CHAPTER 197
H.P. 1191 - L.D. 1614
An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Secretary of State and the Maine State Police Regarding Low-speed Vehicles
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§25-A is enacted to read:
25-A. Golf cart. "Golf cart" means a motor vehicle that is originally designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour. A golf cart does not include an ATV as defined in Title 12, section 7851.
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§41-B is enacted to read:
41-B. Motorized scooter. "Motorized scooter" means a scooter that is powered by a motor having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic centimeters or an electric driven motor and is capable of a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour on a flat surface.
Sec. 3. 29-A MRSA §101, sub-§64-A is enacted to read:
64-A. Scooter. "Scooter" means a device upon which a person may ride consisting of a footboard between 2 end wheels, controlled by an upright steering handle attached to the front wheel and propelled by human power or a motor.
Sec. 4. 29-A MRSA §501, sub-§2-A, as amended by PL 1999, c. 790, §4 and affected by §19, is further amended to read:
2-A. Island vehicles, golf carts and low-speed vehicles. The following provisions apply to vehicles operating on islands that have no public ways maintained or supported by the State.
A. Notwithstanding subsection 1, an automobile may be registered for an annual fee of $4. A low-speed vehicle or golf cart may be registered for an annual fee of $4. The registrant must show evidence of payment of the excise tax required by Title 36, section 1482. The municipality may collect an additional $4 fee annually to defray the cost of removing abandoned vehicles or golf carts.
B. A low-speed vehicle or golf cart may be operated on an island if the governing body of the municipality allows. A low-speed vehicle or golf cart may be operated only on a road or street where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. A low-speed vehicle or golf cart may cross, at an intersection, a road or street with a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
C. Any person operating a low-speed vehicle or a golf cart on an island must possess a valid driving license in any class.
Sec. 5. 29-A MRSA §1252, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
3. Mopeds and motorized scooters. A moped or motorized scooter may not be operated:
A. By a person who does not possess a valid license of any class or a license specially endorsed to operate a motorcycle, a motor-driven cycle or a moped; or
B. On an interstate highway or on a way on which a bicycle is prohibited.
Sec. 6. 29-A MRSA §2063, as amended by PL 1995, c. 371, §1, is further amended to read:
§2063. Bicycles, motorized scooters and toy vehicles
1. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, "bicycle" includes a motorized bicycle or a motorized tricycle, and "toy vehicle" includes, but is not limited to, motorized scooters, skateboards, rollerskates, wagons, sleds and coasters.
2. Riding to the right. A person operating a bicycle or motorized scooter shall ride it as far as practicable to the right side of the way, except when making a left turn. This subsection does not apply in a municipality that, by ordinance and with the approval of the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation, makes other provisions for the location of bicycle traffic and motorized scooter traffic.
3. Seating. A person operating a bicycle may not ride other than astride a regular and permanently attached seat. A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
4. Hitching rides. A person riding on a bicycle, motorized scooter or toy vehicle may not attach it to a moving vehicle on a way.
5. Rights and duties. A person riding a bicycle on a way has the rights and is subject to the duties applicable to the operator of a vehicle, except as to:
A. Special regulations; and
B. Provisions in this Title that by their nature can have no application.
6. Speed. A motorized bicycle or a motorized scooter may not be operated in excess of 20 miles per hour.
7. Penalties. A person 17 years of age or over who violates this section commits a traffic infraction with a maximum fine of for which a forfeiture of no more than $10 may be adjudged.
8. Impoundment. The chief of police of a municipality, or if there is no chief of police, the chair of the local legislative body, when satisfied that a juvenile under the age of 17 years has ridden a bicycle or motorized scooter in violation of this section, may impound the bicycle or motorized scooter for a period not to exceed 5 days for the first offense, 10 days for a 2nd offense and 30 days for a subsequent offense.
Effective September 21, 2001, unless otherwise indicated.
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