Using a mobile phone while driving in Maine (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Maine bans using or handling a handheld electronic device or mobile phone while driving, including while stopped in traffic. Hands-free use is allowed for drivers aged 18 or over without a learner's permit or intermediate licence. The fine is USD 50 for a first offence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $50.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Covered by the handheld ban: you may not use, manipulate or otherwise interact with a handheld device or mobile phone while driving, including when stopped in traffic or at a light, unless it is in hands-free mode. A single swipe, tap or push on a mounted device is allowed. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 and anyone driving with a learner's permit or intermediate licence may not use a phone even in hands-free mode. Learner's permit holders are also excluded from the emergency-call exception. [1] |
Notes
- The ban also applies while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or a stop sign. A driver who has pulled off the road and stopped where the vehicle can safely remain may use a device. Emergency calls and commercial and school bus drivers within federal rules are excepted.
- Hands-free use is allowed only for drivers aged 18 or over who hold neither a learner's permit nor an intermediate licence. A single swipe, tap or push on a mounted device in hands-free mode is allowed.
- The fine is USD 250 for a second or subsequent offence. The amounts are what 'may be adjudged'.
- Section 2121 states no penalty points and the points schedule was not read.
Sources
- Maine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes): Title 29-A, §2121: Use of mobile telephones and handheld electronic devices while operating motor vehicles prohibited (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Maine and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | Banned | Allowed, drivers 18+ with full licence | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Hampshire | Banned | Hands-free allowed (18+) | USD 100 plus assessment | ⚠ Not yet verified |
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
- 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)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00 (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.