Driving of motor vehicles - Maine

Federal regulations

Maine has adopted Part 392 of the Federal Regulations.

Applicability

Part 392 applies to a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle transporting hazardous materials which require placarding

Engine idling

A commercial motor vehicle or a gasoline-powered motor vehicle may not idle for more than 5 minutes in a 60-minute period.

Exceptions — A passenger bus may idle for a maximum of 15 minutes in any 60-minute period to maintain passenger comfort while non-driver passengers are on board.

A vehicle may idle for 15 minutes to operate heating equipment when the ambient air temperature is 32°F or below. A vehicle may idle as needed to provide heat when the ambient temperature is below 0°F.

There are also exceptions for:

• providing heating or air conditioning while a driver rests in a sleeper berth during a rest or sleep period;
• operation of defrosters, heaters, air conditioners to prevent a safety or health emergency;
• air conditioning or heating while waiting to load/unload;
• traffic conditions;
• emergency vehicles;
• vehicle maintenance/repair;
• vehicle inspection;
• powering work-related mechanical or electrical operations including mixing, dumping, refrigeration;
• armored vehicles when a person remains inside to guard contents or while loading/unloading.

Speed limit

The speed limit is 75 mph on interstates and other divided controlled-access highways, 60 mph on other highways (or as posted).