An Act To Reclassify Certain Offenses under the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Laws and Motor Vehicle Laws and Increase the Efficiency of the Criminal Justice System
Maine Legislature, Session 130, LD 1604
Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Sponsors: WARREN
Amends: 12 MRSA §10605, 12 MRSA §11109, 12 MRSA §11159, 12 MRSA §11214, 12 MRSA §11301, 12 MRSA §11302, 12 MRSA §12051, 12 MRSA §12054, 12 MRSA §12055, 12 MRSA §12101, 12 MRSA §12508, 12 MRSA §12551-A, 29-A MRSA §351, 29-A MRSA §1251, 29-A MRSA §1252, 29-A MRSA §1603, 29-A MRSA §1605, 29-A MRSA §1859, 29-A MRSA §1860, 29-A MRSA §2069, 29-A MRSA §2102, 29-A MRSA §2104, 29-A MRSA §2412-A, 29-A MRSA §2417, 29-A MRSA §2551-A, 17-A MRSA §4-B

Legislative Document
No. 1604
H.P. 1193
House of Representatives, April 27, 2021
An Act To Reclassify Certain Offenses under the Inland Fisheries 
and Wildlife Laws and Motor Vehicle Laws and Increase the 
Efficiency of the Criminal Justice System
Reference to the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety suggested and ordered 
printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative WARREN of Hallowell.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
PART A
Sec. A-1.  12 MRSA §10605, sub-§1, as affected by PL 2003, c. 614, §9 and 
amended by c. 655, Pt. B, §64 and affected by §422, is further amended to read:
1.  Habitual violator defined.  For purposes of this section, "habitual violator" means 
a person whose record, as maintained by the department, shows that:
A.  The person has been convicted of 3 or more criminal violations under this Part, 3 
or more civil violations under this Part or 3 or more violations under this Part of which 
at least one is a criminal violation and at least one is a civil violation within the previous 
5-year period, except that, whenever more than one criminal violation is or more than 
one civil violation or multiple violations of which at least one is a criminal violation 
and at least one is a civil violation are committed at the same time, multiple convictions 
are deemed to be one offense; or.
B.  The person has been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations 
under this Part and convicted of 2 or more Class E crimes as a result of such prior 
adjudications within the previous 5-year period.
Sec. A-2.  12 MRSA §11109, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2015, c. 281, Pt. A, §4, is 
further amended to read:
1.  License required.  Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a person 
may not engage in an activity for which a license may be issued under this section unless 
that person has a valid license issued under this section.  An electronic license or permit 
fulfills the requirement under this subsection that a person must have a physical paper 
license or permit if the electronic license or permit can be displayed upon request to a game 
warden or other law enforcement officer, an employee of the department, a registered 
Maine guide or the owner of the land on which the licensed activity is taking place.  Each 
Except as otherwise provided in this section, each day a person violates this subsection that 
person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to 
twice the applicable license fee must be imposed.
Sec. A-3.  12 MRSA §11109, sub-§3, ¶A, as amended by PL 2017, c. 164, §8, is 
further amended to read:
A.  A resident junior hunting license, for a person under 16 years of age, is $8 and 
permits hunting of all legal species, subject to the permit requirements in subchapter 3.  
Notwithstanding the permit fees established in subchapter 3, a resident junior hunting 
license includes all permits, stamps and other permissions needed to hunt at no 
additional cost.  A license holder under this paragraph who qualifies to hunt during the 
special season on deer under section 11153 and who meets the eligibility requirements 
of section 11106 must have included in that person's license one antlerless deer permit 
and one either-sex permit.  A resident junior hunting license does not exempt the holder 
of the license from lottery-related application requirements under this Part.  A resident 
under 16 years of age who hunts without a resident junior hunting license commits a 
civil violation punishable by a fine of $50 for each day of violation.
Sec. A-4.  12 MRSA §11109, sub-§3, ¶F, as amended by PL 2019, c. 501, §8, is 
further amended to read:
F.  A nonresident junior hunting license, for a person under 16 years of age, is $35 and 
permits hunting of all legal species, subject to the permit requirements in subchapter 3.  
Notwithstanding the permit fees established in subchapter 3, a nonresident junior 
hunting license includes all permits, stamps and other permissions needed to hunt at no 
additional cost.  A license holder under this paragraph who qualifies to hunt during the 
special season on deer under section 11153 and who meets the eligibility requirements 
of section 11106 must have included in that person's license one antlerless deer permit 
and one either-sex permit.  A nonresident junior hunting license does not exempt the 
holder of the license from lottery-related application requirements under this Part.  A 
nonresident under 16 years of age who hunts without a nonresident junior hunting 
license commits a civil violation punishable by a fine of $70 for each day of violation.
Sec. A-5.  12 MRSA §11159, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 and 
affected by c. 614, §9, is amended to read:
1.  Permit required.  Except as otherwise authorized in this Part, a person may not 
engage in the practice of falconry unless that person has a valid permit issued under this 
section.  Each day a person violates this subsection that person commits a Class E crime 
civil violation for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable 
license fee must may be imposed.
Sec. A-6.  12 MRSA §11214, sub-§1, ¶F, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by c. 614, §9, is amended to read:
F.  Hunt migratory game birds with a shotgun of any description originally capable of 
holding more than 3 shells, unless the shotgun's magazine has been cut off, altered or 
plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal without disassembling the gun so 
as to reduce the capacity of the gun to not more than 3 shells in the magazine and 
chamber combined.  A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation 
punishable by a fine of up to $100.  This paragraph does not apply to:
(1)  Military organizations authorized by law to bear arms or to the National Guard 
in the performance of its duty;
Sec. A-7.  12 MRSA §11214, sub-§1, ¶I, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by c. 614, §9, is amended to read:
I.  Allow duck decoys to remain in waters of Merrymeeting Bay at any time during the 
period from one hour after legal shooting time until one hour before legal shooting time 
the next day.  A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation 
punishable by a fine of up to $50;
Sec. A-8.  12 MRSA §11214, sub-§1, ¶J, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by c. 614, §9, is amended to read:
J.  Leave or allow to remain in waters of Merrymeeting Bay an artificial cover, that is, 
a "stationary blind," or parts of an artificial cover used for hunting purposes between 
one hour after legal shooting time and one hour before legal shooting time the next day.  
A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation punishable by a fine of 
up to $50;
Sec. A-9.  12 MRSA §11214, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §146 
and affected by §422, is amended to read:
2.  Penalty.  A Except as provided in subsection 1, paragraphs F, I and J, a person who 
violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime.
Sec. A-10.  12 MRSA §11301, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §157 
and affected by §422, is amended to read:
2.  Penalty.  A person who violates subsection 1 commits a civil violation punishable 
by a fine of up to $125.  A person who violates this section subsection 1-A commits a Class 
E crime.
Sec. A-11.  12 MRSA §11302, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §158 
and affected by §422, is amended to read:
3.  Penalty.  A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime civil violation 
punishable by a fine of up to $250.
Sec. A-12.  12 MRSA §12051, sub-§1, as repealed and replaced by PL 2013, c. 
588, Pt. A, §16, is amended by amending the 2nd blocked paragraph to read:
A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime civil violation punishable 
by a fine of up to $100.
Sec. A-13.  12 MRSA §12054, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by c. 614, §9, is amended to read:
2.  Rabbit hound field trials.  A person may not hold field trials for beagles and other 
rabbit hounds except from September 1st through the following April 10th.  A person who 
violates this subsection commits a Class E crime civil violation punishable by a fine of up 
to $100.
Sec. A-14.  12 MRSA §12055, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by c. 614, §9, is amended to read:
1.  License required.  A club or organization may not hold field trials as provided 
under this section unless the club or organization has a valid license issued under this 
section.  Each day a person violates this subsection that person commits a Class E crime 
for which a minimum civil violation for which a fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice 
the applicable license fee must may be imposed.
Sec. A-15.  12 MRSA §12101, sub-§1-A, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, 
§199 and affected by §422, is amended to read:
1-A.  License required.  A person may not charge others for the opportunity to hunt 
mallard ducks, pheasants, quail, Chukar partridge and Hungarian partridge in an area or 
establish a commercial shooting area for such purposes unless that person has a valid 
license issued under this section.  Each day a person violates this subsection that person 
commits a Class E crime for which a minimum civil violation for which a fine of $50 and 
an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must may be imposed.
A.  Nothing in this subsection prohibits the operator of a commercial shooting area 
from authorizing a person to hunt other wild birds or wild animals in the commercial 
shooting area during the regular open season on those species, in accordance with this 
Part, as long as the person possesses a valid state hunting license that allows the hunting 
of those wild birds and wild animals.
Sec. A-16.  12 MRSA §12508, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by c. 614, §9, is amended by amending the first blocked paragraph to read:
Each day a person violates this subsection, that person commits a Class E crime for which 
a minimum civil violation for which a fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the 
applicable license fee must may be imposed.
Sec. A-17.  12 MRSA §12551-A, sub-§5, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. 
B, §259 and affected by §422, is amended by amending subparagraph (2) to read:
(2)  Shall present a receipted invoice, bill of lading, bill of sale or other satisfactory 
evidence of the lawful possession of live baitfish or smelts for retail sale to any 
agent of the commissioner upon request.  A person who violates this subparagraph 
commits a civil violation punishable by a fine of up to $175; or
Sec. A-18.  12 MRSA §12551-A, sub-§5, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. 
B, §259 and affected by §422, is amended by amending the first blocked paragraph to read:
Each Except as provided in subparagraph (2), each day a person violates this paragraph 
that person commits a class Class E crime.
Sec. A-19.  12 MRSA §12551-A, sub-§6, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. 
B, §259 and affected by §422, is amended by amending subparagraph (1) to read:
(1)  When engaged in taking, or assisting in taking, live baitfish for resale from 
inland waters, fail to exhibit a baitfish wholesaler's license to any agent of the 
commissioner upon request.  A person who violates this subparagraph commits a 
civil violation punishable by a fine of up to $175;
Sec. A-20.  12 MRSA §12551-A, sub-§6, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. 
B, §259 and affected by §422, is amended by amending the first blocked paragraph to read:
Each Except as provided in subparagraph (1), each day a person violates this paragraph 
that person commits a class Class E crime.
Sec. A-21.  12 MRSA §12551-A, sub-§7, ¶B, as amended by PL 2005, c. 237, §3, 
is further amended by amending subparagraph (1) to read:
(1)  When engaged in taking, or assisting in taking, live smelts for resale from 
inland waters, fail to exhibit the license to any agent of the commissioner upon 
request.  A person who violates this subparagraph commits a civil violation 
punishable by a fine of up to $175;
Sec. A-22.  12 MRSA §12551-A, sub-§7, ¶B, as amended by PL 2005, c. 237, §3, 
is further amended by amending the first blocked paragraph to read:
Each Except as provided in subparagraph (1), each day a person violates this paragraph 
that person commits a Class E crime.
PART B
Sec. B-1.  29-A MRSA §351, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2001, c. 671, §3, is 
further amended to read:
B.  A Class E crime traffic infraction for which a fine of up to $200 may be adjudged 
if the vehicle was not registered or the registration has been expired for 150 days or 
more.
Sec. B-2.  29-A MRSA §351, sub-§1-A, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 433, §5 
and affected by §28, is amended to read:
B.  A Class E crime traffic infraction for which a fine of up to $200 may be adjudged 
if more than 150 days have elapsed since establishing residency.
Sec. B-3.  29-A MRSA §351, sub-§5, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 671, §4, is 
amended to read:
B.  A Class E crime traffic infraction for which a fine of up to $200 may be adjudged 
if the registration has been expired for 150 days or more.
Sec. B-4.  29-A MRSA §1251, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2013, c. 24, §1, is further 
amended to read:
1.  Violation.  Except as provided in section 510, subsection 1, a person commits an 
offense of operating a motor vehicle without a license if that person operates a motor 
vehicle on a public way or parking area:
A.  Without being licensed.  Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime, which is a 
strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A traffic 
infraction for which a fine of up to $200 may be adjudged;
B.  In violation of a condition or restriction on the license.  Violation of this paragraph 
is a Class E crime, which is a strict liability crime as defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, 
subsection 4‑A traffic infraction for which a fine of up to $175 may be adjudged;
C.  Without a license issued by this State if a resident of this State for more than 30 
days but fewer than 90 days.  Violation of this paragraph is a traffic infraction;
D.  Without a license issued by this State if a resident of this State for more than 90 
days.  Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime, which is a strict liability crime as 
defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A traffic infraction for which a fine of 
up to $200 may be adjudged; or
E.  Unless a permit is issued pursuant to subsection 7, with a license issued by this State 
that expired within the previous 90 days.  Violation of this paragraph is a traffic 
infraction.
Sec. B-5.  29-A MRSA §1251, sub-§1-A, ¶B, as enacted by PL 1999, c. 771, Pt. 
C, §9 and affected by Pt. D, §§1 and 2, is amended to read:
B.  A Class E crime traffic infraction for which a fine of up to $200 may be adjudged 
if the person has been a resident for at least 90 days.
Sec. B-6.  29-A MRSA §1252, sub-§7, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
7.  Violation.  A person commits a Class E crime traffic infraction for which a fine of 
up to $175 may be adjudged if that person operates a vehicle not included within the class 
of license issued to that person.
Sec. B-7.  29-A MRSA §1603, sub-§9, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
9.  Return license, certificates and plates.  A person whose license or registration has 
been suspended shall immediately return every license, registration certificate and 
registration plate issued to that person to the Secretary of State.  A person commits a Class 
E crime traffic infraction for which a fine of up to $100 may be adjudged if that person, 
after notice of suspension, fails or refuses to return every license, registration certificate 
and registration plate.
Sec. B-8.  29-A MRSA §1605, sub-§6, as amended by PL 2017, c. 165, §5, is 
further amended to read:
6.  Operating without giving proof.  A person commits a Class D crime traffic 
infraction for which a fine of $225 may be adjudged if that person is required to maintain 
proof of financial responsibility and, without authorization from the Secretary of State and 
without that proof, operates a vehicle or knowingly permits a vehicle owned by that person 
to be operated by another on a public way.
Sec. B-9.  29-A MRSA §1859, as amended by PL 1995, c. 65, Pt. A, §104 and 
affected by §153 and Pt. C, §15, is further amended to read:
§1859.  Removal of vehicle
Removal of a vehicle described in section 1851 or of any part or accessory from the 
vehicle without the written consent of the person in charge or the owner of the premises or 
property where the vehicle is located is a Class E crime traffic infraction for which a fine 
of $75 may be adjudged.  This section applies to all persons, including the owner of the 
vehicle.
Sec. B-10.  29-A MRSA §1860, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 65, Pt. A, §105 and 
affected by §153 and Pt. C, §15, is amended to read:
§1860.  Abandonment on an island
A person may not abandon a motor vehicle on any property on an island without 
consent of the owner of the property.  The State, municipality or other political subdivision 
having jurisdiction over the island may order the owner of a vehicle illegally abandoned on 
an island to remove it at the vehicle owner's expense.  If the owner of the vehicle refuses 
to remove the motor vehicle, or if the owner is unknown, the State or political subdivision 
may cause the vehicle to be removed from the island and may require reimbursement from 
the owner for the removal and the administrative and legal costs.  Neither the State nor any 
political subdivision of the State is liable for any damage to the motor vehicle that may be 
caused by the removal.  Failure to remove an illegally abandoned vehicle on an island 
within 30 days after written warning, or within 30 days of ice-out if ice prevents the island 
from being reasonably accessible, is a Class E crime traffic infraction for which a fine of 
up to $100 may be adjudged.
Sec. B-11.  29-A MRSA §2069, sub-§3, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2015, c. 159, §4, is 
amended to read:
B.  The issuance of a summons for a traffic infraction as described in section 2412‑A, 
subsection 8 1-A, paragraph A;
Sec. B-12.  29-A MRSA §2102, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2009, c. 493, §2, is 
further amended to read:
1.  Display revoked, mutilated, fictitious or fraudulently altered driver's license 
or identification card.  A person commits a Class E crime traffic infraction for which a 
fine of up to $150 may be adjudged if that person displays a revoked, mutilated, fictitious 
or fraudulently altered driver's license or identification card issued or represented to be 
issued by this State or any other state or province.
Sec. B-13.  29-A MRSA §2102, sub-§1-A, as amended by PL 2009, c. 493, §2, is 
further amended to read:
1-A.  Possess revoked, mutilated, fictitious or fraudulently altered driver's license 
or identification card.  A person commits a Class E crime traffic infraction for which a 
fine of up to $150 may be adjudged if that person possesses a revoked, mutilated, fictitious 
or fraudulently altered driver's license or identification card issued or represented to be 
issued by this State or any other state or province.
Sec. B-14.  29-A MRSA §2104, as amended by PL 2015, c. 176, §5, is further 
amended to read:
§2104.  Improper plates
1.  Attaching false plates.  A person commits a Class E crime traffic infraction for 
which a fine of up to $150 may be adjudged if that person attaches to a vehicle a registration 
plate assigned to another vehicle or not currently assigned to that vehicle.
1-A.  Permitting attachment of false plates.  A person commits a Class E crime traffic 
infraction for which a fine of up to $150 may be adjudged if that person permits to be 
attached to a vehicle a registration plate assigned to another vehicle or not currently 
assigned to that vehicle.
1-B.  Permitting display of false registration validation device.  A person commits 
a Class E crime traffic infraction for which a fine of up to $150 may be adjudged if that 
person permits to be attached or displayed on a vehicle registration plate a registration 
validation device issued for another vehicle.
2.  False identification.  A person commits a Class E crime traffic infraction for which 
a fine of up to $150 may be adjudged if that person obscures identification numbers, 
identification letters, the state name, validation sticker or mark distinguishing the type of 
plate attached to a vehicle.
3.  Manufacturing or reproduction of plates.  A person commits a Class D crime if 
that person manufactures or reproduces registration plates without the consent of the 
Secretary of State.
4.  Alterations to registration plates.  Except when a greater penalty is applicable, a 
person commits a traffic infraction if that person adds or attaches to a registration plate a 
decal, symbol, slogan, mark, letter or number not authorized by law or by the Secretary of 
State.
5.  Strict liability.  Violation of subsection 1, 2 or 3 is a strict liability crime as defined 
in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A.
Sec. B-15.  29-A MRSA §2412-A, sub-§1-A, as amended by PL 2009, c. 297, §1, 
is further amended to read:
1-A.  Offense; penalty.  A person commits operating while license suspended or 
revoked if that person:
A.  Operates a motor vehicle on a public way or in a parking area when that person's 
license has been suspended or revoked, and that person:
(1)  Has received written notice of a suspension or revocation from the Secretary 
of State or a court;
(2)  Has been orally informed of the suspension or revocation by a law enforcement 
officer or a court;
(3)  Has actual knowledge of the suspension or revocation;
(4)  Has been sent written notice in accordance with section 2482 or former Title 
29, section 2241, subsection 4; or
(5)  Has failed to answer or to appear in court pursuant to a notice or order specified 
in section 2605 or 2608;.
A violation of this paragraph is a traffic infraction for which a fine of up to $250 may 
be adjudged;
B.  Violates paragraph A and the suspension was for OUI or an OUI offense;
C.  Violates paragraph A and the suspension was for OUI or an OUI offense, the person 
was subject to the mandatory minimum sentence and the person:
(1)  Has one prior conviction for violating this section;
(2)  Has 2 prior convictions for violating this section; or
(3)  Has 3 or more prior convictions for violating this section; or
D.  Violates paragraph A, the suspension was not for OUI or an OUI offense and the 
person has one or more prior convictions for violating this section.
Except for an offense under subsection 8 paragraph A or as otherwise provided, operating 
while license suspended or revoked is a Class E crime, which is a strict liability crime as 
defined in Title 17‑A, section 34, subsection 4‑A.
Sec. B-16.  29-A MRSA §2412-A, sub-§8, as amended by PL 2009, c. 493, §3, is 
repealed.
Sec. B-17.  29-A MRSA §2417, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and 
affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
§2417.  Suspended registration
A person commits a Class E offense traffic infraction for which a fine of up to $200 
may be adjudged if that person operates or permits another to operate a vehicle when the 
registration of that vehicle is suspended or revoked.
Sec. B-18.  29-A MRSA §2551-A, sub-§1, ¶A, as amended by PL 2013, c. 381, 
Pt. B, §30, is further amended by amending subparagraph (4) to read:
(4)  Operating after suspension or revocation, in violation of section 2412‑A, 
subsection 1-A, paragraph B, C or D;
Sec. B-19.  29-A MRSA §2551-A, sub-§3, ¶D, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 297, §3, 
is amended to read:
D.  An adjudication for the traffic infraction of operating after suspension under section 
2412‑A, subsection 8 1-A, paragraph A.
PART C
Sec. C-1.  17-A MRSA §4-B, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 282, §3, is 
amended to read:
4.   Evidence obtained pursuant to an unlawful search and seizure shall is not be 
admissible in a civil violation proceeding arising under Title 22, section 2383.
Sec. C-2.  17-A MRSA §4-B, sub-§5 is enacted to read:
5.   A law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that a violation of 
law has taken place or is taking place may make application for a search warrant.
SUMMARY
In Part A, this bill:
1.  Changes the definition of "habitual violator" in the inland fisheries and wildlife laws 
by including a person whose convictions are for civil violations or a combination of civil 
violations and criminal violations.  Current law includes only criminal violations; and
2.  Reduces from Class E crimes to civil violations the following violations of the 
inland fisheries and wildlife laws and sets the fines for the civil violations:
A.  For resident and nonresident junior hunters, hunting without a license;
B.  Practicing falconry without a permit;
C.  Hunting migratory game birds with a shotgun capable of holding more than 3 shells;
D.  Leaving or allowing to remain duck decoys or a stationary blind or parts of an 
artificial cover in Merrymeeting Bay at night;
E.  Illegally placing bear bait to entice, hunt or trap black bear or hunting bear with 
more than 6 dogs;
F.  With regard to a person who is not a resident of the State, hunting bear with dogs 
without a guide;
G.  Training dogs on wild birds or wild animals, except in certain circumstances;
H.  Holding field trials for beagles and other rabbit hounds except from September 1st 
through the following April 10th;
I.  Holding field trials for sporting dogs without a license;
J.  Charging others for the opportunity to hunt mallard ducks, pheasants, quail, Chukar 
partridge or Hungarian partridge or operating a commercial shooting area for such birds 
without a license;
K.  Charging another person for the opportunity to fish in a private pond without 
holding a valid private fee pond license; and
L.  Failing to present upon request to any agent of the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries 
and Wildlife a receipted invoice, bill of lading, bill of sale, license or other satisfactory 
evidence of lawful possession of live baitfish for retail or wholesale sale or smelts for 
wholesale sale.
In Part B, the bill does the following:
1.  Reduces from Class E crimes to civil violations the following violations of the motor 
vehicle laws and sets the fines for the civil violations:
A.  Failure to register a vehicle or having registration that has been expired for 150 
days or more;
B.  Operating a motor vehicle on a public way or parking area without being licensed 
or in violation of a condition or restriction on the license;
C.  Failure to obtain a license after establishing residency for more than 90 days;
D.  With regard to Class A, B and C motor vehicle licenses, operating a vehicle not 
included in the class of the person's license;
E.  With regard to suspension of a license or registration, failure of the person to 
surrender to the Secretary of State every license, registration certificate and registration 
plate;
F.  With regard to a motor vehicle that is abandoned, removal of the vehicle or any part 
or accessory thereof without written consent;
G.  With regard to a motor vehicle illegally abandoned on an island, failure to remove 
the vehicle within the designated time frame;
H.  Displaying or possessing a revoked, mutilated, fictitious or fraudulently altered 
driver's license or identification card;
I.  Attaching or permitting attachment to a motor vehicle a registration plate assigned 
to another vehicle or not currently assigned to the vehicle;
J.  Obscuring identification numbers or letters, the state name, the validation sticker or 
a mark distinguishing the type of plate attached to the vehicle; and
K.  Operating or permitting another person to operate a motor vehicle when the 
registration has been suspended or revoked;
2.  Reduces from a Class D crime to a civil violation for which a fine of $225 may be 
adjudged, operating a motor vehicle without proof of financial responsibility; and
3.  Changes the definition of "habitual offender" in the laws governing motor vehicles 
and traffic to exclude a person who accumulates within 5 years 3 or more convictions of 
operating while license suspended or revoked when the suspensions were for failure to pay 
a fine or a license reinstatement fee or for dishonored checks.
In Part C, the bill amends the Maine Criminal Code under the provision governing civil 
violations to explicitly provide that evidence obtained pursuant to an unlawful search and 
seizure is not admissible in any civil violation proceeding, not just those arising from 
marijuana possession by a person under 21 years of age or possession of butyl nitrite or 
isobutyl nitrite, and permit a law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe 
that a violation of the law has taken place or is taking place to make application for a search 
warrant.