Maine Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

The State of Maine requires all motorcycles to be insured, registered and titled, though it is somewhat relaxed on its safety equipment rules. Whether you ride to work on your bike every day the weather is nice or you like to tour around the state for long daily rides or go tent camping with your bike, you want to be cautious, especially in areas of heavy traffic or areas with no one around for miles.

Safety Restrictions

The State of Maine does not require a helmet unless you are under the age of 18 or you have a learner’s permit. Also, if your motorcycle license endorsement is less than one year old, you must wear a helmet. If you are a passenger with someone who meets these requirements, you must also wear a helmet.

There is no restriction on eye protection in the State of Maine, but wearing it is a good idea unless you are wearing a full-face helmet with the visor down. Dirt, bugs and small stones can fly up into your face and eyes, especially if you are riding in traffic. If you’re riding in the country, you’re more likely to tangle with a bug.

If you want to carry a passenger, you must have a passenger seat and passenger foot pegs. Also, if you regularly carry a passenger, you should have enough insurance to protect your passenger and anyone else that may get hurt in an accident. There are no age restrictions for passengers. There are no restrictions for helmet speakers; and turn signals and at least one mirror are required.

While there is no law that says an insurance company cannot cover you if you are found violating safety restrictions, your policy may have a clause that spells out penalties for not following them. An insurance company may decide to not pay a claim or may drop you completely if it is found that lack of following safety regulations played a part in an accident.

Insurance Requirements

The State of Maine requires that you carry motorcycle insurance coverage for liability, uninsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage. The minimum amounts required are:

• $25,000 for property damage
• $50,000 for the injury or death of one person in any one accident
• $100,000 for the injury or death of two or more people in any one accident
• 2000+ per person for medical payments

You may want to opt for higher coverage amounts, depending on the type of bike you ride and the location you normally ride. Property values differ from area to area. An area with high property values may require more than the minimum to cover.

If you cannot obtain motorcycle insurance through a private provider, you may obtain the required insurance through the Maine Automobile Insurance Plan. When you get your insurance, you must notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles that you have obtained insurance. Be prepared to show the amount of motorcycle insurance you purchased, the type of insurance, the policy number, your identification, your motorcycles’ identification and the effective and expiration dates of the policy.

Penalties for Riding Without Insurance

If you are caught riding without motorcycle insurance, you may face any number of penalties, depending on the officer who pulled you over and whether you are a repeat offender. Penalties include fines, a ticket that carries a charge of uninsured operation, or you may get your license or registration — or both — suspended. You must immediately obtain coverage and file an SR-22 insurance certificate with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Registration

If you are registering a motorcycle that you obtained from a private person, you will need to pay the excise tax on the purchase. Bring proof of payment along with the bill of sale, the title, the yellow and white copy of the registration application and 5 percent sales tax on the sale price of the motorcycle. You will also need a vehicle title/registration form. If you are registering your motorcycle in Cumberland County, you will also need proof that your motorcycle passed an emissions test. Bring proof of insurance with you when you register your motorcycle.