Maine Lift Laws and Vehicle Equipment Laws
The state of Maine has minimum and maximum frame height laws that depend on the vehicle's GVWR. Other than that, there are no significant vehicle modification restrictions. This means that as long as frame height laws are obeyed, residents of Maine are free to install suspension lift kits, aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Code |
|
The Maine Revised Statutes (MRS) cover the street legal laws for the state. |
MRS Title 29A
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dimensions |
|
Vehicle size in Maine cannot exceed 102 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches tall, and 45 feet long for a single vehicle. |
MRS 29A-2380
MRS 29A-2390
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tires |
|
Maine's laws require that tires must be in safe operating condition, without any bulges or exposed cords. There is a set minimum tread depth of 1/16 inch. Tires can be grooved as long as they are not cut below the original tread depth.
2020 Update: The previous law requiring tire size remain within 2 inches of the manufacturer's recommended tire size appears to have been removed. |
MRS 29A-1917
MRS 29A-1918
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wheels |
|
Maine's code makes no reference to wheels. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brakes |
|
Vehicles with brakes on all 4 wheels must be able to stop within 30 feet from a speed of 20 mph. A secondary, mechanical, parking brake is required. |
MRS 29A-1902
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steering |
|
Maine does not have any specific rules for a vehicle's steering system. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suspension |
|
The only suspension laws on Maine's books state that the original suspension system cannot be disconnected and overload springs and heavy duty shock absorbers are allowed. |
MRS 29A-1920
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frame |
|
2020 Update: Maine has a minimum frame height of 10 inches (or factory frame height, whichever is lower). The maximum vehicle frame height is as follows:
Vehicle GVWR |
Max. Frame Height |
Under 4,501 |
Front: 24 inches | Rear: 26 inches |
4,501 to 7,500 |
Front: 28 inches | Rear: 30 inches |
7,501 to 10,000 |
Front: 30 inches | Rear: 32 inches |
( Measured to the bottom of the frame. )
|
MRS 29A-1920
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bumpers |
|
There is no information on bumpers in the Maine statutes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fenders |
|
Fenders are required to cover the full tire tread width in Maine. |
MRS 29A-1756
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lights |
|
In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in Maine are allowed to have several additional lights installed.
Light |
Number |
Min. Height |
Max. Height |
Headlights |
2 min. |
22 inches |
54 inches |
Tail lights |
2 |
n/a |
n/a |
Fog lights |
2 max. |
n/a |
Below headlights |
Aux. driving lights |
Allowed |
n/a |
n/a |
( Measured to the center of the light. )
|
MRS 29A-1904
MRS 29A-1905
MRS 29A-1909
|
|
|
|
|
|
Windows |
|
The Maine code does not specifically state that windshields or windshield wipers are required. |
MRS 29A-1915
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhaust |
|
In Maine, vehicles are required to have mufflers. Exhaust cutouts and bypasses can be installed if a permit is obtained. |
MRS 29A-1912
|
|
|
|
|
|
Engine |
|
Nitrous oxide is prohibited for street use in Maine. |
MRS 29A-1926
|
|
|
|
|
|
Emissions |
|
Only Cumberland County requires emissions testing in Maine. |
|