Breaking traffic laws in Maine is not just punishable by fines, penalties and license suspension. The State has a demerit system enacted to monitor and overall individual ability to follow Maine traffic laws. The system is significant as many drivers try to keep their records clean by driving safely. Traffic offenders with more demerit are at the risk of receiving more penalties and fines. The Maine traffic laws allow the motorist to accumulate twelve points only. Once they exceed the set limit, the State has the right to suspend the driver’s license.
Maine Traffic Violations
Traffic violation demerits are only removed from driver’s records after a year. The demerits points are not added if the motorist is convicted of the traffic violation, which results from licensing revocation or suspension.
Maine violation-free credit points
The Maine state has a unique traffic law which recognizes good drivers who abide by the law. The State offers drivers with violation-free credit points for good behaviour and following traffic rules. The system works by monitoring each driver’s records. Each year which you’re not convicted for any traffic violation which contributes to a demerit point or license revocation. You stand to gain a credit point on your records. The credit scores are also added on the records if you complete a driver safety course. The driver can accumulate up to four credit points in total.
The credit points can help redeem one demerit point; these only happen once in a year. Example, a driver accused of traffic violation of two demerit points can use his four credit points to nullify the demerits. However, you only use the credit points once per year. Meaning if the driver gets another violation case, they cannot use the credit points again. The demerit points will reflect on the records though nullified.
Traffic violation laws in Maine and insurance
Traffic violations don’t just affect the records but the insurance rates as well. The credit points play a significant role in vehicle insurance matters. The company check the demerit points from the records and charge according to the violations points. However, not all insurance companies increase the premium in Maine. The credit points also help in boosting your records and avoiding insurance increase.
Maine Speeding Tickets and Violations
The Maine traffic ticket fines vary according to the court, county and violation. The State has two categories of traffic violations.
- Moving violations
- Non-moving violations
Moving violations
The DOL or court handles moving violation in Maine. The violations are classified as major offences such as speeding, reckless driving, DUI and many more. The offence happens while the vehicle is in motion.
Non-moving violations
Non-moving violations are minor traffic violations which are punished by fines. The DOL or court doesn’t deal with non-moving violations. The offences include inattentive driving, driving without a seat belt, wrong parking etc. The offence takes place when the vehicle is moving. What makes the two different is what the law says about non-moving violations. The offences cannot be reported to the DOL or court; some law prohibiting the offender from involving the insurance companies.
How to Respond to a Traffic Ticket in Maine State
Paying the fine
Drivers who plead guilty can pay their fines using the following methods:
- Online website
- Using the mobile phone
- By mail
- Visiting the court in person.
The traffic department will also include violations to the driving records. Ensure to pay the fine within the stated days to avoid extra charges.
Requesting Mitigation Hearing
Requesting for mitigation show the driver is guilty of the offence. However, the offender has the right to request for mitigation hearing which may result in different answers.
- Have a reduction in fine
- Community service or defensive driving for minor cases.
- Monthly payment plan.
Pleading not guilty
The Maine state allows drivers to fight a traffic ticket in court. Contest hearing is the solution for receiving justice. The driver should send the request by ticking the appropriate check box. Now mail the request, and the respective court will communicate back. You can either contest alone or hire a lawyer to help in the case. The judge’s verdict is final, and if found guilty, you need to pay all fines and surcharges. For not guilty verdict, the driver will not get demerit points or fines. Note all traffic offenders should take action about their traffic ticket. Late payments can cause a warrant of arrest or license suspension.