2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 29-A: MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC › Chapter 3: SECRETARY OF STATE › Subchapter 1: ADMINISTRATION › 29-A §152. Powers of Secretary of State

§152. Powers of Secretary of State
The Secretary of State may:   [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
1.  Investigation for information.
Make necessary investigations for information required to carry out the provisions of this Title, including, but not limited to, review of records and investigations in the field;
[PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
2.  Deputize agents, examiners and detectives.
Appoint and deputize agents, examiners and motor vehicle detectives, stationed at convenient places, to receive applications for registration and licenses for the operation of vehicles, to conduct examinations and to perform assigned duties.
A motor vehicle detective has the powers and duty to enforce all provisions of this Title and Title 17‑A and all the laws of the State with the same powers that a sheriff has in a county. A motor vehicle detective is at all times subject to all other investigatory duties assigned by the Secretary of State.
[PL 2017, c. 229, §8 (AMD).]
3.  Central computer system.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, purchase and maintain a central computer system for purposes of administering this Title and conducting departmental operations. All other uses must be approved by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall adopt rules regarding the maintenance and use of data processing information files required to be kept confidential and shall distinguish those files from files available to the public;
[PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
4.  Facsimile signature of Secretary of State.
Use a facsimile signature, which has the same validity as the Secretary of State's written signature and is admissible in court;
[PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
5.  Assign new identification number.
Assign a new identification number to a vehicle if it has none, or if the vehicle's identification number is destroyed or obliterated, or if the frame, chassis or, if the vehicle is a truck, the cab is changed, or if the vehicle is a reconstructed motorcycle, and shall issue a new certificate of title showing the new identification number upon surrender of the old certificate and completion of an application for title and payment of the fee;
[PL 2023, c. 257, §1 (AMD).]
6.  Other data.
Require data necessary on forms, applications, certificates, licenses or other documents; and
[PL 2023, c. 257, §2 (AMD).]
7.  Waive penalty or fee.
Waive a penalty or fee required under this Title if the Secretary of State or the secretary's designee determines that the circumstances justify a waiver. The Secretary of State shall adopt rules to administer this subsection that must include but are not limited to rules identifying circumstances that may justify a waiver. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
[PL 2023, c. 257, §3 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1993, c. 683, §A2 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 683, §B5 (AFF). PL 1997, c. 776, §§4,5 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 361, §4 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 12, §1 (AMD). PL 2017, c. 229, §8 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 257, §§1-3 (AMD).