Horses and Buggies on the Road
29-A M.R.S. § 2055 — a raised hand stops oncoming traffic, and no one may spook the horse
A person riding an animal or driving an animal drawn vehicle on a public way has the rights and duties of a vehicle operator, except those that by their nature have no application. A buggy may not be left unattended on a public way unless it is reasonably fastened.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
| A driver near a horse | What the law requires |
|---|---|
| A driver near a horseThe rider raises a hand | What the law requiresAn oncoming driver stops as soon as possible and stays stopped as long as reasonably needed for the animal to pass |
| A driver near a horsePassing from behind | What the law requiresReasonable caution |
| A driver near a horseSpooking it | What the law requiresNo driving to annoy, startle, harass or frighten a ridden or driven animal |
| A driver near a horseThrowing things | What the law requiresNothing may be thrown from a vehicle toward the animal |
A particular ticket is a question for a licensed Maine attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- 29-A M.R.S. § 2055 — Animals on a public way
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.