Driving Without a License
29-A M.R.S. § 1251 — unlicensed driving is a Class E crime; a new resident has 30 days to apply
- Driving on a public way or in a parking area without being licensed, or in breach of a condition or restriction on the license, is a Class E strict liability crime.
- A new resident applies for a Maine license within 30 days. Driving on another state's license after more than 30 but fewer than 90 days of residence is a traffic infraction, and after more than 90 days a Class E crime.
- Driving on a Maine license that expired within the previous 90 days is a traffic infraction.
- No one may hold more than one valid license unless the Secretary of State allows it.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
Driving while the license is suspended or revoked is a crime when the driver had written notice, was told by an officer or a court, actually knew, was sent notice as the law provides, or failed to answer or appear in court. Ordinarily it is a Class E strict liability crime.
When the suspension was for OUI, the court imposes at least a $600 fine, 7 consecutive days in jail, and a further suspension of one to three years after the original one ends.
Sources for this section (2)
- 29-A M.R.S. § 1251 — License required
- 29-A M.R.S. § 2412-A — Operating while license suspended or revoked
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.