Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Maine’s blend of vast forests, rugged coastlines, and mountain trails. The state also has numerous cultural hotspots boasting superb art galleries, independent movie theaters, and excellent cuisine. Stay safe while navigating Maine by getting to know the road rules and regulations before you visit. Here we outline the major differences in Maine’s road rules compared to the rest of the U.S and provide information on speed limits, parking, turning rules, scenic routes and things to do.
General Rules and Regulations
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times in Maine.
- Children under 12 years old must be seated in the rear seats.
- Children under 8 years old and weighing less than 80 pounds must be seated in an appropriate safety seat.
- Pedestrians have right of way, even if crossing illegally.
- Sound must not be heard from your vehicle at a distance of 25 feet.
- You must use your headlights in low visibility (1,000 feet) and when you use your windshield wipers.
- Drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use mobile phones while driving.
- Keep your distance. There is a 2-second rule when following another vehicle and you must leave 3 feet of room between your vehicle and cyclists.
Speed Limits in Maine
Like many U.S states, Maine requires you to adjust your speed according to adverse weather and road conditions, as well as match your speed to the flow of traffic so as not to impede its movement. Here are the general speed limits across the state of Maine.
| School zones | 15 mph |
| Business and residential areas | 25 mph |
| General roadways | 45 mph |
| Rural highways | 55-60 mph |
| Interstate highways | 70-75 mph |
Turning and Parking
- In Maine, it is generally permitted to make U-turns unless it’s signposted otherwise. You must not make U-turns in business districts or outside fire stations.
- Parking laws vary a lot across the state so check out the signs wherever you decide to park. There are varying distances you should keep from intersections when parking and you are not allowed to park over crosswalks, in loading zones, opposite fire stations and blocking entrances to public buildings during specific hours. It is also illegal to park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, 15 feet of a crosswalk, or 15 feet of a fire station.
Car Rental with SIXT in Maine
Maine has many scenic roads to help you explore the most stunning parts of the state. The Acadia All-American Scenic Byway is one of the best, taking you on a loop of the spectacular Acadia National Park and ending on the top of Cadillac Mountain with the reward of stunning 360-degree views over the Atlantic Ocean. This route also takes you through some of the most beautiful coastal areas in the state and we highly recommend a stop at the scenic Sand Beach. If you are into hiking, you should definitely drive north to Baxter State Park. There you will find numerous trails including the hike to Maine’s tallest peak; Mount Katahdin.
