Emergency Situations and Defensive Driving in Maine

1. What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Maine for operating a vehicle?


The legal blood alcohol limit in Maine for operating a vehicle is 0.08%.

2. What are the rules for passing a stopped school bus in Maine?


In Maine, the following rules apply to passing a stopped school bus:

1. All vehicles must stop when approaching a stopped school bus from either direction on a two-lane road or divided highway.

2. If the school bus is stopped on a four-lane undivided highway, only vehicles approaching from the rear must stop.

3. All vehicles must remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed.

4. Drivers must obey the directions of a uniformed school patrol member or flag person at all times.

5. Violating these laws can result in fines of up to $400 and/or up to 30 days in jail.

3. In what situations should a driver yield the right of way in Maine?


In Maine, drivers should yield the right of way at intersections when a vehicle is already in the intersection, when a vehicle is approaching from the right on a roadway with more than one lane in each direction, when a pedestrian is crossing a roadway, when approaching a roundabout, when entering a highway from an alley, driveway or private road, and when approaching a stopped school bus.

4. What is Maine’s distracted driving law?


Maine’s distracted driving law prohibits drivers from texting or using handheld wireless devices while driving. This includes reading, writing, sending, or viewing text messages, emails, and other electronic data. The law also applies to operating a motor vehicle while using other interactive wireless devices, including laptops and tablets. Additionally, drivers are prohibited from viewing images on any handheld device while operating a motor vehicle.

5. Is it legal to use a cell phone while driving in Maine?


No. It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in Maine. All drivers are banned from using handheld electronic devices or any type of cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, regardless of age.

6. When should a driver use high beams in Maine?


A driver should use high beams when they are driving in areas with no oncoming traffic or other traffic. High beams should not be used when approaching another vehicle, when following another vehicle, when traveling in fog, or other adverse weather conditions.

7. What is the speed limit on highways in Maine?


The speed limit on highways in Maine is 65 mph.

8. How long are drivers allowed to drive without taking a break in Maine?


In Maine, drivers of interstate and intrastate commercial motor vehicles are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers may extend the 11-hour period by no more than 2 hours when adverse driving conditions exist. After the 11 or 13 hour period, the driver must take 10 consecutive hours off duty.

9. What should drivers do when approaching a railroad crossing in Maine?


When approaching a railroad crossing in Maine, drivers should:

1. Slow down and be prepared to stop.
2. Look and listen for an approaching train.
3. Obey all warning signs and signals.
4. Stop if the crossing has flashing lights, bells or gates.
5. Never drive around lowered gates or try to beat a train across the tracks.

10. How should drivers react if they encounter an aggressive driver on the road in Maine?


Drivers should always practice defensive driving techniques and avoid engaging with aggressive drivers. If an aggressive driver is encountered, it is recommended that you maintain safe distance and avoid direct eye contact. Drivers should never respond to aggressive gestures or verbal taunts. If the situation becomes dangerous, drivers should call 911 and report the incident.

11. How should drivers react to a flooded roadway in Maine?


Drivers in Maine should be extremely cautious when approaching a flooded roadway. It is important to check the depth of the water before entering to make sure it is not too deep for the vehicle. If the water is too deep, drivers should not attempt to cross and should instead find an alternate route. Additionally, drivers should take extra precautions while navigating a flooded roadway as the road surface may be slippery and visibility may be limited.

12. How can drivers prepare their vehicles for winter driving in Maine?


Drivers in Maine should take the time to prepare their vehicles for winter driving. This includes having the battery and charging system checked, changing to winter-grade oil, checking and replacing wiper blades, checking and replacing antifreeze, checking tire tread and pressure, testing the 4-wheel drive system, having a reliable snow brush and ice scraper available, and stocking an emergency kit in the car. Finally, drivers should make sure that their car is in good working condition before hitting the road.

13. What is the legal age for operating a vehicle in Maine?


The legal age for operating a vehicle in Maine is 16 years old.

14. What are the rules for stopping at a stop sign in Maine?


When stopping at a stop sign in Maine, drivers must come to a complete stop before the stop line, if present, or before entering the crosswalk or intersection. After coming to a complete stop, drivers must look both ways and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. Drivers should then proceed with caution when it is safe to do so.

15. Who has the right of way at an uncontrolled intersection in Maine?


At an uncontrolled intersection in Maine, vehicles approaching from the right have the right of way.

16. What are the rules for using emergency lanes on highways in Maine?


The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) has certain rules for using Emergency Lanes on highways.

•Emergency Lanes—highway lanes with yellow lines and diamond-shaped signs—are reserved for emergency use only.

•Emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire engines, and ambulances may use the emergency lanes to respond to an emergency situation.

•Motorists should not drive in the emergency lane except when passing another vehicle or when directed to do so by a law enforcement officer.

•Drivers may use the emergency lane to pull over if they experience a vehicle breakdown or other emergency situation.

•Drivers should move out of the emergency lane as soon as possible.

•Drivers who use the emergency lane for any other purpose may be subject to fines or other penalties.

17. How should drivers manage their speed on curvy roads in Maine?


Drivers should slow down and be aware of their surroundings when taking curves on Maine roads. They should also maintain a safe speed, taking into account the road conditions, visibility, and traffic. Additionally, drivers should be aware of posted speed limits and obey them at all times.

18. What is the minimum age for having a learner’s permit in Maine?


In Maine, the minimum age for obtaining a learner’s permit is 15 years old.

19. What is the rule for yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks in Maine?


In Maine, motor vehicles must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at any marked or unmarked crosswalk. If a pedestrian is crossing the street, drivers must stop and allow them to finish crossing before proceeding.

20. When should drivers use headlights during daylight hours in Maine?


Drivers are required to use headlights any time visibility is reduced due to weather, fog, or other conditions. In addition, drivers must use headlights (or daytime running lights) from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility is reduced to 500 feet or less.