Maine
Maine Reckless Driving Laws: Driving to Endanger Penalties (2026)
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited October 25, 2026). · 21 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Maine's offense is "driving to endanger," not reckless driving: Title 29-A, section 2413 makes it a Class E crime to drive a motor vehicle in any place, with criminal negligence, in a manner that endangers the property of another or a person. A conviction carries up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, with a mandatory minimum fine of $575 and a mandatory license suspension of 30 to 180 days; if the driving causes serious bodily injury to another person, it is a Class C crime with the same $575 minimum fine and a suspension of 180 days to 2 years.
Information last verified on 2026-10-25. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Maine statutes on driving to endanger (29-A M.R.S. 2413), criminal speeding, eluding an officer, the related license consequences and demerit points, and operating without a license or while suspended. It does not cover OUI penalties (see Maine DUI and OUI laws), homicide offenses (see Maine manslaughter laws), local ordinances, federal property, or commercial-driver rules beyond a short note. For other states, see reckless driving laws by state.
Is there a reckless driving law in Maine?
Not by that name. Maine's rules of the road (Title 29-A, chapter 19) and its chapter on serious motor vehicle offenses (chapter 23) contain no offense called reckless driving. The conduct other states call reckless driving is charged in Maine as driving to endanger. One licensing section, 29-A M.R.S. 2458(2)(H), still uses both phrases, referring to a person who "Has been convicted of reckless driving or driving to endanger under section 2413."
What is driving to endanger in Maine?
Section 2413(1) defines the offense:
"A person commits a Class E crime if, with criminal negligence as defined in Title 17-A, that person drives a motor vehicle in any place in a manner that endangers the property of another or a person, including the operator or passenger in the motor vehicle being driven." 29-A M.R.S. 2413(1)
Three points stand out in that sentence:
- The mental state is criminal negligence. Under 17-A M.R.S. 35(4), a person acts with criminal negligence when the person "fails to be aware of a risk that the person's conduct will cause such a result," and that failure "must involve a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable and prudent person would observe in the same situation." The driver does not have to be aware of the risk; failing to notice it, in a way that is a gross deviation from ordinary prudence, is enough.
- It applies "in any place," not only on public ways.
- The person endangered can be anyone, including the driver or a passenger in the driver's own vehicle.
Exceptions in the statute
Section 2413(4) provides that the section "does not apply to the operation of a vehicle: A. In racing events and exhibitions at which the public does not have access to the operating area; or B. On private land to which the public does not have access when used by or with authorization of the landowner."
Driving to endanger causing serious bodily injury
Section 2413(1-A) raises the offense to a Class C crime when the same driving "causes serious bodily injury, as defined in Title 17-A, section 2, subsection 23, to another person."
Penalties for driving to endanger in Maine
Maine grades crimes by class, and the general sentencing statutes set the maximums "unless a different maximum term of imprisonment is specified by statute": a Class E crime carries up to 6 months and a fine up to $1,000, a Class D crime less than one year and up to $2,000, a Class C crime up to 5 years and up to $5,000, and a Class B crime up to 10 years and up to $20,000 (17-A M.R.S. 1604(1) and 1704).
Section 2413(3) adds mandatory penalties on top of the class range:
"In addition to any other penalty, the court shall suspend the driver's license of a person convicted under subsection 1 for not less than 30 days nor more than 180 days, which minimum may not be suspended. In addition to any other penalty, the court shall suspend the driver's license of a person convicted under subsection 1-A for not less than 180 days nor more than 2 years, which minimum may not be suspended. If the court fails to suspend the license, the Secretary of State shall impose the minimum period of suspension. The court shall impose a sentencing alternative that involves a fine of not less than $575, which may not be suspended." 29-A M.R.S. 2413(3)
Put together:
- Driving to endanger (Class E): up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1,000; a fine of at least $575 that cannot be suspended; and a license suspension of 30 to 180 days, with the 30-day minimum mandatory.
- Driving to endanger causing serious bodily injury (Class C): up to 5 years and a fine up to $5,000; the same $575 minimum fine, which cannot be suspended; and a license suspension of 180 days to 2 years, with the 180-day minimum mandatory.
Repeat convictions also count toward Maine's habitual offender law, covered below.
How fast is reckless driving in Maine?
Maine's speed line is 30 mph over the limit, and it is a separate crime rather than a form of driving to endanger. Under 29-A M.R.S. 2074(3), "A person commits a Class E crime if that person operates a motor vehicle at a speed that exceeds the maximum rate of speed by 30 miles per hour or more." The complaint must specify the speed the driver is alleged to have been going. As a Class E crime it carries up to 6 months and up to $1,000 under the general class ranges.
Below that line, the general speed rule in 2074 requires a driver to operate "at a careful and prudent speed not greater than is reasonable and proper having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the way and of other conditions then existing."
Points and license consequences for driving to endanger
Court-ordered suspension
The main license consequence is the one built into 2413(3): a mandatory court suspension of 30 to 180 days (or 180 days to 2 years for the serious-bodily-injury form). If the court does not order it, the Secretary of State imposes the minimum.
Secretary of State action
Separately, 29-A M.R.S. 2458(2) lists the grounds on which the Secretary of State may suspend or revoke a license. They include a person who "Is a reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle, as established by the demerit point system authorized by subsection 3, a record of accidents or other evidence" and a person who "Has been convicted of reckless driving or driving to endanger under section 2413."
Demerit points
The Secretary of State's point rule, 29-250 C.M.R. chapter 1, section 4, has no row for driving to endanger. Among the rows it does list:
| Conviction or adjudication | Demerit points |
|---|---|
| Exceeding posted speed by at least 15 but less than 30 mph | 6 |
| Imprudent driving | 4 |
| Imprudent speed | 4 |
| Failure to maintain control of vehicle | 2 |
| Other moving violation | 2 |
Under the same rule, a person with 12 demerit points within a one-year period "may have his or her license, permit or privilege to operate suspended for a period up to 15 days," and points are erased "when the conviction or adjudication becomes one year old." The rule's section 3 also allows suspension of up to 30 days for a conviction of exceeding the posted speed by at least 30 mph and up to 90 days for eluding a police officer.
Habitual offender status
Driving to endanger counts toward Maine's habitual offender law. Under 29-A M.R.S. 2551-A(1), a person becomes a habitual offender with "3 or more convictions or adjudications for distinct offenses" from a listed group "arising out of separate acts committed within a 5-year period." The list includes "(3) Driving to endanger, in violation of section 2413" and "(13) Operating a motor vehicle at a speed that exceeds the maximum speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more." Ten or more moving-violation convictions or adjudications within 5 years also qualify.
Driving after a habitual offender revocation is a crime under 29-A M.R.S. 2557-A: where the person has no conviction for operating after revocation and no OUI conviction within the previous 10 years, it is a Class D crime with a minimum fine of $500 and a minimum of 30 days in jail, "neither of which may be suspended by the court." Under 2558, it becomes aggravated operating after habitual offender revocation if, at the time, the person also commits driving to endanger or drives 30 mph or more over the limit (among other listed offenses), a Class D crime with a minimum fine of $500 and a minimum of 6 months in jail, neither suspendable.
Revocation for vehicle-related assault and reckless conduct
Under 29-A M.R.S. 2463(1), when a person who, by operating a motor vehicle, caused serious bodily injury or bodily injury, created a substantial risk of serious bodily injury, or placed another person in fear of imminent bodily injury, is convicted of assault, aggravated assault, elevated aggravated assault, criminal threatening, reckless conduct or an attempt, "the Secretary of State shall immediately revoke the person's license without further hearing for an indefinite period of time." Reckless conduct itself, in the general criminal code at 17-A M.R.S. 211, is recklessly creating "a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person," a Class D crime.
Commercial drivers
For commercial license holders, federal rule 49 C.F.R. 383.51 treats "Driving recklessly, as defined by State or local law or regulation" as a serious traffic violation: a second conviction within three years brings a 60-day disqualification from commercial driving and a third a 120-day disqualification, and a conviction in a personal vehicle counts only if it results in a revocation, cancellation or suspension of the license. The reckless driving laws by state hub covers the federal layer.
Is there careless driving in Maine?
Title 29-A contains no offense named careless or negligent driving. The closest provisions are:
- The basic speed rule in 29-A M.R.S. 2074, requiring a "careful and prudent speed."
- Failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle, 29-A M.R.S. 2118(2), a traffic infraction. One form applies to a person who "Commits either a traffic infraction under this Title or commits the crime of driving to endanger under section 2413 and, at the time the traffic infraction or crime occurred, the person was engaged in the operation of a motor vehicle while distracted."
- The "Imprudent Driving" and "Imprudent Speed" rows in the Secretary of State's point rule, 4 points each.
When a traffic infraction causes death or serious injury
Maine also has a civil (non-criminal) offense for traffic infractions that end in serious harm. Under 29-A M.R.S. 2413-A, a person commits "the civil violation of motor vehicle violation resulting in death or serious bodily injury" if, "while operating a motor vehicle and committing a traffic infraction," the person "causes the death or serious bodily injury of another person." The fine is up to $5,000, part of which may be satisfied by court-ordered community service, and "The court shall also impose a license suspension of no less than 14 days and up to 4 years."
Street racing in Maine
Maine's rules of the road in Title 29-A chapter 19 and the driving-to-endanger section contain no offense specifically for racing, speed contests, drag racing, exhibitions of speed, drifting or street takeovers on public ways. The racing reference in 2413 runs the other way: subsection (4) exempts "racing events and exhibitions at which the public does not have access to the operating area." Racing on a public way is measured against the general offenses: driving to endanger (2413) and criminal speeding at 30 mph or more over the limit (2074(3)).
Eluding a police officer in Maine
29-A M.R.S. 2414 sets these failure-to-stop and eluding offenses; it also makes passing a police roadblock without authorization a Class C crime (2414(4)), or a Class B crime if another person suffers serious bodily injury as a result (2414(7)):
- Failure to stop on the request or signal of a uniformed officer is a Class E crime (2414(2)).
- Eluding an officer "by operating a motor vehicle at a reckless rate of speed that results in a high-speed chase between the operator's motor vehicle and a law enforcement vehicle using a blue light and siren" is a Class C crime (2414(3)).
- Eluding when another person suffers serious bodily injury as a result is a Class B crime (2414(6)), with up to 10 years and a fine up to $20,000 under the general class ranges.
Wet reckless in Maine
The OUI and license sections of Title 29-A chapter 23, including the criminal OUI section (2411), the prior-conviction rules and the sentencing-procedure section, contain no provision tying a driving-to-endanger plea to an OUI charge and do not count driving to endanger as a prior OUI offense. For OUI penalties, see Maine DUI and OUI laws.
Driving without a license or while suspended in Maine
Maine separates operating without being licensed from recent license lapses, new-resident cases and driving while suspended:
- Operating without a license. Under 29-A M.R.S. 1251(1)(A), operating on a public way or parking area without being licensed "is a Class E crime, which is a strict liability crime," with the Class E range of up to 6 months and $1,000. Operating in violation of a license condition or restriction (1251(1)(B)) and, for a resident of more than 90 days, operating without a Maine license (1251(1)(D)) are also Class E strict liability crimes.
- Expired or new-resident licenses. Driving with a Maine license that expired within the previous 90 days, or without a Maine license after being a resident for more than 30 but fewer than 90 days, is a traffic infraction (1251(1)(C), (E)).
- Operating while suspended or revoked. Under 29-A M.R.S. 2412-A, it is generally "a Class E crime, which is a strict liability crime." For a first offense where the suspension was not OUI-related, the minimum fine is $250 ($500 for a second or later offense); section 2412-A(3-A) allows the court to suspend or reduce a minimum fine only on a finding of exceptional circumstances. If the suspension was for OUI, "the court shall impose a minimum fine of $600, a term of imprisonment of 7 consecutive days and a suspension of license of not less than one year nor more than 3 years consecutive to the original suspension."
- Suspensions for unpaid fines and similar reasons. Under 2412-A(8), driving while suspended is only a traffic infraction when the sole basis for the suspension is a listed administrative reason, such as failure to pay a fine or a reinstatement fee, or failure to appear in court.
Maine driving offenses at a glance
| Offense | Statute | What it prohibits | Class | Statutory penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving to endanger | 29-A M.R.S. 2413(1), (3) | Driving with criminal negligence, in any place, in a manner that endangers property of another or a person | Class E crime | Up to 6 months and $1,000; minimum fine $575 (not suspendable); mandatory license suspension 30 to 180 days |
| Driving to endanger causing serious bodily injury | 2413(1-A), (3) | The same driving, causing serious bodily injury to another person | Class C crime | Up to 5 years and $5,000; minimum fine $575 (not suspendable); mandatory suspension 180 days to 2 years |
| Criminal speeding | 2074(3) | Driving 30 mph or more over the maximum speed | Class E crime | Up to 6 months and $1,000 |
| Failure to stop for an officer | 2414(2) | Failing or refusing to stop on an officer's request or signal | Class E crime | Up to 6 months and $1,000 |
| Eluding an officer | 2414(3) | Eluding at a reckless rate of speed resulting in a high-speed chase | Class C crime | Up to 5 years and $5,000 |
| Eluding causing serious bodily injury | 2414(6) | Eluding when another person suffers serious bodily injury | Class B crime | Up to 10 years and $20,000 |
| Reckless conduct | 17-A M.R.S. 211 | Recklessly creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person | Class D crime | Less than one year and up to $2,000 |
| Motor vehicle violation resulting in death or serious bodily injury | 29-A M.R.S. 2413-A | Causing death or serious bodily injury while committing a traffic infraction | Civil violation | Fine up to $5,000; license suspension 14 days to 4 years |
| Operating while suspended or revoked | 2412-A | Driving while suspended or revoked | Class E crime (strict liability); Class C for an OUI-related suspension with 3 or more prior convictions; infraction in listed cases | Up to 6 months and $1,000; minimum fine $250 for a first non-OUI case; OUI-related: minimum $600, 7 days and added suspension |
| Operating without a license | 1251(1)(A) | Driving on a public way or parking area without being licensed | Class E crime (strict liability) | Up to 6 months and $1,000 |
Class ranges come from 17-A M.R.S. 1604(1) (jail) and 1704 (fines), which apply unless a statute sets a different maximum. For the full class table, see Maine felony and misdemeanor classes.
When dangerous driving causes a death
Maine charges a death caused by dangerous driving under its manslaughter statute, 17-A M.R.S. 203(1)(A), which covers a person who "Recklessly, or with criminal negligence, causes the death of another human being"; see Maine manslaughter laws.
Recent changes
- 2025 amendments (effective September 24, 2025). Public Law 2025, chapter 302 extended the civil violation in section 2413-A, which had covered only a traffic infraction that causes a death, to one that causes serious bodily injury. Public Law 2025, chapter 173 changed sections 2413(5) and 2412-A(4) so the court gives notice of a license suspension without taking physical custody of the license. Public Law 2025, chapter 199 repealed section 2074(1)(E), which had limited school buses to 45 miles per hour. Subsection 3, the penalty subsection of 2413, was last amended in 2017 (Public Law 2017, chapter 107).
Related Maine laws
- Reckless driving laws by state
- Maine DUI and OUI laws
- Maine manslaughter laws
- Maine felony and misdemeanor classes
- Maine expungement laws
- New Hampshire reckless driving laws, where reckless driving is a violation rather than a crime
This article is general legal information about Maine law, not legal advice. For a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Maine, or the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles for license questions.
Last updated: 2026-10-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maine have a reckless driving law?
Not by that name. Maine charges dangerous driving as driving to endanger under 29-A M.R.S. 2413, a Class E crime for driving with criminal negligence in a manner that endangers property or a person.
Is driving to endanger a misdemeanor in Maine?
Maine grades crimes by class, from Class A to Class E. Driving to endanger is a Class E crime with up to 6 months and $1,000, plus a $575 minimum fine and a 30 to 180 day suspension; causing serious bodily injury makes it Class C (up to 5 years and $5,000, with the same $575 minimum fine).
How fast is reckless driving in Maine?
Driving 30 mph or more over the maximum speed is a Class E crime under 29-A M.R.S. 2074(3), separate from driving to endanger. Driving to endanger itself has no speed threshold; it turns on driving with criminal negligence that endangers people or property.
Does driving to endanger suspend your license in Maine?
Yes. Section 2413(3) requires a court suspension of 30 to 180 days (180 days to 2 years if serious bodily injury), with the minimum mandatory; if the court does not impose it, the Secretary of State imposes the minimum.
How many points is driving to endanger in Maine?
The Secretary of State's demerit point rule (29-250 C.M.R. ch. 1) has no row for driving to endanger. A conviction is instead a listed ground for suspension or revocation under 29-A M.R.S. 2458(2)(H), on top of the court-ordered suspension.
What does criminal negligence mean for driving to endanger?
Under 17-A M.R.S. 35(4), it means failing to be aware of a risk, where that failure is a gross deviation from what a reasonable and prudent person would do in the same situation.
Does Maine have careless driving?
Title 29-A has no offense named careless driving. Related rules are the careful-and-prudent speed rule (2074), the failure-to-maintain-control infraction (2118), and the 4-point imprudent driving row in the demerit point rule.
Does Maine have a wet reckless?
The OUI and license sections of Title 29-A chapter 23 contain no provision tying a driving-to-endanger plea to an OUI charge, and they do not count driving to endanger as a prior OUI offense.
Is street racing illegal in Maine?
Maine's rules of the road contain no offense specifically for street racing or takeovers. Racing on public ways is measured against driving to endanger and the 30 mph-over criminal speeding offense; 2413(4) exempts closed racing events the public cannot access.
What is the penalty for driving without a license in Maine?
Operating without being licensed is a Class E strict liability crime under 29-A M.R.S. 1251(1)(A), with up to 6 months and $1,000. A license expired within the previous 90 days is a traffic infraction.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A: MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Chapter 23: MAJOR OFFENSES - SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION
§ 2413Driving to endangerIn force
1. Definition. A person commits a Class E crime if, with criminal negligence as defined in Title 17‑A, that person drives a motor vehicle in any place in a manner that endangers the property of another or a person, including the operator or passenger in the motor vehicle being driven. 1-A. Aggravated punishment category. Notwithstanding subsection 1, a person commits a Class C crime if, with criminal negligence as defined in Title 17‑A, section 35, that person drives a motor vehicle in any place in a manner that endangers the property of another or a person, including the operator or passenger in the motor vehicle being driven, and causes serious bodily injury, as defined in Title 17‑A, section 2, subsection 23, to another person. 2. Allegation of facts. In pleading under this section, it is not necessary to allege specifically the facts that constitute criminal negligence. 3. Penalties. In addition to any other penalty, the court shall suspend the driver's license of a person convicted under subsection 1 for not less than 30 days nor more than 180 days, which minimum may not be suspended.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
§ 2458Suspension or revocation of license, title, registration or fuel use decalIn force
1. Suspension or revocation after hearing. The Secretary of State, after hearing, may suspend or revoke a certificate of title, certificate of registration, license, fuel use decal or privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle for any cause considered by the Secretary of State to be sufficient. 2. Suspension or revocation without hearing. The Secretary of State, without preliminary hearing, may suspend or revoke a certificate of title, certificate of registration, license, fuel use decal or privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle of a person on showing by the Secretary of State's records or other sufficient evidence that the person: A. Has committed an offense for which mandatory suspension or revocation of license or registration is required; [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] B. Has been convicted or adjudicated for offenses against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles with such frequency as to indicate a disrespect for traffic laws and disregard for the safety of other persons on public ways; [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] C.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
§ 2414Refusing to stop for a law enforcement officerIn force
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Roadblock" means a vehicle, a physical barrier or other obstruction placed on a way at the direction of a law enforcement officer. [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] B. "Signal" includes, but is not limited to, the use of a hand signal, siren or flashing emergency lights. [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] 2. Failure to stop. A person commits a Class E crime if that person fails or refuses to stop a motor vehicle on request or signal of a uniformed law enforcement officer. 3. Eluding an officer. A person commits a Class C crime if that person, after being requested or signaled to stop, attempts to elude a law enforcement officer by operating a motor vehicle at a reckless rate of speed that results in a high-speed chase between the operator's motor vehicle and a law enforcement vehicle using a blue light and siren. 4. Passing a roadblock.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
§ 2413-AMotor vehicle violation resulting in death or serious bodily injuryIn force
1. Offense. A person commits the civil violation of motor vehicle violation resulting in death or serious bodily injury if that person, while operating a motor vehicle and committing a traffic infraction, causes the death or serious bodily injury of another person. 2. Pleading and proof. The State must prove that the defendant's committing a traffic infraction while operating a motor vehicle caused the death or serious bodily injury under subsection 1. The court shall apply Title 17‑A, section 33 in assessing any causation under this section. 3. Penalties. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $5,000 may be adjudged. Any portion of the fine adjudged may be satisfied by a court-ordered requirement of community service work. The court shall also impose a license suspension of no less than 14 days and up to 4 years. 4. Definition. As used in this section, "serious bodily injury" has the same meaning as in Title 17‑A, section 2, subsection 23.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
§ 2551-AHabitual offenderIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
1. Habitual offender defined. An habitual offender is a person whose record, as maintained by the Secretary of State, shows that: A. The person has accumulated 3 or more convictions or adjudications for distinct offenses described in this paragraph arising out of separate acts committed within a 5-year period: (1) Homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle; (2) OUI conviction; (3) Driving to endanger, in violation of section 2413; (4) Operating after suspension or revocation, in violation of section 2412‑A; (5) Operating without a license; (6) Operating after revocation, in violation of former section 2557, section 2557‑A or section 2558; (7) Knowingly making a false affidavit or swearing or affirming falsely in a statement required by this Title or as to information required in the administration of this Title; (8) A Class A, B, C or D offense in which a motor vehicle is used; (9) Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death, in violation of section 2252; (10) Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, in violation of section 2253, 2254 or 2255; (11) Eluding an officer, in violation of section 2414; (12) Passing a…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 7 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Maine v. Dmitri L. Cannady (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2018, 190 A.3d 1019)“…e statutory definition of “habitual offender.” See 29-A M.R.S. § 2551-A(1)(A)(4) (2017).…”
- State of Maine v. Lisha Rose Stanley (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2014, 86 A.3d 618)“…Stanley is classified as a habitual offender pursuant to 29-A M.R.S § 2551-A (2013) and is prohibited from operating…”
- Mitchell v. Secretary of State (Superior Court of Maine 2010)“…driver's license for being a habitual offender pursuant to 29-A M.R.S. §§ 2551-A & 2552. Mitchell filed this appeal purs…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Maine Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A: MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Chapter 19: OPERATION
§ 2074Rates of speedIn force
An operator shall operate a vehicle at a careful and prudent speed not greater than is reasonable and proper having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the way and of other conditions then existing. [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] 1. Rates of speed. Except when conditions or other regulations require a lower speed, the following are maximum rates of speed: A. Fifteen miles per hour when traveling in a school zone: (1) During recess; (2) When children are going to or leaving school during school opening or closing hours. For purposes of this paragraph, school opening and closing hours are 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after the beginning of the school day and 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after the end of the school day; (3) When school speed limit signs are flashing during school opening or closing hours; or (4) At other times designated by a municipal traffic ordinance that regulates town ways that are classified as local by the Department of Transportation in accordance with the federal functional classification system. [PL 2001, c. 145, §3 (RPR).] B.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17-A: MAINE CRIMINAL CODE, Part 6: PUNISHMENTS, Chapter 63: SENTENCES OF IMPRISONMENT
§ 1604Imprisonment for crimes other than murderIn forcecited in 14 of our articles
1. Maximum terms of imprisonment dependent on crime class. Unless a different maximum term of imprisonment is specified by statute, the maximum term of imprisonment is as follows: A. In the case of a Class A crime, 30 years; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] B. In the case of a Class B crime, 10 years; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] C. In the case of a Class C crime, 5 years; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] D. In the case of a Class D crime, less than one year; or [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] E. In the case of a Class E crime, 6 months. [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] 2. Exceptions to maximum term of imprisonment based on crime class. Notwithstanding subsection 1: A. In the case of the Class A crime of aggravated attempted murder, the court shall set a term of imprisonment under section 152‑A, subsection 2 of life or a definite period of any term of years; [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] B. If the State pleads and proves that the defendant is a repeat sexual assault offender, the court may set a definite term of imprisonment under section 253‑A, subsection 1 for any term of years; and [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] C.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 30 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Maine v. Taylor A. Pelletier (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2023, 2023 ME 74)“…ndictment. That count cites 17-A M.R.S. § 301(1)(A)(3) and 17-A M.R.S § 1604(5)(A) (2021)10 and reads: On…”
- State of Maine v. Germaine Page (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2023, 2023 ME 73)“…e’s sentences exceed the maximum sentences allowable under 17-A M.R.S. § 1604(1)(D) (2023).…”
- State of Maine v. Thomas G. Coffill III (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2026, 2026 ME 18)“…A M.R.S. § 211(1), and an elevating-circumstances statute, 17-A M.R.S. § 1604(5)(A). A crimes. See, e.g., United St…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Maine Smart Glasses Recording Laws: What You Need to Know, Maine Sexting Laws: Legal Consequences and Penalties, Maine Surveillance Camera Laws (2026 Guide)
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Sources and References
- 29-A M.R.S. 2413, Driving to endanger(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 29-A M.R.S. 2458, Suspension or revocation of license, title, registration or fuel use decal(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 35, Definitions of culpable states of mind(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 1604, Imprisonment for crimes other than murder(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 1704, Maximum fine amounts authorized for convicted individuals(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 29-A M.R.S. 2074, Rates of speed(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 29-250 C.M.R. ch. 1, Bureau of Motor Vehicles rules (demerit point system)(www.law.cornell.edu)
- 29-A M.R.S. 2551-A, Habitual offender(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 29-A M.R.S. 2557-A, Operating after habitual offender revocation(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 29-A M.R.S. 2558, Aggravated operating after habitual offender revocation(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 29-A M.R.S. 2463, Revocations upon conviction of certain crimes under Maine Criminal Code(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 211, Reckless conduct(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 49 C.F.R. 383.51, Disqualification of drivers(www.ecfr.gov).gov
- 29-A M.R.S. 2118, Failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 29-A M.R.S. 2413-A, Motor vehicle violation resulting in death or serious bodily injury(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 29-A M.R.S. 2414, Refusing to stop for a law enforcement officer(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 29-A M.R.S. 1251, License required(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 29-A M.R.S. 2412-A, Operating while license suspended or revoked(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- 17-A M.R.S. 203, Manslaughter(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Public Law 2025, chapter 302 (LD 1886), motor vehicle violation resulting in death or serious bodily injury(lldc.mainelegislature.org).gov
- Public Law 2025, chapter 173 (LD 1616), physical driver's licenses during a temporary suspension(lldc.mainelegislature.org).gov
- Public Law 2025, chapter 199 (LD 312), rates of speed at which school buses travel(lldc.mainelegislature.org).gov
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