APPROVED CHAPTER
JUNE 15, 2021 216
BY GOVERNOR PUBLIC LAW
STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE
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H.P. 1049 - L.D. 1433
An Act To Amend the Motor Vehicle Laws
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§3, ¶E, as amended by PL 2005, c. 314, §2, is
further amended to read:
E. Not a reconstructed vehicle; and
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§3, ¶F, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 314, §3, is
amended to read:
F. Not an altered vehicle.; and
Sec. 3. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§3, ¶G is enacted to read:
G. Not an off-road vehicle.
Sec. 4. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§4, ¶C, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
C. Maintained primarily for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades or other
functions of public interest; and
Sec. 5. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§4, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
D. Not used as its owner's primary mode of transportation of passengers or goods.;
and
Sec. 6. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§4, ¶E is enacted to read:
E. Not an off-road vehicle.
Sec. 7. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§19-A, as repealed and replaced by PL 2011, c.
139, §1, is amended to read:
19-A. Custom vehicle. "Custom vehicle" means a motor vehicle manufactured after
model year 1948 that:
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 A. Is at least 25 years old or was manufactured to resemble a motor vehicle that is at
least 25 years old; and
B. Has been altered or modified from the manufacturer's original design or has a body
constructed from nonoriginal material.; and
C. Is not an off-road vehicle.
Sec. 8. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§47-A, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 577, §6, is
amended to read:
47-A. Off-road vehicle. "Off-road vehicle" means a motor vehicle that, because of
the vehicle's design and, configuration, original manufacture or original intended use, does
not meet the inspection standards of chapter 15, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards, the United States Environmental Protection Agency's pollutant requirements or
the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration's crash testing standards and that
is not a moped or motorcycle.
Sec. 9. 29-A MRSA §201, sub-§6 is enacted to read:
6. Rules. The Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this
section. The rules may include requirements for agent training, accounting standards,
inventory control processes and the collection and transmission of data and funds between
agents and the bureau. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules
as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 10. 29-A MRSA §354, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 577, §8, is amended to read:
§354. Off-road vehicles
Off-road vehicles may not be registered in accordance with this Title. Vehicles owned
and operated by government entities are not subject to the provisions of this section.
Sec. 11. 29-A MRSA §453, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2007, c. 647, §1 and
affected by §8, is further amended to read:
2. Fee. The annual service administrative fee for a vanity registration plate is $25 in
addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee. The service administrative fee must
be credited to the General Highway Fund, except that, beginning July 1, 2009, $10 of the
service administrative fee must be transferred on a quarterly basis by the Treasurer of State
to the TransCap Trust Fund established by Title 30‑A, section 6006‑G. A sum sufficient
to defray the cost of this program must be allocated annually from the General Highway
Fund.
Sec. 12. 29-A MRSA §468, sub-§10, ¶B, as amended by PL 2013, c. 66, §1, is
further amended to read:
B. The sponsor of the specialty plate under this subsection provides a list of 500 names
for each class requested, dated signatures and current plate numbers of supporters who
have signed a statement declaring they intend to purchase and display the motorcycle,
trailer or commercial vehicle class of specialty license plate; and
Sec. 13. 29-A MRSA §501, sub-§7, ¶H is enacted to read:
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 H. A temporary registration plate may not be used on a house trailer or mobile home
unless the operator of the vehicle possesses the written certificate from the tax collector
required by section 1002, subsection 9.
Sec. 14. 29-A MRSA §522, as amended by PL 2009, c. 174, §22, is repealed.
Sec. 15. 29-A MRSA §524, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2011, c. 356, §13, is further
amended by amending the 4th blocked paragraph to read:
The Secretary of State shall determine the design of the Purple Heart plate. Upon request
and as provided by section 453, the Secretary of State shall issue Purple Heart plates that
are also vanity plates. Purple Heart vanity plates are issued in accordance with this section
and section 453. The annual service administrative fee for vanity plates required in section
453 is credited to the Highway Fund.
Sec. 16. 29-A MRSA §602, sub-§11, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and
affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
11. Recycler. "Recycler" means a person engaged in the business of purchasing or
acquiring salvage in any manner vehicles or vehicle parts for the purpose of:
A. Reselling the vehicle or its component parts as salvage or scrap;
B. Rebuilding or repairing the vehicle salvage vehicles for the purpose of resale;
C. Selling or storing the vehicle's parts or basic materials;
D. Permitting the display or storage of the vehicle or its parts salvage vehicles; or
E. Acting as a scrap processor.; or
F. Advertising in any form that an individual or business engages in any of the
activities in paragraphs A to E.
Sec. 17. 29-A MRSA §664-A, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2009, c. 598, §29, is
further amended to read:
1. Vehicle sold by dealer. A vehicle that is sold by a dealer must be accompanied by
a properly assigned and valid certificate of title or certificate of salvage at the time of its
sale. A dealer may retain and process certificates of title and certificates of salvage at the
dealer’s primary facility if in the case when the dealer displays a vehicle at an annex facility
the dealer maintains a copy of the certificate of title or certificate of salvage at the annex
facility. A dealer selling a vehicle to a lessee who elects to purchase the leased vehicle at
the end of the lease term is exempt from this provision.
Sec. 18. 29-A MRSA §664-A, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 437, §20, is
amended to read:
3. Transfer. When transferring possession of a vehicle held for resale to a retail
purchaser or selling a leased vehicle to the lessee, a dealer shall comply with section 654.
Sec. 19. 29-A MRSA §664-A, sub-§5, as amended by PL 2011, c. 556, §6, is
further amended to read:
5. Sold at auction. Except for a vehicle sold to a dealer at a vehicle auction licensed
under section 852 1051, a vehicle that is sold at an auction must be accompanied by a valid
certificate of title or salvage at the time of its sale. The seller of a vehicle sold to a dealer
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at a vehicle auction licensed under section 852 1051 must provide the purchasing dealer
with a valid certificate of title or certificate of salvage within 30 days.
Sec. 20. 29-A MRSA §702, sub-§2-A is enacted to read:
2-A. Lienholder registration. A lienholder who secures a lien on 15 or more titles
annually is required to register with the Secretary of State for a lienholder identification
number in accordance with rules adopted by the Secretary of State.
Sec. 21. 29-A MRSA §752-A, sub-§2, as repealed and replaced by PL 2005, c.
683, Pt. A, §49, is amended to read:
2. Ten Twenty years old. A vehicle, beginning with model year 2011, that is 10 20
years old or older.
Sec. 22. 29-A MRSA §852, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2003, c. 434, §11 and
affected by §37, is further amended by repealing the first blocked paragraph.
Sec. 23. 29-A MRSA §903, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2009, c. 435, §14, is
amended by enacting a new first blocked paragraph to read:
A reduction in the number of plates under this subsection must be based on rules adopted
by the Secretary of State. A dealer shall maintain a surety bond adequate to cover the
number of sales indicated by that dealer's plates.
Sec. 24. 29-A MRSA §952, sub-§1, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
D. A suitable office in which business is conducted and records of the business are
kept; and
Sec. 25. 29-A MRSA §952, sub-§1, ¶E, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
E. At least one mechanic, who may be the owner, who has a thorough knowledge of
the vehicles being handled; and.
Sec. 26. 29-A MRSA §952, sub-§1, ¶F, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is repealed.
Sec. 27. 29-A MRSA §952, sub-§1-A is enacted to read:
1-A. Display license. A dealer shall display the dealer's license at the dealer's place
of business.
Sec. 28. 29-A MRSA §952, sub-§1-B is enacted to read:
1-B. Vehicles. A dealer shall:
A. On all used motor vehicles offered for sale, ensure that the written vehicle history
statement is conspicuously affixed to the vehicle pursuant to Title 10, section 1475;
and
B. For all vehicles sold, comply with the provisions of Title 10, chapter 217.
Sec. 29. 29-A MRSA §952, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2001, c. 671, §18, is further
amended to read:
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 3. Penalty. A person who fails to comply with subsection subsections 1, paragraphs
A to F or subsection 4 1-A and 1-B commits a traffic infraction.
Sec. 30. 29-A MRSA §952, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and
affected by Pt. B, §5, is repealed.
Sec. 31. 29-A MRSA §1002, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2005, c. 433, §14 and
affected by §28, is further amended to read:
4. Service vehicle. A licensed new or used car dealer may attach to that dealer's
service vehicles specially designed service vehicle plates. These plates may be used only
in direct connection with the licensee's business new or used car license. A dealer may
attach a service vehicle plate only to a vehicle used for the service or repair of vehicles sold
or being repaired by the dealer. A dealer may not attach a service vehicle plate to a vehicle
that delivers parts to individuals or to businesses that are not owned by the licensee dealer.
A. A dealer is not entitled to more than 3 service vehicle plates at each established
place of business.
B. The weight limit for a service vehicle, including the combined weight of vehicle
and load, may not exceed 24,000 pounds. This weight limit does not apply to service
vehicles of equipment dealers.
C. The fee for a service vehicle plate is $50 annually per plate.
D. A vehicle to which a service vehicle plate is attached must have the name of the
licensed dealership on the sides of the vehicle in letters at least 3 inches in height and
clearly visible. The name of any other business may not be displayed on the sides of
the vehicle to which the service vehicle plate is attached.
Sec. 32. 29-A MRSA §1101, sub-§1, as repealed and replaced by PL 1997, c. 776,
§33, is amended to read:
1. Recycler. "Recycler" means a person engaged in the business of purchasing or
acquiring salvage in any manner vehicles or vehicle parts for the purpose of:
A. Reselling the vehicle or its component parts as salvage or scrap;
B. Rebuilding or repairing the vehicle salvage vehicles for the purpose of resale;
C. Selling or storing the vehicle's parts or basic materials;
D. Displaying or storing the vehicle or its parts salvage vehicles; or
E. Acting as a scrap processor.; or
F. Advertising in any form that an individual or business engages in any of the
activities in paragraphs A to E.
A person may not engage in business as a recycler without a recycler license issued under
this subchapter.
Sec. 33. 29-A MRSA §1102-A, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 435, §17, is repealed and
the following enacted in its place:
§1102-A. Mobile crushers
1. Mobile crushers permitted. A person operating a mobile crusher in this State,
whether based in or outside of the State, is subject to the provisions of this subchapter
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except the provisions of section 1103. The Secretary of State may adopt rules for the
permitting of mobile crushers. For purposes of this section, "mobile crusher" means a
transportable device that is used to crush motor vehicles.
2. Penalty. Violation of this section is a traffic infraction.
Sec. 34. 29-A MRSA §1108, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 1995, c. 482, Pt. A,
§20, is further amended to read:
B. Failure to comply with a provision of this subchapter, any lawful rule adopted by
the Secretary of State or any provision of Title 17 or Title 17-A or this Title as they
relate to being a proper person to be in the business of the sales of acquiring or selling
vehicles or parts;
Sec. 35. 29-A MRSA §1110, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2019, c. 397, §16, is
further amended to read:
1. Record keeping. A licensee shall maintain business records for 5 years, including
a record of:
A. Every A record of every vehicle received or disposed of; its make, model, model
year, vehicle identification number; the date of its receipt or disposition; and the name
and address of the person from whom received or to whom given;
A-1. Every A record of every component part, as defined in section 602, subsection 2,
received or disposed of; its part identifying number; the date of its receipt or
disposition; and the name and address of the person from whom received or to whom
given;
B. Every A record of every vehicle scrapped or dismantled by the licensee, the date of
that action and the vehicle's make, model, model year and vehicle identification
number; and
C. The A record of the seller's name and address from a government-issued photograph
identification document or credential. For purposes of this subsection, "government-
issued photograph identification document or credential" includes, but is not limited
to, a current and valid United States passport, military identification card, driver's
license or nondriver identification card.; and
D. Copies of titles, transfers and other documents used for titling purposes.
A licensed mobile crusher must maintain an operator log for each location. The log must
contain the make, model, model year and vehicle identification number of each vehicle
crushed and the date of that action.
A scrap processor is exempt from the requirements set forth in paragraph A‑1 for vehicles
received that are already dismantled.
Sec. 36. 29-A MRSA §1256, as amended by PL 2015, c. 473, §§12 and 13, is further
amended to read:
§1256. Special restricted license
A person who is 15 years of age and who has successfully completed a driver education
course and passed an examination for operation of a motor vehicle as provided in section
1301 may be issued a special restricted license based on educational, employment or
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medical need without the person's having held a permit for a period of 6 months as required
by section 1304, subsection 1, paragraph H, subparagraph (1) as follows.
1. Educational need. A person seeking to qualify for a special restricted license based
on educational need must file an application. If the applicant qualifies under paragraph A,
has held a permit for a period of 6 months and has completed a minimum of 70 hours of
driving, including 10 hours of night driving, while accompanied by a parent, guardian or
licensed driver at least 20 years of age, a special restricted license must be issued to the
applicant.
A. An application must include:
(1) A signed notarized statement from the applicant and the applicant's parent or
guardian that:
(a) No readily available alternative means of transportation exists; and
(b) Use of a motor vehicle is necessary for transportation to and from a public
secondary school, a private secondary school approved for attendance
purposes by the Commissioner of Education or a career and technical
education center or region that the applicant is attending;
(2) A verification of school attendance; and
(3) A statement by the principal of the school of the lack of a readily available
alternative means of transportation.
B. A special restricted license issued pursuant to this subsection only authorizes the
holder to operate a motor vehicle between the holder's residence and school unless
accompanied by a licensed driver who meets the requirements of section 1304,
subsection 1, paragraph E, subparagraphs (1) to (4).
2. Employment need. A person seeking to qualify for a special restricted license
based on employment need must file an application. If the applicant qualifies under
paragraph A, has held a permit for a period of 6 months and has completed a minimum of
70 hours of driving, including 10 hours of night driving, while accompanied by a parent,
guardian or licensed driver at least 20 years of age, a special restricted license must be
issued to the applicant.
A. An application must include:
(1) A signed, notarized statement from the applicant and the applicant's parent or