A guide to right-of-way laws in Maine
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Most of us rely on road signs and signals to tell us what to do while driving. But what if there are no signs or symbols? What do you do then?
Then you need to know the rules, and especially you need to know the right-of-way laws, since most accidents are caused by motorists who don't know when to give up the right-of-way. Rules in Maine are simple and straightforward and are designed to protect motorists, pedestrians, and yourself.
Summary of right-of-way laws in Maine
Right-of-way laws in Maine can be summarized as follows:
Pedestrians always have the right of way, regardless of whether there are pedestrian crossings with or without markings, and also regardless of the presence of traffic lights.
If you enter the carriageway from a side street or carriageway, you must yield the right of way to both pedestrians and vehicles on the road.
You must not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing.
If you enter an intersection, vehicles already at the intersection have priority.
If you enter the intersection at the same time as another motorist, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
If you enter a roundabout, vehicles already in the roundabout have priority.
If you are turning left and another vehicle is approaching you, it has the right of way.
If you are entering the road from a private road, the vehicle on the public road has right-of-way.
You must always give way to emergency vehicles if they flash their headlights and sound their siren or horn. If you are already at an intersection, continue driving and then stop and wait for emergency vehicles to pass.
Common misconceptions about Maine driving rules
Many drivers don't realize that there are two levels of "failure". In most states, if you don't yield to an ambulance, it's an offense. In Maine, failing to yield to an ambulance is a crime. This means a lot more than just adding points to your license and a huge fine - it means you can actually go to jail.
Penalties for non-compliance
In Maine, failure to yield will automatically result in four demerit points on your driver's license. You will be fined $50 for each violation. You will also have to pay an additional fee of $85, but it will be a flat fee no matter how many violations you have committed. Multiple migration violations may result in your license being suspended.
For more information, see the Maine Motorist's Handbook and Study Guide, pages 32-33, 35, and 62.
