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Except for motor vehicles registered in IRP, motor vehicles based in Maine must be registered in Maine. Motor vehicles are registered on the basis of combined gross weight: the total weight of the vehicle and maximum load to be carried.
For truck tractor-semitrailer combinations, the power unit is registered for the combined gross weight and the semitrailer is registered for a nominal fee. A motor vehicle may not be operated in excess of the maximum weight allowed for its configuration, without additional permits.
Payment of the annual municipal excise tax is required prior to obtaining a Maine registration. Vehicles subject to the Title Law must be titled, or have a pending title application. Sales tax payment or proof of exemption from sales tax is also required for first time registration.
Once a commercial vehicle is registered in Maine, the gross weight may be increased for a period of one to eight months by paying an additional fee. Temporary increases in registered weight convey all the privileges and responsibilities of registration.
Registrations are issued through the Secretary of State. The registration period for all vehicles except trailers and special mobile equipment is on a staggered system. Registration is valid for a full year from the month of issuance. All trailer registrations have a February 28 (29) expiration date except for certain trailers in the Permanent Registration Program which expire December 31.
Registrations are issued through the Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The registration is on a staggered expiration date system. Registrations are valid for one year from the month of issuance.
Trailer Registrations
Maine offers three types of semipermanent trailer registration programs: a 5 to 12 year program, a 20 year program, and a 25 year permanent plate program. It is a requirement that the person, partnership, or corporation participating in these programs be a Maine resident, have a place of business in Maine, or have a designated agent or representative residing in Maine.
Trailer registration has an expiration date of the last day of February, except that 25 year trailer registrations expire on December 31, 25 years from the year of issue.
In the 5 to 12 year program there is no minimum fleet size. In the 20 year program each registrant must register at least 1,000 semitrailers in at least one registration year. To be eligible for the 25-year permanent registration program, a registrant must maintain a total of at least 30,000 registrations in any program under 29-A MRSA §512. The 30,000 registration total is additive among the programs.
License plate display
Plates must be attached to the front and rear of each vehicle except as follows:
- A trailer and semitrailer plate may be attached only to the rear of the trailer or semitrailer;
- A manufacturer, dealer, or transporter registration plate may be attached only to the rear of the vehicle; and
- A truck tractor registration plate may be attached only to the front of the truck tractor.
International Registration Plan
Maine is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration fees allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.
Temporary Permit: Temporary IRP permits are available for established registrant accounts for a period of 45 days. Temporary IRP permits are not available for new registrant accounts. New registrant accounts must pay their full invoice amount at the time of registration.
Hunter's Permit: Maine issues a hunter's permit authorizing the operation of an unloaded vehicle for a period of 30-days for a fee.
Agency: Motor Vehicle Division; see Regulatory Agencies for address(es).
Fees
Annual registration fees based on gross vehicle weight must be paid for each truck, truck tractor, or tractor according to the schedule of vehicle registration fees.
Apportioned registration fees for Maine include an ad valorem tax determined by the schedule. The ad valorem portion of the fee is based on the actual sales price including any trade-in value (less any taxes).
If a commercial vehicle registered for a gross weight of 23,001 pounds or more is operated only in the truck tractor semitrailer configuration, a credit is allowed for the original annual registration fee.
New registrations and transfers should be prorated on a monthly basis. Maine requires continuous registration on renewals.
Buses are charged at a flat fee.
Annual registration fee for farm trucks, when used primarily for transportation of agricultural commodities, supplies or equipment to be used in connection with the operation of a farm owned, operated or occupied by the registrant.
Farm trucks will be issued distinguishable registration plates. A truck may be operated with a farm registration only if the truck is used primarily for the transportation of agricultural commodities produced on a farm or supplies intended for the furtherance of firewood for sale. A truck used in the commercial collection delivery of milk may not be registered as a farm truck.
Special Mobile Equipment, Class A
The fee to register special mobile equipment, Class A, is the farm truck rate up to 54,000 pounds. If the gross weight is in excess of 54,000 pounds, the fee is in accordance with the current fee schedule.
Class A, Special Mobile Equipment must be registered for its actual gross weight.