ME State Regulations

Signing your driver’s license gets you that seat behind the wheel that you pretty much dream of from the minute you can sit up and play with that toy car or steering wheel you have as a baby. From then on, you yearn for the freedom driving gives you, reaching the moment at the age of 16. From the very moment you receive your learner’s permit, there are state driver regulations that are in two forms – the law of traffic and the law of safety.

Selling Vehicles in MAINE

Selling your car is a process that takes more time than just shaking the buyer’s hand. In fact, there are several documents, a few forms, and a great deal of effort that goes into the process. State vehicle sale regulations manage the process, with requirements to the process:

  1. When selling the vehicle, the seller’s name is required to be printed as well as signed on the rear of the title in the appropriate section. When signing, a notary public must be present and also sign.
  2. The buyer of the vehicle will be required to complete the same process, which can be done at the same time.
  3. The buyer must follow the state DMV law in surrendering the license plates. In some states, the tags are required to stay with the vehicle, while other states will require the buyer to remove and keep the plates or surrender to the DMV.
Buying Vehicles in ME

As with selling your vehicle, buying a vehicle has its processes, rules, and regulations. There are also very handy tips that can ensure that you are protected from a sale that is less than what you expect.

  1. You are offered a vehicle history report – Carfax is a popular provider, yet these reports are offered through the DMV and various sources online will also provide these reports. A vehicle history report helps you avoid lemons and branded/salvaged vehicles.
  2. You will be required to obtain auto insurance for the vehicle before registration is issued for the vehicle by the DMV. The minimum liability coverage is the most commonly chosen and the minimum required policy for all drivers in the state.
  3. Be sure that the seller signs the rear section of the title certificate, along with your signature in the appropriate spaces.
  4. Be sure that you only sign the title in front of a notary public as it is required for completion of the title transfer.
  5. Make sure that the odometer disclosure statement is recorded and accurate, listed in the appropriate section of the title. This is required to ensure that there is no odometer fraud present in the deal.
  6. You will be required to go to the DMV office in-person in order to complete your title transfer, gain ownership of the vehicle, and register the vehicle into your name. You will then be able to apply for the plates or you may be able to transfer your previous plates to your new vehicle if offered.
  7. If an emissions inspection certificate is required for the registration of the vehicle, you will be required to complete the inspection within the allotted time frame offered by the DMV.
Selling or Buying a Vehicle without the Paperwork

While a title is required for proper transfer of ownership on a vehicle, as well as the transfer of registration on a vehicle, you may encounter a sale where the seller doesn’t have the title. If this occurs, you should be very wary of the sale, because no transaction should take place without the title. If a replacement title cannot be obtained by the seller before the sale, it is best to walk away. There are cases where the vehicle could be stolen, or the title may even be branded. These are things you should always watch out for.

  • Always use your best judgment in buying a vehicle without the appropriate documents, there is vehicle sale fraud that occurs and you never want to be a victim.
  • If the seller doesn’t have a title for the vehicle, this could signify some issues that you don’t want to get tied into. Once you purchase the vehicle, your investment is lost if the vehicle is stolen or branded.
  • If you are the seller, you should always obtain a title replacement before you attempt to sell the vehicle. It will be much more difficult to sell a vehicle if you can’t provide the title.
Lemon Law of MAINE

There is a Lemon Law imposed in MAINE, but that doesn’t mean all vehicles are covered. In most cases, buying a used car is a solid sale that sticks, and regardless of the issues, there is an implied “as is” warranty offered with used vehicles, indicating that you get what you see and get and that is it. If you aren’t satisfied with the purchase, there is little else you can do about it.

However, if you are purchasing a vehicle that is advertised in one way yet isn’t that way, purchasing a vehicle from a pre-owned dealership, or purchasing a vehicle new from a dealership, there is a good chance you can obtain some reprieve through the Lemon Law if the vehicle turns out to be less than what you expected with clear and logical, as well as legitimate issues that affect the operation and safety of the vehicle.

Car Buying Tips to Consider

  1. If you think that buying a more expensive vehicle is going to secure better satisfaction and value, that isn’t always the case. You should always research and verify the vehicle you are considering with the resources that are offered to you and your right in the sale.
  2. You can find the greatest new vehicle and dealership sales during the months of July and December. These are the months where new inventory is coming in and the old must go. For this reason, you can find the greatest discounts and sales during these months.
  3. If you are purchasing a used vehicle, always bring along your own mechanic to check out the vehicle. If you have a friend who is a mechanic, they may do it for free, while other mechanics aren’t going to charge you much to inspect the vehicle so you can make a more informed choice.
  4. If you are ever asked to sign a financially related form that is blank, you should always refuse.
  5. If a dealer or seller is promising something with or for the vehicle, be sure to get it in writing or it is a useless promise.
  6. Always be careful if a dealership asks for your license while you test drive a vehicle, even if they say it is for insurance purposes as this is typically the rouse that is used to get personal information from you to use for a credit check.