Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Review

Vocabulary and legal requirements based on the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles driver's handbook and lecture transcript.

Minor License Suspension Request

Any person who has signed the application of a minor for an operator's license or instruction permit can file a notarized written request to have it suspended.

Minimum age to apply for a Maine learner's permit

15 years old

number of hours a permit holder must log before taking the road test

70 hours total (including at least 10 hours at night)

Time constratraint rule for a permit holder under 21

Cannot drive between 12:00 am (midnight) and 5am.

Passenger restriction rule during the first 270 days of an intermediae license

No passengers other than immediate family unless accompanied by a licensed driver over 20.

Cell phone law for drivers under 18 years old

strict ban on all cell phone use (including hands free and bluetooth)

Illegal Transportation of Liquor (Minor)

A violation carrying a minimum license suspension of at least $30$ days.

Demerit Points

Penalties added to a driver’s record for traffic violations and accidents.

Number of dermit points that triggers a license suspension warning notice

6 points

Number of dermit points within a 12-month period that results in a 15-day suspension

12 points

Automatic 90-day Suspension Violations

Convictions for eluding a police officer, passing a road block, or street racing.

Name or Address Change Notification

Maine law requires the BMV to be informed of these changes within $30$ days.

Title

A legal document which identifies ownership of a motor vehicle.

Use Tax Certificate

A form used to determine if any Maine sales tax is due, required when registering a vehicle for the first time.

Excise Tax

A tax paid to a municipal tax collector as the first step in registration; the amount depends on the age and factory list price of the vehicle.

Emergency Supplies

Essential items to carry including owner's manual, spare tire, tire jack, lug wrench, first aid kit, blanket, flashlight, and road maps.

Legal blood Alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers Age 21 and older

$$0.8\%$$

Legal BAC Limit for drivers under the age of 21

0.00%

Maine Implied Consent Law Definition

operating a motor vehicle automatically confirms consent to a chemical test at any time authorities wish to administer it.

Consequence of refusing a chemical BAC test for a first offense

Mandatory,automatic 275 day administrative license suspension

Driving Distractions

Three distinct types: Visual, Manual, and Cognitive.

Proper Steering Wheel Grip

The practice of gripping the wheel at the $3$ and $9$ position to avoid airbag injury and maintain best control.

Slowing/Stopping Signal

Tapping the brake pedal $3$ or $4$ times quickly to communicate unexpected intentions to drivers behind.

Idling Fuel Consumption

The average car uses $1$ cup of gas every $6$ minutes while idling.

Solid White Line

Roadway marking indicating that no passing is permitted.

Broken White Line

Roadway marking indicating that passing is permitted.

High-Speed Passing Time

At highway speeds of $50-55\text{ mph}$, a driver needs from $10-12$ seconds to complete a pass safely.

Driver's Blindspot

Areas typically located near headrests, door pillars, and sections not covered by mirrors.

legal speed limit in a Maine school Zone

$15\text{ mph}$ when passing a school during recess, or when children are going to or from school.

Statutory speed limit in residential or business districts unless posted

25 mph

Statutory speed limit on open highways unless posted

45

Maximum speed limit on Maine interstate highways

75 mph (unless a lower limit of 60 or 65 is posted)

Law regarding driving too slowly

it is unlawful to drive at such a slow speed that you impede the normal flow of traffic

Distance required to signal before a turn or lane change

At least 100 feet

Minimum safe following distance in normal conditions

3 seconds

Rule for setting headlights relative to time of day

Must be on from sunset to sunrise

weather condition rule for turning on headlights

must be on anytime windsheild wipers are in continous use (rain,snow,sleet,fog)

High beam headlight dimming distance when approaching oncoming vehicle

within 500 feet

High beam headlight dimming when following another vehicle

Within 300 feet

Minimum parking distance from a fire hydrant

10 feet

Minimum parking distance frrom an intersection crrosswalk

20 feet

Minimum parking distance from a fire station entrance

20 feet (or 75 feet on the opposite side of the street)

Distance you must stop away from a school bus with flashing red lights

At least 20 feet (applies whether you are behind it or approaching it)

Right-of-way rule at a 4 way stop when two cars arrive at the samee time

The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right

Stopped Total Distance (50 mph)

It takes approximately $188\text{ feet}$ to stop a vehicle traveling at this speed.

Hydroplaning

Occurs when a build-up of water happens between the tires and the road surface, causing tires to lose contact with the pavement.

Peak Moose Collision Months

The months of May and June in Maine.

No-zones

The side, front, and rear areas around a large truck where a driver's visibility is restricted.

Regulatory Signs

Square, rectangular, or special shaped white signs with black, red, or green letters that communicate traffic direction and laws.

Warning Signs

Usually yellow, diamond-shaped signs with black lettering or symbols used to warn of danger ahead.

Work Zone Signs

Orange diamond or rectangular shaped signs with black letters or symbols.

Guide Signs

Green, brown, or blue square or rectangular signs that direct drivers to cities, towns, and points of interest.

Steady Red X (Lane Use)

A special overhead light signaling that you must not drive in that lane.

Shared Center Lane

A lane marked for left-turning vehicles only, not intended for through traffic or passing.