In our quest to provide graduates with a website that they can utilize as an ongoing resource, we have compiled a list of laws that are directed for the most part at young drivers. This is by no means an exhaustive list, instead we have focused on listing the laws that we are most commonly asked about from current students and graduates. This list of laws has been paraphrased and humbly translated into non-legal jargon.

If there is a law you are curious about or if you are unsure as to what a specific motor vehicle law is referring to, please use the contact page to ask us your questions and we will get back to you promptly. We will continue to grow our list of the most regularly asked about legislation and we will use that information to enhance this page as an ongoing resource. We at Mullen’s Driving School thank you for your patronage and hope you find this reference helpful. If you would like to see the source of the laws listed here and a comprehensive list of all other driving laws please visit the Maine Motor Vehicle Laws page of maine.gov.

1. Text messaging is now illegal for all drivers in the State of Maine. For drivers under the age of 18 this law extends to usage of gps navigation systems. In addition, this law prohibits the usage of any portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.
2. The cost of registering your vehicle in Maine with vanity registration plates is an additional $25 on top of the regular fee. This additional fee must be paid each year.
3. Only a manufacturer, dealer or transporter registration plate may be attached to just the rear of the vehicle. Most other vehicles must have two plates visible (one on the front and one on the rear) at all times.
4. When a person moves within the State of Maine or changes their name they have 30 days to update their license information with the Secretary of State.
5. Any owner of a vehicle that knowingly permits a minor to operate their uninsured motor vehicle is severally liable for damages caused by the negligence of the minor in operating that vehicle.
6. All drivers must maintain the minimum amount of insurance required (liability) on their vehicles at all times.
7. A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system that has been modified when the result of that modification is the amplification or increase of noise emitted by the motor above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle.
8. A person may not operate a sound system in a vehicle at a volume that is audible at a distance of greater than 25 feet and that exceeds 85 decibels.
9. From May 1st to October 1st a person may not operate a vehicle with tires having metal studs, wires, spikes or other metal protruding from the tire tread.
10. A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an object hung in or on the vehicle (including from the rear view mirror) in a manner that obstructs or interferes with the full view of the road and the conditions of traffic.
11. A window may not be treated with a material that reduces the light transmittance more than 35% (this is referring to window tinting). The front windshield may not be treated at all. The windows may not be treated with any material that is reflective.
12. You must be at least 16 years old to obtain your motorcycle license.
13. FYI – Generally the minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years of age. Rental rates may be higher for renters between the ages of 21 and 24. Certain specialty and larger sized vehicles may not be rented to drivers under the age of 25.