Maine Highway Code for Drivers
While you probably know the rules of the road in your home state very well, that doesn't mean you know them in all states. While many driving laws are the same across states, there are other laws that may differ. If you are planning to visit or move to Maine, you should make sure you are aware of the following traffic rules, which may differ from those in your state.
Permits and licenses
Prospective drivers must be 15 years of age and must have completed a Maine-approved driver training course to obtain a permit. Driving courses are not required for persons over 18 years of age.
A driver's license can be issued at the age of 16, provided that the permit holder meets all requirements and passes the testing phase.
Initial driver's licenses are issued for 2 years for persons under 21 and for 1 year for persons aged 21 and over. A conviction for a moving infringement during this period will result in a license suspension for 30 days for the first infringement.
New residents must register vehicles, which requires a security check. New residents must obtain a Maine license within 30 days of moving into the state.
Necessary equipment
All vehicles must have a rearview mirror that is undamaged.
Windshield wipers are required and should work
A working defroster is required, and it must have a working fan blowing heated air onto the windshield.
Windshields must not be cracked, fogged or broken.
Silencers must not allow excessive or loud noise and must not leak.
Seat Belts and Seats
All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts while driving.
Children under 80 pounds and under 8 years of age must be in a federally approved child car seat or booster seat that is sized for their height and weight.
Children under 12 are not allowed in the front seat.
Fundamental rules
Lane use the lights — Lane usage indicators indicate which lanes can be used at a given time. A green arrow indicates the lanes are open for use, while a flashing yellow X indicates the lane can only be used for turning. A red cross means that traffic on the lane is prohibited.
right of way — Pedestrians must always be given the right of way, even when crossing illegally. No driver may give way if doing so would result in an accident.
Dogs - Dogs must not be transported in convertibles or pickups unless they are protected from jumping, falling or being thrown out of the vehicle.
Headlamps - Headlights are required when visibility is less than 1,000 feet due to low light, smoke, mud, rain, snow or fog. They are also required every time windshield wipers are required due to weather conditions.
Cell Phones - Drivers under the age of 18 must not use a mobile phone or any other electronic device while driving.
Sound systems - Sound systems cannot be played at a volume level at which they can be heard from 25 feet or more away from the vehicle or above 85 decibels.
Minimum speeds — Drivers are required to comply with the established minimum speed. If no minimum speed is specified, driving at a speed that interferes with traffic at the specified or reasonable speed for the given conditions is illegal.
Passage access - It is prohibited to park in the disabled parking space access aisle, which is the area with diagonal yellow lines immediately adjacent to the parking space.
Next - Drivers from Maine must use the two-second rule, which means they must leave at least two seconds between themselves and the vehicle they are following. This time should be extended to four seconds or more depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Cyclists - Drivers must always leave a distance of three feet between their car and a cyclist on the roadway.
Animals - It is illegal to intentionally frighten any animal that is being ridden, ridden or walked on or near the roadway.
Understanding these Highway Codes for Drivers in Maine, as well as the more common laws required in most states, will ensure you drive legally and safely throughout the state. If you need more information, check out the Maine Motorist's Handbook and Study Guide.
