The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Title 49, Parts 350-399) govern all vehicles engaged in interstate traffic.
There are some situations where a tractor-trailer or other commercial motor vehicle is involved in only intrastate travel. For example, an appliance store in Bangor may own a truck that only makes in-state deliveries.
The Maine Department of Public Safety has adopted Title 49, Parts 382-384 and 390-399 of the federal regulations.
The following provisions are an overview of Maine laws that affect trucks
operating only in Maine:
Driver Qualification
Maine has adopted Part 391 of the Federal Regulations with some exceptions. Intrastate motor carriers operating less than 100 air miles from their regular place of business and not hauling hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding, are exempt from Part 391.
Intrastate drivers must be at least 18 years old to drive beyond a 100-air-mile radius, and at least 21 years old to haul hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding.
Hours of Service
Maine has adopted Part 390 of the Federal Regulations with one notable difference. Intrastate motor carriers operating less than 100 air miles from their place of business, and not hauling hazardous materials requiring placarding, are exempt from Part 395.
Loads
Maine has adopted Part 393 of the Federal Regulations in its entirety, including regulations dealing with projecting (sec. 393.87) and shifting or falling (sec. 393.100-393.106) loads. During darkness, vehicles carrying logs that project more than 4 feet from the rear of the vehicle must display a red reflector or reflective paint on the end of the log projecting furthest to the rear.
Crash reports are available from:
Bureau of State Police
Traffic Division
State House Station 20
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-8944