visual Line of Sight. You must keep your drone within unaided visual line of sight at all times, unless you hold a specific FAA waiver.
- General Altitude Limits. The general altitude ceiling is 400 feet above ground level, with specific allowances near structures under Part 107.
- Controlled and Uncontrolled Airspace. Flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface E) near airports requires prior FAA authorization; uncontrolled Class G generally does not.
Maine State Laws
Verified state statutes, regulations, and agency policies. Each item links to its official source.
Voyeurism, Harassment & Stalking
Violation of Privacy
VerifiedUsing a drone to spy on people where they have an expectation of privacy is a crime.
- Citation
- 17-A MRS § 511
- Enforcement
- Local and State Police
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: A violation of this section is a Class D crime, which can result in up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife
UAS Use in Hunting and Fishing
VerifiedYou cannot use a drone to help hunt animals or to harass wildlife in Maine.
- Citation
- 12 MRS § 12251
- Enforcement
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (Maine Warden Service)
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violations can result in civil penalties or a Class E crime, which may involve fines and potential loss of hunting licenses.
Law-Enforcement Drone Use
Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft
VerifiedPolice must follow specific rules and often obtain a warrant before using a drone for surveillance or investigation.
- Citation
- 25 MRS § 4501
- Enforcement
- Maine Department of Public Safety / Local Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Evidence collected in violation of these rules may be inadmissible in court, and agencies may face administrative or legal challenges for non-compliance.
Local & Property Rules
Federal authorization does not automatically grant permission to launch, land, or operate from a particular property.
State Parks
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry prohibits the general use of drones in State Parks, Historic Sites, and DACF Boat Launches. Operation is only permitted with a Special Activity Permit or under the guidance of an approved law enforcement agency.
Local Government Authority
Maine does not have a state-level preemption statute for drones, meaning local municipalities generally retain the authority to regulate drone takeoff and landing on public property they own or manage.
Detailed local guides are being developed for selected cities — covering local parks, city- and county-owned property, filming permits, special events, public facilities, and property-manager rules.
Plan Your Next Flight in Maine
Turn the rules into a flight plan — find a place to fly, hire a local professional, or join the CityDrones pilot directory.
Maine Drone Laws FAQ
Quick answers for recreational and commercial pilots.
Are drones legal in Maine?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Maine when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Always verify airspace and launch or landing restrictions before flying.
Do I need to register my drone in Maine?
FAA registration is a federal requirement and applies nationwide, including Maine. Whether registration is required depends on the aircraft and type of operation.
Can I fly a drone in Maine state parks?
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry prohibits the general use of drones in State Parks, Historic Sites, and DACF Boat Launches. Operation is only permitted with a Special Activity Permit or under the guidance of an approved law enforcement agency.
Can cities in Maine make their own drone rules?
There is no state law explicitly preempting local drone ordinances, allowing municipalities to regulate drone operations on property they own.
What do commercial drone pilots need in Maine?
Commercial pilots generally need to comply with FAA Part 107 requirements as well as applicable Maine, local, and property rules. Additional permits may apply to filming or operations on managed property.
Sources & Methodology
NCSL — Current Unmanned Aircraft State Law Landscape
Primary-source enacted state statutes and bill numbers.
UAV Coach — State Drone Laws Directory
State statutes + municipal local ordinances.
FlyUSI — US Drone Laws Guide
Federal / State / Local three-layer tracker, updated quarterly.
Drone Launch Academy — 50-State Directory
Commercial nuances: privacy torts, hunting, critical infrastructure.
CityDrones uses AI-assisted research to draft state law summaries, cross-checked against the authoritative directories above. Every claim is sourced to an official government or legislature page before publication, and all content is reviewed by a human editor before going live. This is educational information, not legal advice.
The 3-Layer Pre-Flight Compliance Guide
A printable checklist that walks federal, state, and local rules in the same order every time — so you can clear a legal flight before you leave the driveway.
Get it firstCityDrones provides general educational and flight-planning information, not legal advice or flight authorization. Drone laws, property rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions may change. Always verify current requirements with the FAA and the appropriate government or property authority before flying.