Key points
Vehicles over 25 years old, motorcycles under 300 cc and trailers of 3,000 pounds or less do not need a title.
Source: Handbook p. 2-1
“Vehicles more than 25 years old, motorcycles with an engine size less than 300 cc and trailers with an unloaded weight of 3,000 pounds or less.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 2-1A passenger vehicle registration costs $35.00 and is valid for 1 year.
Source: Handbook p. 2-2
“The registration fee for a passenger vehicle is $35.00. A registration remains valid for one year from the month it is issued.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 2-2After moving to Maine, you must apply for registration within 30 days.
Source: Handbook p. 2-3
“Maine law requires that a Maine motor vehicle registration must be applied for within 30 days once residence in the state of Maine is declared or established.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 2-3Every owner and operator must carry liability insurance and show evidence when an officer asks.
Source: Handbook p. 2-3
“Maine law requires every owner and operator of a motor vehicle to maintain motor vehicle liability insurance and to present evidence upon request of a law enforcement officer.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 2-3If you are found to have failed to produce proof of insurance, you must file an SR-22 certificate or face suspension.
Source: Handbook p. 2-3
“If you are adjudicated of failure to produce evidence of insurance, you will be required to file proof of financial responsibility through an SR-22 insurance certificate or face suspension of your license and registration privileges.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 2-3An uninsured motorist who causes $1000 or more in injury or damage may not drive until proof of insurance is shown.
Source: Handbook p. 2-3
“If an uninsured motorist causes an injury or property damage of $1000 or more, they may not operate a vehicle until proof of financial responsibility or proper insurance have been shown.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 2-3Vehicles must be inspected at an official station once a year.
Source: Handbook p. 2-4
“These inspections must be done at an official inspection station once a year.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 2-4The horn must be loud enough to hear from 200 feet away.
Source: Handbook p. 2-4
“Horn Must be loud enough to hear from 200 feet away.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 2-4Tires need 2/32 of an inch of tread, or 4/32 on commercial vehicles of 10,000 pounds.
Source: Handbook p. 2-4
“Tires Must have 2/32 of an inch tread and be free of cuts, tears, or other dangerous conditions. For commercial vehicles of 10,000 pounds G.V.W., 4/32 of an inch tread is required.”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 2-4A sound system may not be audible beyond 25 feet and over 85 decibels.
Source: Handbook p. 2-6
“A person may not operate a sound system in a vehicle on a public way at a volume that is audible at a distance greater than 25 feet and that exceeds 85 decibels”
Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 2-6
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 25 years, 300 cc, 3,000 pounds | vehicles older than 25 years, motorcycles under 300 cc and light trailers need no title | Handbook p. 2-1 |
| $35.00 | passenger vehicle registration fee | Handbook p. 2-2 |
| 1 year | how long a registration is valid | Handbook p. 2-2 |
| 30 days | time to register after becoming a Maine resident | Handbook p. 2-3 |
| SR-22 | insurance certificate required after failing to produce proof of insurance | Handbook p. 2-3 |
| $1000 | damage by an uninsured motorist that bars driving until proof of insurance | Handbook p. 2-3 |
| 200 feet | distance the horn must be heard | Handbook p. 2-4 |
| 30 feet at 20 mph | brake stopping standard | Handbook p. 2-4 |
| 2/32 inch | minimum tire tread | Handbook p. 2-4 |
| 4/32 inch (10,000 pounds) | minimum tread for commercial vehicles of 10,000 pounds | Handbook p. 2-4 |
| 25 feet, 85 decibels | sound system limits | Handbook p. 2-6 |
| $50, $100, $150 | sound system fines for first, second and third or later offenses | Handbook p. 2-6 |
3 questions from the Maine practice test
1. What happens to a Maine driver adjudicated for failing to produce evidence of insurance?
- Nothing on a first offense
- A $25 fine only
- They must file an SR-22 certificate or face suspension of license and registration privileges
- Vehicle confiscation
Show answer
They must file an SR-22 certificate or face suspension of license and registration privileges. If you are adjudicated of failure to produce evidence of insurance, you will be required to file proof of financial responsibility through an SR-22 insurance certificate or face suspension of your license and registration privileges. An uninsured motorist who causes injury or property damage of $1,000 or more may not drive until proof of financial responsibility or proper insurance is shown.
2. After an uninsured Maine motorist causes $1,000 or more in injury or damage, when may they drive again?
- After 30 days
- Only after showing proof of financial responsibility or proper insurance
- Immediately, if the damage is paid
- After paying a $100 fee
Show answer
Only after showing proof of financial responsibility or proper insurance. If an uninsured motorist causes an injury or property damage of $1,000 or more, they may not operate a vehicle until proof of financial responsibility or proper insurance has been shown. Failure to produce evidence of insurance separately requires an SR-22 filing or suspension of license and registration. Carry the insurance card whenever you drive, and keep the policy current on every registered vehicle.
3. What tire tread does Maine's inspection require for cars and for 10,000 pound commercial vehicles?
- 1/32 inch for both
- 6/32 inch for both
- 2/32 inch for cars and 4/32 inch for commercial vehicles of 10,000 pounds
- Any tread without cuts
Show answer
2/32 inch for cars and 4/32 inch for commercial vehicles of 10,000 pounds. Tires must have 2/32 of an inch of tread and be free of cuts, tears or other dangerous conditions, and for commercial vehicles of 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight 4/32 of an inch is required. The inspection also checks that mirrors, windshields and windows are not cracked or clouded, the exhaust and fuel systems have no leaks, and the odometer has not been tampered with.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free Maine practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Maine Driver's License Manual, Section 2: State Laws and Rules. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.