An Act To Amend the Motor Vehicle Laws
Maine Legislature, Session 130, LD 1433
Committee: Transportation
Sponsors: MARTIN, PERKINS
Amends: 29-A MRSA §101, 29-A MRSA §201, 29-A MRSA §351, 29-A MRSA §354, 29-A MRSA §462, 29-A MRSA §468, 29-A MRSA §501, 29-A MRSA §522, 29-A MRSA §602, 29-A MRSA §664-A, 29-A MRSA §702, 29-A MRSA §752-A, 29-A MRSA §852, 29-A MRSA §903, 29-A MRSA §952, 29-A MRSA §954, 29-A MRSA §1002, 29-A MRSA §1101, 29-A MRSA §1102-A, 29-A MRSA §1108, 29-A MRSA §1110, 29-A MRSA §1256, 29-A MRSA §1304, 29-A MRSA §1351, 29-A MRSA §1352, 29-A MRSA §1354, 29-A MRSA §1909, 29-A MRSA §2092, 29-A MRSA §2472, 29-A MRSA §2508

Legislative Document
No. 1433
H.P. 1049
House of Representatives, April 12, 2021
An Act To Amend the Motor Vehicle Laws
Submitted by the Secretary of State pursuant to Joint Rule 204.
Received by the Clerk of the House on April 8, 2021.  Referred to the Committee on 
Transportation pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative MARTIN of Sinclair.
Cosponsored by Representative: PERKINS of Oakland.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  29-A MRSA §101, sub-§3, ¶E, as amended by PL 2005, c. 314, §2, is 
further amended to read:
E.  Not a reconstructed vehicle; and
Sec. 2.  29-A MRSA §101, sub-§3, ¶F, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 314, §3, is 
amended to read:
F.  Not an altered vehicle.; and
Sec. 3.  29-A MRSA §101, sub-§3, ¶G is enacted to read:
G.  Not an off-road vehicle.
Sec. 4.  29-A MRSA §101, sub-§4, ¶C, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
C.  Maintained primarily for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades or other 
functions of public interest; and
Sec. 5.  29-A MRSA §101, sub-§4, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
D.  Not used as its owner's primary mode of transportation of passengers or goods.; 
and
Sec. 6.  29-A MRSA §101, sub-§4, ¶E is enacted to read:
E.  Not an off-road vehicle.
Sec. 7.  29-A MRSA §101, sub-§19-A, as repealed and replaced by PL 2011, c. 
139, §1, is amended to read:
19-A.  Custom vehicle.  "Custom vehicle" means a motor vehicle manufactured after 
model year 1948 that:
A.  Is at least 25 years old or was manufactured to resemble a motor vehicle that is at 
least 25 years old; and
B.  Has been altered or modified from the manufacturer's original design or has a body 
constructed from nonoriginal material.; and
C.  Is not an off-road vehicle.
Sec. 8.  29-A MRSA §101, sub-§47-A, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 577, §6, is 
amended to read:
47-A.  Off-road vehicle.  "Off-road vehicle" means a motor vehicle that, because of 
the vehicle's design and, configuration, original manufacture or original intended use, does 
not meet the inspection standards of chapter 15, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standards, the United States Environmental Protection Agency's pollutant requirements or 
the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration's crash testing standards and that 
is not a moped or motorcycle.
Sec. 9.  29-A MRSA §201, sub-§6 is enacted to read:
6.  Rules.  The Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this 
section.  The rules may include requirements for agent training, accounting standards, 
inventory control processes and the collection and transmission of data and funds between 
agents and the bureau.  Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules 
as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 10.  29-A MRSA §351, sub-§5, as amended by PL 2001, c. 671, §4, is further 
amended to read:
5.  Expiration of 14-day temporary registration plate.  Notwithstanding the 
provisions of this section, a person who operates a vehicle with an expired temporary 
registration plate issued pursuant to section 462 954 commits:
A.  A traffic infraction for which a forfeiture of not more than $50 may be adjudged if 
the registration has been expired for less than 150 days; or
B.  A Class E crime if the registration has been expired for 150 days or more.
Sec. 11.  29-A MRSA §354, as enacted by PL 2005, c. 577, §8, is amended to read:
§354.  Off-road vehicles
Off-road vehicles may not be registered in accordance with this Title.  Vehicles owned 
and operated by government entities are not subject to the provisions of this section.
Sec. 12.  29-A MRSA §462, as amended by PL 2019, c. 397, §§6 and 7, is repealed.
Sec. 13.  29-A MRSA §468, sub-§10, ¶B, as amended by PL 2013, c. 66, §1, is 
further amended to read:
B.  The sponsor of the specialty plate under this subsection provides a list of 500 names 
for each class requested, dated signatures and current plate numbers of supporters who 
have signed a statement declaring they intend to purchase and display the motorcycle, 
trailer or commercial vehicle class of specialty license plate; and
Sec. 14.  29-A MRSA §468, sub-§11 is enacted to read:
11.  Additional specialty plates.  The Secretary of State may not authorize additional 
specialty license plate sponsors to begin the collection of names and associated fees unless 
there are fewer than 15 active specialty license plates.  The Secretary of State shall keep a 
list of all approved requests in order of the date the request was approved.  The Secretary 
of State shall approve the collection of names and associated fees in order of the date the 
request was approved.
Sec. 15.  29-A MRSA §501, sub-§7, ¶H is enacted to read:
H.  A temporary registration plate may not be used on a house trailer or mobile home 
unless the operator of the vehicle possesses the written certificate from the tax collector 
required by section 1002, subsection 9.
Sec. 16.  29-A MRSA §522, as amended by PL 2009, c. 174, §22, is repealed.
Sec. 17.  29-A MRSA §602, sub-§11, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and 
affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
11.  Recycler.  "Recycler" means a person engaged in the business of purchasing or 
acquiring salvage in any manner vehicles or vehicle parts for the purpose of:
A.  Reselling the vehicle or its component parts as salvage or scrap;
B.  Rebuilding or repairing the vehicle salvage vehicles for the purpose of resale;
C.  Selling or storing the vehicle's parts or basic materials;
D.  Permitting the display or storage of the vehicle or its parts salvage vehicles; or
E.  Acting as a scrap processor.; or
F.  Advertising in any form that an individual or business engages in any of the 
activities in paragraphs A to E.
Sec. 18.  29-A MRSA §664-A, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2009, c. 598, §29, is 
further amended to read:
1.  Vehicle sold by dealer.  A vehicle that is sold by a dealer must be accompanied by 
a properly assigned and valid certificate of title or certificate of salvage at the time of its 
sale. A dealer may retain and process certificates of title and certificates of salvage at the 
dealer’s primary facility if in the case when the dealer displays a vehicle at an annex facility 
the dealer maintains a copy of the certificate of title or certificate of salvage at the annex 
facility.  A dealer selling a vehicle to a lessee who elects to purchase the leased vehicle at 
the end of the lease term is exempt from this provision.
Sec. 19.  29-A MRSA §664-A, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 437, §20, is 
amended to read:
3.  Transfer.  When transferring possession of a vehicle held for resale to a retail 
purchaser or selling a leased vehicle to the lessee, a dealer shall comply with section 654.
Sec. 20.  29-A MRSA §664-A, sub-§5, as amended by PL 2011, c. 556, §6, is 
further amended to read:
5.  Sold at auction.  Except for a vehicle sold to a dealer at a vehicle auction licensed 
under section 852 1051, a vehicle that is sold at an auction must be accompanied by a valid 
certificate of title or salvage at the time of its sale.  The seller of a vehicle sold to a dealer 
at a vehicle auction licensed under section 852 1051 must provide the purchasing dealer 
with a valid certificate of title or certificate of salvage within 30 days.
Sec. 21.  29-A MRSA §702, sub-§2-A is enacted to read:
2-A.  Lienholder registration.  A lienholder who secures a lien on 15 or more titles 
annually is required to register with the Secretary of State for a lienholder identification 
number in accordance with rules adopted by the Secretary of State.
Sec. 22.  29-A MRSA §752-A, sub-§2, as repealed and replaced by PL 2005, c. 
683, Pt. A, §49, is amended to read:
2.  Ten Twenty years old.  A vehicle, beginning with model year 2011, that is 10 20 
years old or older.
Sec. 23.  29-A MRSA §852, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2003, c. 434, §11 and 
affected by §37, is further amended by repealing the first blocked paragraph.
Sec. 24.  29-A MRSA §903, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2009, c. 435, §14, is 
amended by enacting a new first blocked paragraph to read:
A reduction in the number of plates under this subsection must be based on rules adopted 
by the Secretary of State.  A dealer shall maintain a surety bond adequate to cover the 
number of sales indicated by that dealer's plates.
Sec. 25.  29-A MRSA §952, sub-§1, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
D.  A suitable office in which business is conducted and records of the business are 
kept; and
Sec. 26.  29-A MRSA §952, sub-§1, ¶E, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
E.  At least one mechanic, who may be the owner, who has a thorough knowledge of 
the vehicles being handled; and.
Sec. 27.  29-A MRSA §952, sub-§1, ¶F, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 
and affected by Pt. B, §5, is repealed.
Sec. 28.  29-A MRSA §952, sub-§1-A is enacted to read:
1-A.  Display license.  A dealer shall display the dealer's license at the dealer's place 
of business.
Sec. 29.  29-A MRSA §952, sub-§1-B is enacted to read:
1-B.  Vehicles.  A dealer shall:
A.  On all used motor vehicles offered for sale, ensure that the written vehicle history 
statement is conspicuously affixed to the vehicle pursuant to Title 10, section 1475; 
and
B.  For all vehicles sold, comply with the provisions of Title 10, chapter 217.
Sec. 30.  29-A MRSA §952, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2001, c. 671, §18, is further 
amended to read:
3.  Penalty.  A person who fails to comply with subsection subsections 1, paragraphs 
A to F or subsection 4 1-A and 1-B commits a traffic infraction.
Sec. 31.  29-A MRSA §952, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and 
affected by Pt. B, §5, is repealed.
Sec. 32.  29-A MRSA §954, sub-§8 is enacted to read:
8.  Temporary registration plates.  Temporary registration plates are governed in 
accordance with this subsection.
A.  A temporary registration plate may be issued by an authorized dealer only in 
conjunction with a sale of a vehicle within this State or for the purpose of driving or 
otherwise moving a vehicle purchased in this State to another state or country for 
titling, registration, use or resale in that state or country. A temporary registration plate 
may be issued via electronic means pursuant to rules adopted by the Secretary of State.
B.  Except a transporter licensee or loaner licensee, a person licensed as a dealer may, 
on the sale or exchange of a motor vehicle or trailer, attach to the motor vehicle's or 
trailer's rear a temporary registration plate. For the purposes of this paragraph, "loaner 
licensee" means a person to whom the Secretary of State has granted permission to use 
loaner plates on vehicles owned by that person for the purpose of loaning those vehicles 
to customers whose vehicles are being repaired at the licensee's business location.
C.  The fee for a temporary registration plate is $1 per plate. A purchaser may operate 
the motor vehicle or trailer with a temporary registration plate for a period of 14 
consecutive days without payment of an annual registration fee. If the purchaser is a 
nonresident member of the United States Armed Forces, the purchaser may operate a 
motor vehicle or trailer for a period of 20 consecutive days without payment of an 
annual registration fee. At the end of this initial period, a resident who is unable to 
comply with the requirements of chapter 7 or a nonresident member of the United 
States Armed Forces who has applied for but has not yet received a registration 
certificate from a home state may request the Secretary of State to extend this period 
without charge for an additional 20 days.
D.  A temporary registration plate may not be used on a loaded truck without a written 
permit from the Secretary of State.
E.  A temporary registration plate for a motorcycle must be the same size as the regular 
motorcycle plate.
F.  A person attaching a temporary registration plate to a vehicle sold or exchanged by 
that person shall mark on the plate the date of expiration and immediately notify the 
Secretary of State of the sale or exchange, giving the name and address of the 
purchaser, the number of the temporary plate and other information as the Secretary of 
State may require. The date may not be less than one inch in height and must be written 
with indelible or waterproof ink.
G.  When a temporary registration plate is attached to a vehicle, the Secretary of State 
must furnish the purchaser with a temporary registration certificate. A temporary 
registration certificate may be issued only in conjunction with the issuance of a 
temporary registration plate by an authorized dealer.
H.  A person who issues temporary registration plates may not:
(1)  Attach a plate to a vehicle that the person did not sell, lease or transfer; or
(2)  Provide the plates to another person other than by attachment to a vehicle as 
authorized by this subsection.
A person who violates this paragraph commits a traffic infraction.
I.  A person who issues temporary registration plates and certificates shall maintain a 
written record on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State of the use or disposal of 
every plate. The record must be available for inspection by the Secretary of State at the 
person's place of business and the person shall submit the record annually upon 
application for renewal of a dealer license. A person who violates this paragraph 
commits a traffic infraction.
Sec. 33.  29-A MRSA §1002, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2005, c. 433, §14 and 
affected by §28, is further amended to read:
4.  Service vehicle.  A licensed new or used car dealer may attach to that dealer's 
service vehicles specially designed service vehicle plates.  These plates may be used only 
in direct connection with the licensee's business new or used car license.  A dealer may 
attach a service vehicle plate only to a vehicle used for the service or repair of vehicles sold 
or being repaired by the dealer. A dealer may not attach a service vehicle plate to a vehicle 
that delivers parts to individuals or to businesses that are not owned by the licensee dealer.
A.  A dealer is not entitled to more than 3 service vehicle plates at each established 
place of business.
B.  The weight limit for a service vehicle, including the combined weight of vehicle 
and load, may not exceed 24,000 pounds. This weight limit does not apply to service 
vehicles of equipment dealers.
C.  The fee for a service vehicle plate is $50 annually per plate.
D.  A vehicle to which a service vehicle plate is attached must have the name of the 
licensed dealership on the sides of the vehicle in letters at least 3 inches in height and 
clearly visible.  The name of any other business may not be displayed on the sides of 
the vehicle to which the service vehicle plate is attached.
Sec. 34.  29-A MRSA §1101, sub-§1, as repealed and replaced by PL 1997, c. 776, 
§33, is amended to read:
1.  Recycler.  "Recycler" means a person engaged in the business of purchasing or 
acquiring salvage in any manner vehicles or vehicle parts for the purpose of:
A.  Reselling the vehicle or its component parts as salvage or scrap;
B.  Rebuilding or repairing the vehicle salvage vehicles for the purpose of resale;
C.  Selling or storing the vehicle's parts or basic materials;
D.  Displaying or storing the vehicle or its parts salvage vehicles; or
E.  Acting as a scrap processor.; or
F.  Advertising in any form that an individual or business engages in any of the 
activities in paragraphs A to E.
A person may not engage in business as a recycler without a recycler license issued under 
this subchapter.
Sec. 35.  29-A MRSA §1102-A, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 435, §17, is repealed and 
the following enacted in its place:
§1102-A.  Mobile crushers
1.  Mobile crushers permitted.  A person operating a mobile crusher in this State, 
whether based in or outside of the State, is subject to the provisions of this subchapter 
except the provisions of section 1103.  The Secretary of State may adopt rules for the 
permitting of mobile crushers.  For purposes of this section, "mobile crusher" means a 
transportable device that is used to crush motor vehicles. 
2.  Penalty.  Violation of this section is a traffic infraction.
Sec. 36.  29-A MRSA §1108, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 1995, c. 482, Pt. A, 
§20, is further amended to read:
B.  Failure to comply with a provision of this subchapter, any lawful rule adopted by 
the Secretary of State or any provision of Title 17 or Title 17-A or this Title as they 
relate to being a proper person to be in the business of the sales of acquiring or selling 
vehicles or parts;
Sec. 37.  29-A MRSA §1110, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2019, c. 397, §16, is 
further amended to read:
1.  Record keeping.  A licensee shall maintain business records for 5 years, including 
a record of:
A.  Every A record of every vehicle received or disposed of; its make, model, model 
year, vehicle identification number; the date of its receipt or disposition; and the name 
and address of the person from whom received or to whom given;
A-1.  Every A record of every component part, as defined in section 602, subsection 2, 
received or disposed of; its part identifying number; the date of its receipt or 
disposition; and the name and address of the person from whom received or to whom 
given;
B.  Every A record of every vehicle scrapped or dismantled by the licensee, the date of 
that action and the vehicle's make, model, model year and vehicle identification 
number; and
C.  The A record of the seller's name and address from a government-issued photograph 
identification document or credential.  For purposes of this subsection, "government-
issued photograph identification document or credential" includes, but is not limited 
to, a current and valid United States passport, military identification card, driver's 
license or nondriver identification card.; and
D.  Copies of titles, transfers and other documents used for titling purposes.
A licensed mobile crusher must maintain an operator log for each location.  The log must 
contain the make, model, model year and vehicle identification number of each vehicle 
crushed and the date of that action.
A scrap processor is exempt from the requirements set forth in paragraph A‑1 for vehicles 
received that are already dismantled.
Sec. 38.  29-A MRSA §1256, as amended by PL 2015, c. 473, §§12 and 13, is further 
amended to read:
§1256.  Special restricted license
A person who is 15 years of age and who has successfully completed a driver education 
course and passed an examination for operation of a motor vehicle as provided in section 
1301 may be issued a special restricted license based on educational, employment or 
medical need without the person's having held a permit for a period of 6 months as required 
by section 1304, subsection 1, paragraph H, subparagraph (1) as follows.
1.  Educational need.  A person seeking to qualify for a special restricted license based 
on educational need must file an application.  If the applicant qualifies under paragraph A, 
has held a permit for a period of 6 months and has completed a minimum of 70 hours of 
driving, including 10 hours of night driving, while accompanied by a parent, guardian or 
licensed driver at least 20 years of age, a special restricted license must be issued to the 
applicant.
A.  An application must include:
(1)  A signed notarized statement from the applicant and the applicant's parent or 
guardian that:
(a)  No readily available alternative means of transportation exists; and
(b)  Use of a motor vehicle is necessary for transportation to and from a public 
secondary school, a private secondary school approved for attendance 
purposes by the Commissioner of Education or a career and technical 
education center or region that the applicant is attending;
(2)  A verification of school attendance; and
(3)  A statement by the principal of the school of the lack of a readily available 
alternative means of transportation.
B.  A special restricted license issued pursuant to this subsection only authorizes the 
holder to operate a motor vehicle between the holder's residence and school unless 
accompanied by a licensed driver who meets the requirements of section 1304, 
subsection 1, paragraph E, subparagraphs (1) to (4).
2.  Employment need.  A person seeking to qualify for a special restricted license 
based on employment need must file an application.  If the applicant qualifies under 
paragraph A, has held a permit for a period of 6 months and has completed a minimum of 
hours of driving, including 10 hours of night driving, while accompanied by a parent, 
guardian or licensed driver at least 20 years of age, a special restricted license must be 
issued to the applicant.
A.  An application must include:
(1)  A signed, notarized statement from the applicant and the applicant's parent or 
guardian that:
(a)  No readily available alternative means of transportation exists; and
(b)  Use of a motor vehicle is necessary for transportation to, from or in 
connection with employment of the applicant; and
(2)  A verification of employment by the employer.
B.  A special restricted license issued pursuant to this subsection only authorizes the 
holder to operate a motor vehicle between the holder's residence, school and place of 
employment and other places necessary in direct connection with that employment 
unless accompanied by a licensed driver who meets the requirements of section 1304, 
subsection 1, paragraph E, subparagraphs (1) to (4).
2-A.  Medical need.  A person seeking to qualify for a special restricted license based 
on medical need must file an application.  The Secretary of State may grant a person who 
is 15 years of age a special restricted license under circumstances of medical necessity that 
are experienced by the person or a member of the person's immediate family if the Secretary 
of State determines the circumstances to be exigent and not inconsistent with the interest 
of highway safety and if that person has held a permit for a period of 6 months and 
completed a minimum of 70 hours of driving, including 10 hours of night driving, while 
accompanied by a parent, guardian or licensed driver at least 20 years of age.  The Secretary 
of State may reduce the required minimum hours of driving under this subsection if the 
secretary determines a reduction is not inconsistent with the interest of highway safety.
A.  An application must include:
(1)  A signed, notarized statement from a physician attesting to the existence of 
circumstances of medical necessity; and
(2)  A signed, notarized statement from the applicant or the applicant's parent or 
guardian that:
(a)  No readily available alternative means of transportation exists; and
(b)  Use of a motor vehicle is necessary for transportation in connection with 
circumstances of medical necessity that are experienced by the person or a 
member of the person's immediate family.
B.  A special restricted license issued pursuant to this subsection only authorizes the 
holder to operate a motor vehicle between the holder's residence and school and 
locations necessitated by the circumstances of medical necessity unless accompanied 
by a licensed driver who meets the requirements of section 1304, subsection 1, 
paragraph E, subparagraphs (1) to (4).
3.  Suspension of provisional license.  A special restricted license is a provisional 
license.  Notwithstanding chapter 23, subchapter III 3, article 2 and in addition to section 
1302, subsection 2, the Secretary of State shall suspend a special restricted license when:
A.  The holder is convicted of or adjudicated to have committed a violation of the 
license restriction or of a motor vehicle moving violation when holding a special 
restricted license.  A person whose license is suspended pursuant to this paragraph is 
not entitled to another special restricted license; or
B.  The Secretary of State receives written notice from the holder, parent, guardian, 
physician, principal or employer that the holder no longer qualifies for a special 
restricted license.
Sec. 39.  29-A MRSA §1304, sub-§2, ¶I is enacted to read:
I.  A learner's permit may be issued by the Secretary of State or by the provider of a 
motorcycle rider education course under section 1352.
Sec. 40.  29-A MRSA §1351, sub-§3, as repealed and replaced by PL 1997, c. 393, 
Pt. A, §36 and affected by §37, is amended to read:
3.  Certificate Completion certificates.  A successful course completion certificate 
may be issued if the course meets the standards adopted by the Secretary of State.  A 
certificate may not be issued to a person who was not at least 15 years of age when 
beginning the course.  The certificate may be used as a temporary learner's permit for the 
operation of a noncommercial Class C motor vehicle for 60 days from the course 
completion date displayed on the front of the certificate.  The permittee must be in 
possession of the certificate while operating a motor vehicle and accompanied by a licensed 
operator who has held a valid driver's license for at least 2 years; is at least 20 years of age; 
is occupying the seat beside the operator; and is licensed to operate the class of vehicle 
operated by the permittee.
Sec. 41.  29-A MRSA §1352, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2019, c. 337, §3, is further 
amended to read:
3.  Instructors; instructor license requirements.  The Secretary of State shall adopt 
rules governing the issuance and renewal of instructor licenses.  The following provisions 
apply to the licensing of instructors.
A.  A person may not conduct a motorcycle rider education course unless licensed by 
the Secretary of State as a qualified instructor.
B.  The Secretary of State shall:
(1)  Conduct, or authorize other qualified persons to conduct, instructor preparation 
courses; and
(2)  Establish reasonable qualification standards and requirements for licensing.  
The requirements must include a provision to demonstrate proficiency in operating 
a motorcycle.
D.  The Secretary of State may, at any reasonable time, monitor and evaluate an 
instructor's performance to determine compliance with this section.
E.  The instructor shall immediately notify the Secretary of State, in writing, whenever 
the instructor's mailing address or name changes.
F.  An applicant for a license under this subsection shall submit to a Department of 
Public Safety, State Bureau of Identification background check upon initial and 
renewal application. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles shall request the background check 
from the State Bureau of Identification. A fee must be assessed at the time of initial 
and renewal application pursuant to Title 25, section 1541, subsection 6.
G.  The Secretary of State shall use state and federal criminal history record information 
for the purpose of screening motorcycle rider education instructors in order to 
determine whether issuance of a motorcycle rider education instructor license is 
granted or maintained.
Sec. 42.  29-A MRSA §1352, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and 
affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
5.  Completion certificates.  An instructor shall issue a completion certificate to a 
student who has successfully completed the course.  The certificate may be used as a 
temporary motorcycle permit for the operation of a motorcycle for 60 days from the course 
completion date displayed on the front of the certificate.  The individual must be in 
possession of the certificate while operating a motorcycle, must wear a helmet and cannot 
carry passengers while operating a motorcycle.  If "passed 3-Wheel BRC" is stamped on 
the front of the certificate, the individual is restricted to the operation of a 3-wheel 
motorcycle.
Sec. 43.  29-A MRSA §1352, sub-§6, ¶B, as amended by PL 2017, c. 229, §23, is 
further amended to read:
B.  Road examination on receipt of a certificate demonstrating successful completion 
of a novice rider motorcycle rider education course approved by the Secretary of State.  
An endorsement issued pursuant to this paragraph prohibits the holder from carrying a 
passenger for a period of 60 days following the date of issuance of the endorsement.
Sec. 44.  29-A MRSA §1354, sub-§2, ¶A, as amended by PL 2011, c. 556, §12, is 
further amended to read:
A.  A Class A driver education school license may be issued to a driver education 
school that employs Class A or Class B instructors and that is authorized to teach both 
the classroom and behind-the-wheel phases of driver education and behind-the-wheel 
private lessons to individuals who hold a valid learner's permit, driver's license or 
temporary driver's license.  A driver education school licensed under this paragraph 
may also employ Class B instructors to provide the behind-the-wheel phase of driver 
education and behind-the-wheel private lessons.  A driver education school licensed 
under this paragraph may teach both the classroom and behind-the-wheel phases of 
driver education and behind-the-wheel private lessons.
Sec. 45.  29-A MRSA §1354, sub-§2, ¶D is enacted to read:
D.  A Class B driver education school license may be issued to a driver education 
school that employs a Class A or Class B instructor.  A driver education school licensed 
under this paragraph may provide only behind-the-wheel private lessons to individuals 
who hold a valid learner's permit, driver's license or temporary driver's license.
Sec. 46.  29-A MRSA §1354, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2011, c. 556, §14, is 
further amended to read:
4.  Instructor license requirements.  With assistance from the Technical Review 
Panel established in subsection 6, the Secretary of State shall adopt rules governing the 
issuance and renewal of instructor licenses.  In addition to the requirements established by 
rule, each applicant must meet the following requirements:
A.  The applicant must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or 
its equivalent;
B.  The applicant must have at least 4 years of driver experience as a licensed operator 
and possess a valid driver's license;
C.  The applicant may not have had a license revoked pursuant to chapter 23, 
subchapter 5 within the preceding 6-year period;
D.  The applicant may not have had an OUI as defined in section 2401, subsection 8 
within the preceding 6-year period;
E.  The applicant must pass an examination consisting of a knowledge, vision and road 
test in the type of vehicle for which the license is to be used as prescribed by the 
Secretary of State; and
F.  The applicant must complete an educational program prescribed by the Secretary 
of State.;
G.  The applicant shall submit to a Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of 
Identification background check upon initial and renewal application.  The Bureau of 
Motor Vehicles shall request the background check from the State Bureau of 
Identification.  A fee must be assessed at the time of initial and renewal application 
pursuant to Title 25, section 1541, subsection 6;
H.  The Secretary of State shall use state and federal criminal history record information 
for the purpose of screening driver education instructors in order to determine whether 
issuance of a driver education instructor license is granted or maintained; and
I.  The applicant shall submit to having fingerprints taken.  The Bureau of Motor 
Vehicles shall make available an approved list of agencies providing fingerprinting.  
Upon payment to an approved agency by the applicant and after the approved agency 
takes or causes to be taken the applicant's fingerprints and forwards the fingerprints to 
the State Bureau of Identification, the State Bureau of Identification shall conduct state 
and national criminal history record checks.  Fingerprinting is required upon initial 
application and every 5 years thereafter.
Sec. 47.  29-A MRSA §1909, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected 
by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
§1909.  Registration lamp
A vehicle must have a white light capable of illuminating the rear registration plate so 
that the characters on the plate are visible for a distance of at least 50 feet.  This section 
does not apply to unregistered farm tractors or vehicles with valid temporary plates issued 
by licensed car dealers.
Sec. 48.  29-A MRSA §2092, sub-§3 is enacted to read:
3.  Government vehicles.  Vehicles owned and operated by government entities are 
not subject to the provisions of this section.
Sec. 49.  29-A MRSA §2472, sub-§2-A, as enacted by PL 2011, c. 654, §11 and 
affected by §16, is amended to read:
2-A.  Driver improvement program.  A person whose license is suspended pursuant 
to subsection 2 shall complete a minimum of 4 hours of a driver improvement program 
approved by the Secretary of State before the suspension may be terminated.
Sec. 50.  29-A MRSA §2508, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2013, c. 187, §2 and c. 
389, §3 and affected by §7, is further amended to read:
1.  Installation of ignition interlock device.  Notwithstanding the periods of 
suspension pursuant to section 2411 or 2451, subsection 3, the Secretary of State may 
reinstate the license of a person convicted of a violation of section 2411, except for a 
violation of section 2411, subsection 1‑A, paragraph D, subparagraph (1‑A), or whose 
license is suspended by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 2453 or 2453-A if the 
person satisfies all other conditions for license reinstatement and installs an ignition 
interlock device approved by the Secretary of State in the motor vehicle the person 
operates, under the following conditions.
A.  The license of a person with 2 OUI offenses may be reinstated after 9 months of 
the suspension period has run been served if the person has installed for a period of 2 
years an ignition interlock device approved by the Secretary of State in the motor 
vehicle the person operates for the length of suspension time remaining.
A-1.  The license of a person with one OUI offense may be reinstated after 30 days of 
the suspension period has run been served if the person has installed for a period of 
days or the length of time remaining for a suspension imposed pursuant to section 
2411, subsection 5, paragraph A, subparagraph (2), whichever is shorter, for the length 
of time remaining for the suspension an ignition interlock device approved by the 
Secretary of State in the motor vehicle the person operates.
B.  The license of a person with 3 OUI offenses may be reinstated after 3 years of the 
suspension period has run been served if the person has installed for a period of 3 years 
for the length of time remaining for the suspension an ignition interlock device 
approved by the Secretary of State in the motor vehicle the person operates.
C.  The license of a person with 4 or more OUI offenses may be reinstated after 4 years 
of the suspension period has run been served if the person has installed for a period of 
years for the length of time remaining for the suspension an ignition interlock device 
approved by the Secretary of State in the motor vehicle the person operates.
D.  The license of a person convicted of a violation of section 2411, subsection 1‑A, 
paragraph D, subparagraph (1) or a person whose driver's license is suspended by the 
Secretary of State pursuant to section 2453 or 2453-A for a period specified by section 
2411, subsection 5, paragraph D‑1 may be reinstated after 3 years of the suspension 
period has run been served if the person has installed for a period of 3 years for the 
length of time remaining for the suspension an ignition interlock device approved by 
the Secretary of State in the motor vehicle the person operates.
A person whose license is reinstated pursuant to this subsection shall pay an administrative 
fee of $50 to the Secretary of State, in addition to the fee required by section 2486, 
subsection 1‑A.
SUMMARY
This bill amends the motor vehicle laws in the following ways.
1.  It amends various vehicle definitions.
2.  It adds a provision for the continued use by government entities of off-road vehicles.
3.  It allows for rulemaking for municipal agents similar to other rule-making authority.
4.  It moves statutory language from the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 
to the applicable dealer sections of law and the temporary registration plate section of 
law.
5.  It adds language to limit the number of active specialty license plates to no more 
than 15.
6.  It repeals the authority of the Secretary of State to issue placards for deaf, hard-of-
hearing and late-deafened persons.
7.  It changes the definition of "recycler" for consistency.
8.  It amends the law governing licenses issued to auction locations.
9.  It requires lienholders to register for a unique identifier to enable the bureau to 
maintain accurate records on lienholders.
10.  It amends statute to comply with the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration's final rule regarding odometer disclosures under 49 Code of Federal 
Regulation 580.17, the Federal Truth in Mileage Act.  Beginning January 1, 2021, vehicles 
with model year 2011 must have the odometer captured.  Vehicles model year 2010 and 
earlier remain exempt under the new rule.
11.  It amends dealer license fees.
12.  It amends the law regarding the number of plates issued to dealers.
13.  It requires dealers to comply with Title 10, chapter 217 as a condition of their 
license.
14.  It moves statutory references regarding the issuance of temporary registration 
plates and certificates.
15.  It provides clarity on which dealers may use service vehicle plates.
16.  It closes loopholes that allow individuals or businesses to engage in unlawful 
activities without being licensed as recyclers and more clearly defines the activity of a 
licensed recycler.
17.  It amends the law regarding mobile crushers to provide a penalty for violations.
18.  It clarifies that recycling of vehicles includes the actions of acquiring and selling 
vehicles or parts.
19.  It changes the record-keeping requirements of recyclers.
20.  It tightens the requirements for special restricted licenses by requiring applicants 
who are 15 years of age to hold a permit for 6 months before applying for a special restricted 
license.
21.  It allows the course completion certificate issued by motorcycle rider education 
schools to act as a 60-day temporary permit.
22.  It clarifies that the completion certificate for driver education instructors acts as a 
60-day temporary learner's permit.
23.  It adds requirements regarding background checks for motorcycle instructor 
licenses.
24.  It clarifies the definition of a Class A driver education school.
25.  It provides flexibility in what the Secretary of State may consider when approving 
a driver improvement program.
26.  It amends the law regarding when a person is eligible to install an ignition interlock 
device during the term of the person's suspension and when that person can remove the 
device without penalty.