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Traffic Violations

Penalties for Speeding & Violations in Maine

3 min read

Maine enforces a strict set of penalties for speeding and moving violations, designed to promote road safety and deter reckless behavior. Whether you're a new driver or a long-time resident, it's essential to understand the consequences that can arise from breaking the law behind the wheel.

Speeding Violations

Speeding penalties in Maine vary based on how far over the posted limit a driver is going. Here’s how they typically break down:

  • 1–29 mph over the speed limit: Fines start at $137 and can increase depending on the zone (school and construction zones carry higher fines).
  • 30 mph or more over the limit: Considered a criminal offense (Class E crime) and may result in court appearances, heftier fines, and potential jail time.

Speeding in school zones or construction areas automatically doubles the fines, regardless of the speed over the limit.

Point System and License Suspension

Maine uses a demerit point system to track traffic violations:

  • Accumulating 6 points triggers a warning letter.
  • At 12 points, your license may be suspended.

Common point values include:

  • Speeding (1–15 mph over): 4 points
  • Speeding (16–29 mph over): 6 points
  • Failure to yield or stop: 4 points
  • Operating without a license: 6 points

Suspensions can last from 30 to 90 days, depending on prior history and severity. For new drivers under the Maine Graduated Licensing Program, violations can lead to longer restrictions or restart of the licensing period.

Criminal Traffic Offenses

Beyond speeding, certain violations are classified as criminal offenses:

  • Driving to Endanger: Class E crime, carries up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $1,000, and license suspension.
  • Operating After Suspension (OAS): Class E or Class C depending on reason for prior suspension.
  • Reckless Driving: May result in mandatory court appearances and harsh penalties.

These can significantly affect your driving record and insurance rates.

Insurance and Surcharge Impacts

Traffic convictions in Maine typically lead to:

  • Increased insurance premiums, sometimes doubling rates for high-risk drivers.
  • A $50 violation surcharge, in addition to base fines, applies to most moving violations.

Habitual offenders may be required to carry SR-22 insurance, which proves financial responsibility.

For Teen Drivers and Permit Holders

Drivers under 21 face harsher penalties:

  • Any moving violation during the permit or intermediate license phase can extend licensing restrictions.
  • Permit holders violating speeding or other traffic laws may be forced to restart the permit period.

Teen drivers must also follow specific restrictions under Maine’s graduated system.

DUI and Major Violations

Driving under the influence is a separate category with more severe consequences. Maine enforces Zero Tolerance for drivers under 21 and stiff penalties for all DUI offenses.

Paying or Contesting a Ticket

Tickets can be paid online through the Maine Judicial Branch Violation Bureau at www.maine.gov, or contested in court. Ignoring a ticket can result in:

  • License suspension
  • Additional fines
  • Possible arrest warrants

Always address traffic violations promptly to avoid escalating penalties.