Maine driving guide

Planning a trip to Maine? Nicknamed the Pine Tree State, this largely forested land is a popular vacation spot, with around 25 million visitors taking to its cities and highways each year.

But before you hit the road and head north, you should be aware of the driving rules in Maine. This guide covers them all to help you make sure you’re prepared for the adventure ahead.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages and license requirements
• Essential equipment to carry in your car
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Maine and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• Pedestrians always have right of way, including at unmarked crosswalks and in the absence of traffic lights.
• The ‘fast lane’ can only be used for passing or turning left.
• You must turn on your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
• Using a handheld cellphone while driving is prohibited, even while temporarily stopped in traffic or at a stoplight.

Speed limits in Maine

Whether you’re planning a trip into Portland or a cruise along the coast on your way to Bar Harbor, you’ll need to know the maximum speed limits for the different roads and highways in Maine. Here is a summary of what to expect.

Toll roads in Maine

There is only one toll road in Maine, part of the I-95 highway and regulated by the Maine Turnpike Authority.

Maine Turnpike

This 109-mile-long toll highway passes through Maine’s four counties: York, Cumberland, Androscoggin and Kennebec.

From: Kittery

To: Augusta

Cost for two-axle vehicles: $6.70 with E-ZPass or $8.00 cash.

Cost for two-axle vehicles with trailer: $16.75 with E-ZPass or $20.05 cash.

Cost for three-axle vehicle: $20.10 with E-ZPass or $24.00 cash.

How to pay: You can pay with a Maine E-ZPass or any other E-ZPass, as well as by cash. Maine does not have the Pay-By-Plate system, which means that if you miss paying the toll, you will receive a toll violation invoice that can be paid by calling 1-888-682-7277.

Driving ages and license requirements in Maine

• The legal driving age in Maine on a full license is 16 years and 9 months.
• The minimum age to rent a car in Maine is 20, with Hertz.

If you’re under 25, you can find more information about the vehicle types available and any additional fees with our handy guide.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Maine

In your vehicle, you must have:

• Your driving license – it’s required by law to have it with you on the road.
• Identification – this includes your passport or national ID.
• Proof of insurance – driving without proof of insurance is illegal.
• Proof of rental agreement – always needed for random traffic stops.
• Warning triangles.

You may also want to think about carrying:

• Spare tire, car jack and lug wrench - essential quick repair items, always handy on long road trips.
• Owner’s manual – provides you with useful information about the car.
• First aid kit – in case of an emergency, a basic kit in your trunk could save the day.
• GPS – a must-have when you travel to unknown areas.

If you’re planning to drive in Maine in winter, it’s recommended that you pack the following items in your car:

• Shovel
• Ice scraper and broom
• Salt
• Sand or kitty litter
• Tire chains or traction mats
•  Jump cables.

There are certain items that you’re not allowed to carry in your Hertz car rental, so please check your rental agreement for more information.

Maine speed violations, infractions and penalties

Going over the speed limit in Maine generally carries fines and points accumulated to the driving record. Jail time and license suspension may also be applicable for some offenses.

Like most other states, there are two speeding laws in place: basic speeding law and absolute speeding law. The first one refers to driving at a speed more than prudent when under dangerous conditions and can lead to a fine of $134 and up to four points on your license.

The second speeding law applies to driving faster than the posted limit. The speeding penalties in Maine for absolute speeding are: 

Exceeding the absolute speed limit by 30mph or more is considered a class E crime and punished with a maximum fine of $1000, up to six months in jail and license suspension. 

Driving with children in Maine

These are the car seat requirements in Maine:

• All children who weigh less than 40 pounds are required to be in a car seat
• Children under one year old must be in a rear-facing car seat  
• Children who weigh at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds and are under eight years old require a booster seat.
• Children under 12 who weigh less than 100 pounds need to be in the back seat of a vehicle if possible.

Children between 8-18 years old that are taller than 4 feet 9 inches should be properly secured in a safety belt.

Gas prices in Maine

The average gas price in Maine is $3.95 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Chevrolet Spark, that’s about $0.10 per mile
•  For a larger family car like a Nissan Maxima, it works out at $0.15 per mile
• And for an SUV like a Chevrolet Equinox, it’s around $0.18 per mile

Gas price figure last updated November 10, 2022. 

Electric car charging in Maine

There are more than 380 public EV charging stations across Maine. This number is expected to grow as a result of the state’s goal of cutting 45% of its emissions by 2030.

Driving between Maine and other states

When you rent a car with Hertz, you can drive between Maine and its neighboring states. You can explore New Hampshire and Vermont to the west, and you can even cross the Canadian border into the Quebec province.

When you opt for a one-way rental, you can drop off the rental car at a different location to the one you collect from.

Driving conditions in Maine

Maine has a humid continental climate, with long, cold, snowy winters and short, mild summers. Temperatures usually range from 15°F in the winter to 70°F in the summer. Cold waves, ice storms, sleet and even tornadoes are part of the usual weather conditions in Maine. There are also chances of nor’easters that bring strong winds, severe rainfall and flooding.