Drink-driving limits in Maine (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Maine sets its own drink-driving rules. The general limit is 0.08% blood alcohol. Fields not shown are not yet verified.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Under 21: a licence includes the condition that the holder does not operate a motor vehicle with an alcohol level of more than 0.00 grams per 100 millilitres of blood or 210 litres of breath. [2] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | OUI is a Class D crime. First offence, minimum penalties that may not be suspended: a fine of at least $500 ($600 if a test was refused), licence suspension of 150 days, and at least 48 hours in jail in aggravated cases (alcohol level 0.15 or more, speeding by 30 mph or more, eluding an officer, or a passenger under 21) or at least 96 hours if a test was refused. [3] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Commercial motor vehicle: the Secretary of State suspends the commercial licence of a person who operated or attempted to operate a commercial motor vehicle with an alcohol level of 0.04 grams or more per 100 millilitres of blood or 210 litres of breath, or while under the influence. [4] |
Sources
- Maine Legislature: Title 29-A, s. 2411: Criminal OUI (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Maine Legislature: Title 29-A, section 2472: Juvenile provisional license (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Maine Legislature: Title 29-A, section 2411: Criminal OUI (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 29-A, §1253: Commercial licenses (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Maine and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 0.08% | 0.00 (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Class D crime; fine min. $500 |
| New Hampshire | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04%; none in CMV (any alcohol) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Felony on 4th offence; min. USD 500 fine |
More rules in Maine
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 mature, 12 immature plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 45 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (with driver education) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2 and 3 · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 2 and 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (licensed stores; 21+) · Minimum age to buy: 21
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed 'dangerous' knives barred; folding not named · Locking or one-handed knives: Former "dangerous knife" ban repealed (2015)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.10 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed, drivers 18+ with full licence
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (a minor is under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (a minor is under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.