Maine Move-Over Law

What Maine requires

Maine keeps its move-over duty on lit-up work vehicles: emergency vehicles, wreckers, roadside-assist, utility, and garbage trucks. Pass in a non-adjacent lane if you can, or slow to a careful, prudent speed if you cannot. The minimum fine is $275, closer to $355 with fees (29-A M.R.S. § 2054). Despite the headlines, a plain broken-down car with just its flashers is not covered.

Who you move over for, and the fallback

• Move over for: Stationary authorized emergency vehicles using emergency lights (police, fire, EMS), and stationary public service vehicles using authorized lights: wreckers and tow trucks, roadside-assistance vehicles, debris-removal, refuse and recycling trucks, and utility vehicles.
• If you can't move over: Pass in a lane not adjacent to the stopped vehicle if possible. If a nonadjacent lane is impossible or unsafe, pass at a careful and prudent speed.
• 2023 headlines said Maine 'expanded to any disabled vehicle,' but the change actually widened the 'public service vehicle' definition (adding refuse, recycling, and utility trucks) and amber-light rules. The move-over duty runs to those service vehicles, not a lone broken-down car showing only its flashers. Statute text current through Oct 1, 2025.

What a violation costs

Traffic infraction with a minimum fine of $275, about $355 once court fees and surcharges are added. No separate injury or death tier in the move-over subsection.

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