Expired Registration in Maine
Motor vehicle registration in Maine is mandatory under state law for all vehicles operated on public roads and highways. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, a division of the Secretary of State, administers all vehicle registration programs and procedures statewide. The Maine State Police is responsible for enforcing compliance with registration laws on Maine's roadways.
State Code Provisions in Maine
Motor vehicle and traffic regulations in Maine are governed by Title 29-A of the Maine Revised Statutes. Chapter 5 specifically addresses vehicle registration requirements, renewal procedures, expiration dates, display of registration plates, penalties for violations, and enforcement mechanisms. 29-A M.R.S. § 351 establishes mandatory registration requirements and penalties for operating unregistered vehicles, while 29-A M.R.S. § 405 governs registration expiration dates and renewal periods.
Registration Terms and Expiration in Maine
Registration Renewal System
Maine registers passenger vehicles under an annual staggered registration system. According to 29-A M.R.S. § 405(1-A), registrations expire on the last day of the month one year from the month of issuance.
Standard Vehicle Registration:
- Automobiles, trucks, truck tractors, motor homes, mopeds, and specified trailers are registered annually on a staggered basis
- Registration expires on the last day of the month one year from the month of issuance
- Fleet owners with 5 or more vehicles may petition the Secretary of State for a common expiration date for all vehicles
Grace Period Status:
Maine provides a limited 30-day grace period for expired registration. Under 29-A M.R.S. § 351(2), vehicle owners stopped by law enforcement with a registration that has expired within the last 30 days must be issued a warning rather than a summons. The warning requires the owner or operator to register the vehicle within 10 business days. Once registration has expired for more than 30 days, penalties and fines apply immediately.
Special Vehicle Categories:
- Commercial vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers not governed by the annual staggered system have registration periods from March 1st to the last day of February of the next calendar year
- Fleet owners may consolidate expiration dates for administrative convenience
Penalties for Expired Registration in Maine
Maine law distinguishes between penalties assessed at the DMV for late renewal and traffic violations for operating a vehicle with expired registration.
Administrative Penalties
Maine does not assess administrative late fees when renewing an expired registration at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or through municipal offices. Vehicle owners may renew expired registrations without penalty charges, and the renewal fee remains the same as for a full year's registration, regardless of when renewed.
Traffic Violations
Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration constitutes a traffic infraction or criminal offense under 29-A M.R.S. § 351, with penalties escalating based on how long the registration has been expired:
| Expiration Period | Offense Classification | Fine Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30 days expired | Warning only (no fine) | $0 |
| 31-149 days expired | Traffic infraction (first offense) | Up to $50 |
| 150+ days expired | Traffic infraction (first offense) | Up to $100 |
| Subsequent offense (150+ days) | Traffic infraction | Up to $500 |
| Never registered by current owner | Class E crime | Up to $1,000 + imprisonment |
Class E Crime Penalties:
When a vehicle has never been registered by the current owner, or registration has expired for 150 days or more, and is charged as a Class E crime, the offense carries criminal penalties under Maine law:
- Maximum Fine: $1,000 (per 17-A M.R.S. § 1704)
- Maximum Imprisonment: 6 months in county jail
- Criminal Record: Class E crimes result in a permanent criminal record
Dismissal Provisions:
A person served with a violation summons may have the complaint dismissed if they show satisfactory evidence that registration was in effect at the time of the alleged violation or that the vehicle was subsequently registered before the date required for filing an answer to the complaint.
Temporary Operating Permits
When a vehicle is stopped with registration expired for more than 30 days, law enforcement may issue a permit under 29-A M.R.S. § 351(3-A) allowing the owner or operator to drive the vehicle to their residence or to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office for the sole purpose of registration renewal.
Government Agencies
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0029
Phone: 207-624-9000
Official Website: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Maine State Police Headquarters
42 State House Station
45 Commerce Drive
Augusta, ME 04333-0042
Phone: 207-624-7076
Official Website: Maine State Police
