What changed · November 9, 2026
Maine · Drones
critical infrastructure
Before
Now
The rule today
Since July 29, 2026 (Public Law 2025, chapter 689, LD 2157), Maine prohibits intentionally or knowingly flying a drone over the premises of a correctional facility or a county or regional jail at or below 400 feet above the ground, landing a drone on those premises, or flying a drone from them (17-A M.R.S. 761). A first violation is a civil violation with a fine of at least $500; a violation after a prior adjudication for the same conduct, in Maine or for substantially similar conduct in another jurisdiction, is a Class D crime. "Premises" includes the lands, ways and any buildings or structures on them, and "drone" covers any aircraft operated without a person on board, including micro air vehicles under 1 kilogram. Holding an FAA remote pilot certificate or otherwise being permitted to fly under FAA rules is not a defense. The law does not apply to law enforcement officers, corrections officers or corrections supervisors performing their public duty, or to others acting in the course of employment with the approval of the facility's chief administrative officer or the jail administrator. Federal FAA airspace rules apply in addition.
✓ Verified against the official source · November 9, 2026 · Official source ↗
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