In addition to general traffic laws that apply regardless of what type of vehicle you drive, every state has laws particularly concerning motorcycles. Maine is no different.
Whether you are contemplating purchasing a bike or are already an owner looking to freshen up on Maine’s rules and regulations, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss 5 Maine motorcycle laws that all riders should know.
If you have questions, or would like to speak to a Maine motorcycle accident lawyer, please contact us today or call us at (207) 709-0900.
We are here to serve residents throughout Maine, and you can find us at our offices in Portland, Bangor and Yarmouth.
The 5 Maine motorcycle laws all riders should know are:
There are also other laws many riders miss but should know. This is covered near the end of the article.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
You might wonder why different rules apply specifically to motorcycles. While there may be specific reasons for particular laws, the overarching reasoning is public safety: to keep riders and other drivers safe on the road.
Motorcycles, by design, do not offer the same safety protections as a car or truck. In 2021, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed in crashes representing 14% of all traffic fatalities, the highest since 1975.
Because of the destructive nature of many motorcycle accidents, many states, including Maine, have implemented laws to promote safety.
Let’s take a look at five specific Maine laws.
To legally operate a motorcycle in Maine, residents need to have a valid motorcycle permit or license. Non-residents are allowed to ride in Maine as long as they have a motorcycle license from their home state or country.
The Maine Basic Riders Course (MBRC) consists of hands-on and classroom instruction on motorcycle safety and operation.
You must successfully complete this course to receive your permit and go on to pursue your motorcycle license.
Please note that if you are between 16 and 18, you must also complete a basic driver education course before enrolling in the motorcycle safety course.
You must be at least 16 years old in Maine to obtain a motorcycle permit and license. You must also have a basic driver’s license to qualify for the introductory riders course.
This rule applies to out-of-state drivers as well. Even though you may be licensed to ride a motorcycle at a younger age (e.g., 15) in another state, you must be at least 16 in Maine.
A motorcyclist must carry liability insurance covering medical and uninsured motorist insurance. You must obtain minimum policies as follows:
You must provide proof of insurance to register your motorcycle with the state legally. Failure to maintain adequate coverage can result in license suspension, fines, fees, and possibly criminal repercussions.
If the party responsible for causing the accident does not have insurance, and you carry uninsured motorist coverage, your uninsured motorist coverage should cover your losses.
Your uninsured motorist coverage can go beyond protecting you from uninsured drivers, as it may also provide coverage in cases of a hit-and-run or when you’re involved in a crash with an unidentified driver.
In Maine, as in other states, helmet laws have changed over the years. Currently, motorcycle riders under the age of 18 that hold a learner’s permit or completed their driving test within the last 12 months are required to wear a helmet.
Helmets are also mandatory for motorcycle passengers under the age of 15.
In addition, while it is not mandatory, other protective gear, such as face, eye, and skin protection, are strongly recommended by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Motorcycles registered to operate in Maine must pass a safety inspection and make the sticker visible from the bike’s rear.
The stickers must be placed on the rear license plate’s upper left-hand corner. It is not enough to have it with you; it must be displayed on your license plate.
In addition to the five laws we spotlighted above, other laws are important to remember. You should be aware of these different essential rules of the road.
Most of these laws have been on the books for quite some time. However, in 2019, Maine made it unlawful to ride more than two motorcycles parallel and next to each other in the same lane.
With any motorcycle or motor vehicle laws, the operator must stay current on rules and keep track of changes. Generally, claiming that you didn’t know something was illegal is not a valid defense against any traffic violations.
Maine follows a modified comparative fault rule for most accidents, including motorcycle collisions.
A motorcyclist who is less than 50% at fault for the accident will be entitled to seek compensation for their injuries, but their recovery may be reduced by the percentage of fault they carry.
Conversely, a motorcyclist 50% or more at fault will be barred from seeking compensation from the other party.
The five core Maine motorcycle laws every rider must know are: you must hold a valid motorcycle permit or endorsement; riders must be at least 16 years old; you must carry minimum liability insurance; riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet, and helmets are also required in certain other circumstances; and all registered motorcycles must pass a state safety inspection. Maine also prohibits riding more than two motorcycles side by side in the same lane, and handlebar grips cannot be higher than the rider’s shoulder height.
Maine requires helmets for riders under 18 years of age and in certain other circumstances defined by state law. Adult riders over 18 who meet the applicable requirements may ride without a helmet, but doing so significantly increases the risk of traumatic brain injury or death in a crash. Maine follows a modified comparative fault rule, so riding without a helmet when it was required, or when your injuries could have been reduced by wearing one, may affect how much compensation you can recover if you are hurt in an accident.
Maine law requires all motorcycle operators to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. The required minimums cover bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others in an accident. Riding without insurance not only exposes you to fines and license suspension but also leaves you personally responsible for any damages you cause in a crash. Many Maine riders also carry uninsured motorist coverage, which is especially valuable given how often motorcycle accident cases involve drivers who lack adequate coverage.
Maine follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 14 MRSA Section 156, which means you can only recover compensation if you are less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. If you share some responsibility, your total damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000. This rule makes it critical to document the accident carefully and work with an experienced Maine motorcycle accident attorney who can build the strongest case for your recovery.
Buying a motorcycle without a license is legal but poses challenges. You cannot test drive it, drive it home, or register it without meeting state requirements, even for non-operational collector’s bikes.
A motorcyclist injured by someone else in an accident can seek compensation for their losses.
Compensation can include economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. You can also seek non-economic damages, which can include the following:
An attorney can help you more accurately determine the potential value of your case. Remember, each motorcycle accident case is unique, and your possible damages will depend on the extent and severity of your injuries.
Sometimes, accidents are unavoidable. But being prepared and educated on the applicable motorcycle laws can lessen your chance of an accident and help you remain calm if a crash does occur.
Even if you have familiarized yourself with the state law and completed all required safety courses, contact us if you find yourself the victim of an accident.
At Mann Law, we approach each case with compassion and understanding, and we will guide you through this challenging time. Call us at (207) 709-0900 to schedule a free consultation.
