Maine

GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Maine. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.

Maine
Bike helmets required?

Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16. $25 fine for a second or subsequent violation.

Maine
Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Helmets required for operators on permit or within 1 year of having obtained license as well as for all passengers and operators under 18. Passengers always have to wear a helmet when the operator is required to. Universal helmet law repealed 1977.

Maine
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

6 years

Maine
Provisions for Mature Drivers

65 and over: renewal every 4 years 40-61: vision test at every other renewal 62 and over: vision test at every renewal

Maine
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

None

Maine
Marijuana Possession and Use

Decriminalized and legal for medical and recreational use

Maine
Marijuana Impaired Driving

None

Maine
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

75

Maine
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

75

Maine
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

75

Maine
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

75

Maine
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

75

Maine
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

75

Maine
Increased penalty for high BAC

0.15

Maine
Administrative license suspension on first offense

150 days

Maine
Limited driving privileges during suspension

Yes

Maine
Ignition Interlocks

Highly incentivized for all convictions

Maine
Open container laws

Yes

Maine
Repeat Offender Laws

Yes

Maine
Adult Safety Belt Permissible

Seat Belt required for all passengers over 8 years old, 57” and 80 lbs

Maine
Child Restraint Required

Under 2 yrs must use a rear-facing child safety seat 

Children 55 lbs. or less must ride in a rear or forward-facing child safety seat with a 5-point harness

Under 8 yrs, less than 80 lbs. and 4’ 9” must use a booster seat or child safety seat

Under 12 yrs should be in a back seat

Maine
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years

Maine
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Maine
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Maine
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

70 (10)

Maine
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Maine
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m.

Maine
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 270 days: no passengers

Maine
Type of Law

Primary

Maine
Who is Covered?

All riders

Maine
In What Seat?

All

Maine
Hand-Held Ban?

Yes. Primary law.

Maine
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

No

Maine
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

Drivers with learner or intermediate license. Primary law.

Maine
Text Messaging Ban?

All drivers. Primary law.

Maine
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

n/a

Maine
Speed Cameras: State Law

Prohibited

Maine
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

n/a

Maine
Red Light Cameras: State Law

Prohibited
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