Expert Advice for Maine
All Articles on Maine
How to Find Defensive Driving Courses in Maine
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety oversees a defensive driving course that can reduce points on your driving record or lower your car insurance rate.
Mary Cahill
What To Do If You’re In a Car Accident Without Insurance But Not At Fault In Maine
Driving without insurance is a serious offense in Maine—and if you’re in an accident while uninsured, your license could be suspended.
Brian Hicks
Do You Need a Car In Portland Maine?
Portland Maine is an idyllic, walkable city with plenty of public transportation to get you just about anywhere. But having a car has its perks here, too.
Matt Terzi
How To Pay Your Maine Excise Tax
Maine’s excise tax rate applies annually, and you can expect to pay $24 per $1,000 of your vehicle’s MSRP for cars in the first model year.
Thidas Senanayaka
How to Register a Car in Maine
Before you can register your vehicle in Maine, you’ll need to pay an excise tax—luckily, you can pay and process your registration at the same place!
Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Buying a Car In Maine From Out Of State
You’ll need to submit various forms to the town government office and pay taxes and fees in order to register an out-of-state vehicle in Maine.
Mary Cahill
What Counts as Proof of Residency in Maine?
A utility bill, a pay stub, or a Maine hunting or fishing license counts as proof of Maine residency as long as the document includes a current home address.
Mary Cahill
2023 Maine CDL Requirements Guide
Among other things, you’ll need a valid Maine driver’s license and a completed Medical Examiner’s Certificate to get your CDL in Maine.
Abbey Orzech
Look Out For These Invasive Plants in Maine
Keep an eye out for invasive plants in your yard, like the Asiatic Bittersweet or Japanese Barberry, two of the most invasive plants in Maine.
Megan Lebron
Does Maine Require Front License Plates?
Maine requires front license plates for regular road use to avoid penalties because they are helpful to law enforcement agents.
Maxine Boyko
Electric Car Charging Stations in Maine
As of 2022, Portland has the most EV charging stations in Maine, but state initiatives are looking to expand charging access to rural areas.
Maxine Boyko
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Maine: Do You Need It?
Uninsured motorist coverage is legally required in Maine—but you may choose to pad your policy with higher amounts to optimize your protection.
Maxine Boyko
How To Get a Maine Motorcycle License
Per Maine law, you must successfully complete a hands-on rider education program before getting your motorcycle license. Here’s what you need to know.
Jacqulyn Graber
What is the Driving Age in Maine
Since Maine has implemented a Graduated License system, drivers can’t have an unrestricted license until they are 18 years old.
Sean Boehme
Maine License Plates
The state of Maine features a wide range of specialty plates you might be able to choose from if you don’t like the standard offering.
Sean Boehme
Maine Car Accident Laws
Whether you’re involved in a crash on I-95 or just down the street from work, you’ll need to file a report and decide if you need to file a claim.
Ethan Moser
How to Complete a BMV Change of Address in Maine
Maine changes of address can be completed online, via mail, or in person at the BMV.
Sarah Gray
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Maine
Drivers may get a temporary license plate for a newly purchased car from the car’s licensed dealer.
Olivia Rose
Driving to Maine: Tips, Tricks, and Laws
Visiting some of the picturesque sites and towns that Maine has to offer? Brush up on the best and worst routes and driving laws before you go!
Pat Roache
How to Get a Maine Handicap Placard (and Who’s Eligible)
You can get a handicap placard in Maine by completing an application form and having a licensed medical provider certify your disability.
Samuel Todd
A Guide to National Parks in Maine
From the woodlands and granite peaks of Acadia National Park to the rugged routes of the Appalachian Trail, Maine is home to four national parks.
Andrea Barrett
Open Container Laws in Maine
The open container law in Maine states that you could be cited between $25 and $500 for transporting an unsealed alcohol container in the passenger area of your vehicle.
Kate Kirby
How to Donate a Car in Maine
Donating a car in Maine will net you a tax deduction based on the value of your vehicle.
Jasmine Kanter
Can You Turn Right on Red in Maine?
It’s legal to turn right on red in Maine unless there is official signage indicating the turn is prohibited.
Shannon Fitzgerald
How to Replace a Lost Maine Driver’s License
If you lose your Maine driver’s license, you can request a new one online, in person, or by mail and pay the $5 fee.
Kevin Martinez
How to Get a Maine Driver’s License Reinstatement
The process for a Maine driver’s license reinstatement includes a fee of $50 to $100 plus additional requirements depending on the suspension.
Sarah Williams
Car Sales Tax in Maine
Car shoppers in Maine can expect to pay exactly 5.5% in sales tax.
Jacqulyn Graber
The 10 Most Common Ways to Get a Suspended License in Maine
Your license can be suspended in Maine for a variety of reasons—but a license suspension could be the least of your worries.
Drew Waterstreet
Maine REAL ID: What You Need to Know
After May 3, 2023, your Maine driver’s license must be REAL ID-compliant to board a domestic flight.
Maxine Boyko
Gifting a Car in Maine
To gift a car to someone in Maine, simply list $0 as the sales price and transfer the title. Here are the steps in detail.
Shannon Fitzgerald
All Questions on Maine
What does $50,000/$100,000 and $50,000 mean?
What do these insurance numbers mean? I live in Maine and am looking to switch insurance companies. I want the lowest amount of coverage possible as I need to save money.
Emily Maracle
What coverage limits should I get for my car in Maine?
I recently bought a 2014 Subaru and I'm not sure what coverage limits I should get. I have a clean driving record. I'd like the cheapest insurance possible with the right amount of coverage. What limits should I be asking insurance carriers for?
Emily Maracle
Why is my uninsured motorist coverage so high in Maine?
My car is only worth $6,000 and I have a $50,000/$100,000 limit for uninsured motorist bodily injury. I also have a $50,000 limit for uninsured motorist property damage. I have full coverage on my vehicle and don't really understand why I have to have such high limits.
Emily Maracle
What do I need for state minimum car insurance coverage in Maine?
What insurance do I have to get in Maine? I want to purchase the bare minimum insurance to avoid high premiums in Maine.
Sophie Newman
Is it illegal to spend the night in your van?
Will I be ticketed for parking overnight? I have a converted campervan, and while I'm not planning on living there for any length of time, I'd like to take some trips within the state of Maine.
Sophie Newman
What happens if you get caught without a license in Maine?
What are the fines for driving a vehicle if my license expired? I don't drive often and don't want to get it renewed.
Sophie Newman
Do you have to be a US citizen to get car insurance in Maine?
I am currently on a work visa and will be buying a car. Am I able to get car insurance in Maine?
Emily Maracle
Am I getting the right price for my car insurance in Maine?
I am a 20-year-old woman in Maine and I pay almost $85 per month for full coverage. No tickets, no accidents, one car. Am I getting the right price or can I save money by shopping around?
Shannon Martin
How far is it to drive from Boston to Maine?
I’m based in Boston and am thinking about where to go for a weekend skiing trip. I’m thinking about heading driving up, but I’m curious, how far it is to drive to Maine from Boston?
Mary Cahill
What happens if you don't have comprehensive car insurance in Maine?
"Do I need comprehensive insurance, too? I only have liability and collision insurance on my Subaru."
Sophie Newman
How can I prevent my car doors from freezing shut?
Can I prevent my car doors from freezing shut? I just moved to Maine, and the winters here are absolutely brutal. I need to find a way fast to keep my car locks from freezing shut so I'm not late for work, but I’m not sure how! Is there any way I can keep them from freezing on me?
Ben Guess
How much bodily injury liability should I carry in Maine?
Is 50k per person enough? I have Progressive insurance and I'm curious how much bodily injury liability I should have.
Sophie Newman
How do I cover my car to protect it from the snow?
How can I protect my car from snow? I live in Maine and my car is constantly covered with snow in the winter.
Eric Schad
Which states have the cheapest car insurance rates?
Right now I live in Florida and the auto insurance here is SO expensive. Which states are the least expensive for car insurance?
Jackie Whalen
What is the penalty for driving without car insurance in Maine?
I'm moving to Maine, but it looks like as soon as I establish residency there my premiums will go up. Can I forego insurance instead? What will happen if I do?
Sophie Newman
Are U-turns legal in Maine?
I want to visit Acadia National Park in Maine because it’s on my bucket list. Because I’ve never been to Maine before, I just want to make sure I’m following the state driving laws. Can I legally make a U-turn in Maine?
Eric Schad
What is the most common car in Maine?
So I’m moving from New York City and am ditching the urban, hedonistic, without-a-car lifestyle and moving to Maine! I bought a cabin in the woods and plan on living sustainably off the land, you know, to be a true Mainer! I want to Maine-it-up as much as possible, so what is the most common, Maine-like car I can find?
Jason Tushinski
What's the most common car in Maine?
So I’m moving from New York City and am ditching the urban, hedonistic, without-a-car lifestyle and moving to Maine! I bought a cabin in the woods and plan on living sustainably off the land, you know, to be a true Mainer! I want to Maine-it-up as much as possible, so what is the most common, Maine-like car I can find?
Jason Tushinski
What is the most popular car in Maine?
So I’m moving from New York City and am ditching the urban, hedonistic, without-a-car lifestyle and moving to Maine! I bought a cabin in the woods and plan on living sustainably off the land, you know, to be a true Mainer! I want to Maine-it-up as much as possible, so what is the most common, Maine-like car I can find?
Jason Tushinski
What speed is considered reckless driving in Maine?
I’m going on a trip to Acadia National Park, but I want to make sure I don’t violate any traffic laws while I’m in Maine. I have a bit of a lead foot…. What speed is considered reckless driving in Maine?
Eric Schad
What is the curfew for teen drivers in Maine?
My niece is going to get her license soon, and I’m awfully proud. I taught her everything she knows. As her legal guardian, I just want to ensure that she’s not driving too late at night. Does Maine have a curfew for teen drivers?
Eric Schad
What is the legal driving age in Maine?
My family just moved to Maine. What are the laws regarding the driving age here?
Jacqulyn Graber
How many cars are in Maine?
After moving to Maine, I was surprised by how rural it actually is. Outside of Portland, I see very few people and even fewer cars. How many cars are there in Maine?
Eric Schad
What are the best things to do in Acadia National Park?
I live in Vermont, but I’ve always wanted to go to Acadia National Park. It’s not that far of a drive, so I thought I’d take a week off work to do some exploring. What are some of the best things to do in Acadia National Park?
Eric Schad
What are the best things to do in Portland, Maine?
I’ve been to Portland, Oregon, but never Portland, Maine. Is this place worth checking out? What’s to do there?
Melanie Johnson
What's the best time to visit Maine?
I’m not one for the cold, but I’ve always wanted to visit Maine. I’ll go when it’s colder if it’s worth the effort, but I’d prefer not to. When’s the best time to visit Maine?
Eric Schad
Can I renew my driver’s license online in Maine?
It’s time to renew my driver’s license, but I am not feeling well! Can I renew online since I can’t leave the house?
Cassandra Hamilton
What’s the best route to Maine from NJ?
I’m supposed to go to Maine to meet my grandfather for the first time and I’m planning to drive there, but I’m worried it will take a long time. What’s the fastest way for me to get to Maine from NJ?
Liz Jenson
What is the best time to visit the northeast USA?
I’m planning to take a road trip through the northeastern part of the USA sometime soon. I’ve never been there before and I’m really excited! What would be the best time of year to plan a trip like this?
Liz Jenson
What’s the best driving route from Boston to Bar Harbor?
I’m checking out Acadia National Park next weekend but I’m going to be staying in Bar Harbor. What’s the best route from Boston to Bar Harbor?
Cassandra Hamilton
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