Traffic Violations in Maine

Maine traffic violations are defined as any violation of the Maine motor vehicle laws. These violations include speeding, running a red light, or driving without a license. Traffic violations can result in fines, points on an offender's driver's license, or jail time. Maine's traffic laws govern road use within state limits, and these rules are enforced by the state's courts and The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Traffic violations in Maine are usually categorized and penalized based on their nature and severity. However, most offenders are likely to pay a fine and have points included in their driving record following each offense. Records of traffic offenses are usually featured in the offender's Maine traffic records, especially where the offense is deemed severe and likely to reoccur based on the offender's history.

Types of Traffic Violations in Maine

In Maine, traffic offenses are broadly categorized into moving or non-moving violations and felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.

Moving violations occur while the vehicle is in motion and can result in a fine, points on the offender's license, or both. Some examples of these offenses include speeding, running a red light, or making an illegal turn. Non-moving violations occur when the vehicle is not in motion and usually result in a fine. Examples of non-moving violations include parking offenses, having an expired registration, or having an obstructed view.

Similarly, felonies are the most severe traffic offense in Maine, and they can result in a prison sentence. Some examples of felony traffic offenses include hit and run, vehicular homicide, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies but can still result in jail time. Some examples of misdemeanor traffic offenses include reckless driving or driving with a suspended license. Infractions are the least severe type of traffic offense and usually only result in a fine. Some examples of infractions include seatbelt violations or failure to yield.

Maine Traffic Violation Code

The Maine traffic code is a compilation of the laws that govern operating a motor vehicle on public roads in the state. The code includes:

Rules of the road.
Provisions for licensing and registration.
Penalties for violating the law.

The Maine traffic code is organized into chapters covering different driving aspects. The most important chapters are:

Chapter 11: Rules of the Road
This chapter covers basic rules for driving on Maine's roads, including speed limits, turning, and using lanes. D

Chapter 29: Registration and Licensing
This chapter outlines the requirements for registering and licensing a vehicle in Maine.

Chapter 105: Penalties
This chapter lists the fines and other penalties for violating the Maine traffic code. Drivers who break the law can expect to pay a fine, lose their license, or even go to jail.

Maine Felony Traffic Violations

In Maine, felony traffic violations are serious offenses resulting in significant penalties. A conviction for a felony traffic violation can lead to imprisonment, fines, and a driver's license suspension.

Maine's most common felony traffic violations include operating under the influence (OUI), vehicular homicide, and aggravated operating under the influence. OUI is a severe offense in Maine, and a conviction can result in up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Maine Traffic Misdemeanors

Maine traffic misdemeanors are less severe offenses than felonies, but they can still lead to criminal penalties. Traffic misdemeanors are generally punishable by a fine or one year in jail. Some of the most common traffic misdemeanors in Maine include:

Operating a motor vehicle without a license
Reckless driving
Speeding
Running a red light or stop sign
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

If a motorist is convicted of a traffic misdemeanor in Maine they will likely have to pay a fine and face jail time. Additionally, their driver's license may be suspended or revoked, and they may be required to complete a driver improvement course. The motorist will also have a criminal record that can impact their ability to find employment or housing.

Maine Traffic Infractions

In Maine, the difference between a traffic misdemeanor and an infraction is that misdemeanors are punishable by jail time, while infractions are punishable by a fine. Traffic infractions include speeding, running a red light, and driving without a license. Traffic misdemeanors are more serious offenses like drunk driving and reckless driving. If a motorist is convicted of a traffic infraction in Maine, a motorist will likely have to pay a fine.

Maine Traffic Violation Codes and Fines

Maine traffic violation codes and fines are designed to help keep drivers safe by discouraging them from breaking the law. The severity of the offense and its impact on others determine how much a motorist will be fined if caught violating traffic laws in Maine.

Some common examples of traffic violation codes and their corresponding fines in Maine include:

Speeding violations: $30-$500 depending on speed and circumstances such as driving in a school or construction zone
Illegal or unsafe lane changes: $100-$200
Driving without a valid license or permit: $100-$350 for a first offense, $250-$600 for subsequent offenses
Reckless driving: $575-$1,000 and possible jail time

The following fines are specified in the specified sections of the state’s traffic code:

Title 10-144A: Operating after suspension $500
Title 23-A: Careless driving $250
Title 29-A: Reckless driving $500-$1,000
Title 90-1: Speeding 1-9 mph over limit $100-$300
Title 90-2: Speeding 10-14 mph over limit $300-$1,000
Title 90-3: Speeding 15+ over limit Court appearance required

Other fines for traffic violations in Maine include:

10-145B: Refusal to submit to test $500-$1,000
20-A: Leaving the scene of an accident $500-$2,000
32: Driving to endanger $500-$2,000
90-4: Racing on highways $500-$1,000

How to Pay a Traffic Violation Ticket in Maine

If a motorist receives a traffic violation ticket in Maine, they will need to pay the fine associated with the citation. Offenders can either pay their ticket online or by mail, depending on which option is available within their judicial district. Some municipalities also allow offenders to pay for traffic tickets in person at specific locations. If the motorist decides not to pay their ticket or have it dismissed through a formal hearing process, there may be additional consequences for failing to respond to the citation.

To pay a traffic violation ticket online, offenders may start by visiting the Maine Judicial Branch website and navigating to the Traffic Violations Online Payment System page. Users can enter their citation number and driver's license number on the page to begin the payment process. Once their information is verified, the user will be able to view a summary of their traffic violations and their associated fines. After reviewing these details, select "Pay Fines" or "Plead No Contest/Guilty" to complete the transaction. Finally, print a copy of their receipt as confirmation that the payment has been made.

If the offender cannot pay their ticket online, they can use an alternate method to submit their payment with the court system instead.

Motorists may also choose between paying via mail or in person at one of several Maine Municipal Courts around the state. To make their payment by mail, they may send a check or money order to the Traffic Violations Bureau with their citation number included. If a motorist chooses to pay in person, they can bring cash or a credit/debit card to the court indicated on the citation.

Traffic Violation Lookup in Maine

To look up a traffic violation in Maine, interested persons may visit the official Maine website and search for a driving record by entering a driver's license number or other identifying information like name and date of birth.

Upon locating the required driving record, the user can view it online to see whether any violations have been reported on it.

Users may search for up to three years worth of traffic violations at one time. After entering the required information, they will be able to view a list of traffic violations that match the search criteria. Each entry on the list will include the following information:

The date of the violation
The county where the violation occurred
The type of violation
The amount of the fine

Alternatively, requesters can either visit the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or call their office directly.

There is a small fee for each record request, but this is generally nominal. The requesting party will be required to enter the necessary information into the search fields on the BMV site or provide it to the administrative representative for phone or mail-in requests.

The BMV will then provide the requestor with a list of all traffic violations that match the search criteria. This list will include details such as the date and location of the violation and the type of infraction committed.

How to Plead not Guilty to a Traffic Violation in Maine

In Maine, traffic offenders reserve the right to contest their charges by pleading not guilty following their citation. Pleading not guilty does not mean that the offending party will automatically go to trial. However, in most, the court will allow a motorist to schedule a hearing date so that they can present their defense.

At the hearing, the motorist will argue in their defense, and the prosecuting party will also attempt to justify their charges. After both sides have presented their case, the judge will decide whether or not to find a motorist guilty.

If the defendant is found guilty of a traffic violation, they may have the opportunity to appeal the decision. However, they will need to file an appeal promptly and follow any additional rules that may be required. On the other hand, if a motorist is found not guilty, the charges against them will be dismissed.

What Happens if a Motorist Pleads No Contest to a Traffic Violation in Maine?

Pleading no contest to a traffic violation in Maine has some serious implications

If a motorist pleads no contest to a traffic violation in Maine, they will be found guilty and must pay the associated fine. The conviction will go on their driving record, resulting in increased insurance rates. Additionally, the motorist may be subject to other penalties, such as driver's license suspension or revocation.

Offenders are usually advised not to plead no contest because it is considered an admission of guilt. However, it may be the best option for the offender in some cases. For example, if the offender faces a more severe charge and believes that pleading no contest to a lesser amount will result in a lighter sentence, they may choose to do so.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Their Record in Maine?

In Maine, traffic violations stay on the offender's driving record for up to 5 years. The exact length of time an offense stays on its record depends on the type of violation they committed and any prior violations they may have had.

Other factors may impact the length of time a violation stays on a record. For instance, most moving violations remain on their record for five years from the date of their occurrence or when they were adjudicated in court. For more severe offenses such as DUIs or hit-and-run accidents, the tracking period can be longer - in some instances lasting up to 10 years or longer.

While traffic violations will stay on their record for the allotted amount of time, this does not mean that a motorist will automatically be suspended or lose their license if they continue to break traffic laws. However, since points against their license accumulate over time, it is important to keep track of how many points a motorist has been given and take steps to reduce them when possible.

In general, the exact length of time a violation remains on a record varies, depending on the specification of the Maine Department of Motor Vehicles and the nature of the offense.

How Long Do Points Remain on My Driving Record in Maine?

Points against a motorist's license accumulate over time while they have an active driving record with the state DMV. If a motorist receives six points within a 12-month period, their license may be suspended until a motorist pays a fine or takes steps to reduce their issues total.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Driving Record in Maine?

A DUI conviction will remain on the offender’s record for 10 years in Maine unless otherwise ruled by the court. If it is the offender’s DUI offense, the motorist may be eligible for a first offender program that will allow a motorist to have the charge removed from their record if they complete the program successfully. However, this option is only available if their blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of their arrest did not exceed 0.15%. In addition, a motorist must apply for a first offender program within 90 days of being released from jail or completing probation.

In some cases, DUIs may be expunged sooner than ten years as long as certain conditions are met and there was no subsequent DUI offense during the waiting period. These conditions include:

The motorist was under 21 years old at the time of their conviction - which means that they can have their record cleared after five years rather than 10; however, note that this does not apply to subsequent offenses.
The court determines that the motorist will suffer exceptional hardship if the offense remains on their records - such as difficulty securing employment or housing.
They show that a motorist has been rehabilitated since their DUI offense.

How Long Does a Hit and Run Stay on My Driving Record in Maine?

A hit-and-run conviction will remain on the offender's record for six years in Maine unless the court later expunges it. If a motorist is convicted of leaving the scene of an accident where there was property damage, they will face a mandatory license suspension of at least 180 days. If someone was injured in the accident, they may be subject to a longer suspension.

Can Traffic Violations Be Sealed in Maine?

In Maine, it is possible to have traffic violations sealed and removed from a criminal record. However, there are specific requirements and restrictions that a motorist must meet in order to be eligible for sealing and to successfully seal their traffic violations.

To begin the process of having the traffic violations sealed in Maine, the offender must first meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements include the following:

The motorist must not have any prior convictions on their record. This includes any misdemeanor or felony convictions and any out-of-state convictions that would be considered equivalent to a conviction under Maine law. Motorists may still qualify if they have one prior conviction, but this will require additional consideration by the courts.
They must not currently be facing pending charges for any crime, including traffic violations.
The motorist must not have had their driver's license suspended or revoked within the past year

If a motorist meets all of the above requirements, they may be eligible to have their traffic violations sealed in Maine. The process for sealing their traffic record will vary depending on the court in which the motorist was convicted, but generally it involves filing a petition with the court and providing documentation showing that they satisfy the state’s eligibility requirements. Once their petition is filed, the court will review it and make a decision on whether or not to seal the traffic record.

If the offender successfully has their traffic record sealed, it will no longer be accessible to the public and will not appear on background checks or other similar searches. However, it is important to note that their traffic record will still be accessible to law enforcement and other government agencies.

Where the offender is not eligible for sealing or if a motorist is unsuccessful in having their traffic record sealed, there may be other options available to the motorist. For example, they may be able to have specific points removed from their driving record if they complete a defensive driving course or take other steps to improve their driving history.

What Happens if a Motorist Miss a Court Date for a Traffic Violation in Maine?

If a motorist misses their court date for a traffic violation in Maine, the court may issue a warrant for their arrest, which will mean that they could be arrested and taken into custody if they happen to be apprehended by the police at any point. Law enforcement agents may also take steps to ensure that the ticket is paid in full by having the offender’s car towed or seeking to freeze their bank accounts.

In selected cases, especially when the motorist can justify their absence in court, there may be no immediate consequences of missing a court date.

Offenders are generally advised to notify the court beforehand if they will be unlikely to make the designated court date.