20 LAWS & RULES : SNOWMOBILE
D . If the main traveled portion of a public way is publicly plowed and utilized by conventional motor vehicles , a snowmobile may be operated only on that portion of the way not maintained or utilized for the operation of conventional motor vehicles , except that operation on the left side of the way is prohibited during the hours from sunset to sunrise on the portion of the way not maintained or utilized for the operation of conventional motor vehicles . This paragraph does not apply to a snowmobile operated by a public utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission while being operated in the course of the utility ’ s corporate function , so that public utilities may effectively and speedily carry out their obligations to the public .
E . A snowmobile may be operated on streets and public ways during a period of emergency when the emergency has been so declared by a police agency having jurisdiction and when travel by conventional motor vehicles is not practicable . This paragraph does not apply to a snowmobile operated by a public utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission while being operated in the course of the utility ’ s corporate function , so that public utilities may effectively and speedily carry out their obligations to the public .
F . A snowmobile may be operated on streets and public ways in special snowmobile events of limited duration conducted according to a prearranged schedule and under a permit from the governmental unit having jurisdiction .
G . Notwithstanding paragraphs A to F , a snowmobile may be operated on the extreme right of a public way within the built-up portion of a municipality or unorganized or unincorporated township if the appropriate governmental unit has designated the public way as a snowmobile access route for the purpose of allowing snowmobiles access to places of business . A public way designated by an appropriate governmental unit as a snowmobile access route must be posted conspicuously at regular intervals by that governmental unit with highly visible signs designating the snowmobile access route . Before designating a public way as a snowmobile access route , the appropriate governmental unit shall make appropriate determinations that snowmobile travel on the extreme right of the public way may be conducted safely and will not interfere with vehicular traffic on the public way . For purposes of this paragraph , “ appropriate governmental unit ” means the Department of Transportation , county commissioners or municipal officers within their respective jurisdictions . The jurisdiction of each appropriate governmental unit over public ways pursuant to this paragraph is the same as its jurisdiction over the passage of vehicles on public ways pursuant to Title 29-A , section 2395 . Municipal or county law enforcement officials having jurisdiction have primary enforcement authority over any route established under this paragraph .
6 . Failing to stop snowmobile before entering public way . A person shall bring a snowmobile to a complete stop before entering a public way or a private way maintained for travel .
7 . Failing to yield right-of-way while operating snowmobile . A person shall yield the right-of- way to all vehicular traffic while operating a snowmobile on a public way or a private way maintained for travel .
8 . Crossing a closed bridge , culvert , overpass or underpass with snowmobile . This subsection applies to the crossing with a snowmobile of a bridge , culvert , overpass or underpass closed to snowmobiles by the Commissioner of Transportation .
A . A person may not cross with a snowmobile a bridge , culvert , overpass or underpass closed to snowmobiles by the Commissioner of Transportation .
( 1 ) The Commissioner of Transportation may , following a public hearing , prohibit the crossing of an individual bridge , culvert , overpass or underpass if the commissioner determines that that crossing or use of the public way is hazardous .
( 2 ) Any bridge , culvert , overpass or underpass closed by the Commissioner of Transportation must be posted by appropriate notices .
9 . Reckless operation of a snowmobile . A person may not operate a snowmobile in such a way as to recklessly create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person .
10 . Operating a snowmobile to endanger . A person may not operate a snowmobile so as to endanger any person or property by :
A . Operating the snowmobile except at a reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions , including when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing , when approaching and taking a curve , when approaching a hill crest , when traveling upon any narrow or winding trail and when a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians , skiers or other traffic by reason of weather or trail conditions ; or
B . Operating the snowmobile in a manner that fails to control its speed at all times as necessary to avoid colliding with any person , vehicle , snowmobile or other object .
11 . Operating a snowmobile at greater than reasonable and prudent speed . A person may not operate a snowmobile except at a reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions .
12 . Operating a snowmobile while underage . A person under 14 years of age may not operate a snowmobile across any public way maintained for travel .
13 . Permitting an unaccompanied child to operate a snowmobile . A person may not permit a child under 10 years of age to operate a snowmobile unless the child is accompanied by an adult . This subsection does not apply on land that is owned by the parent or guardian or on land where permission for use has been granted to the parent or guardian .
14-A . Snowmobile noise requirements .
This subsection governs noise level requirements for snowmobiles .
A . Except as provided in section 13112 , a person may not :
( 1 ) Operate a snowmobile manufactured after February 1 , 2007 that does not display on its exhaust silencer a visible , unaltered certification marking issued by an independent organization that certifies snowmobiles for uniformity of safety features and noise levels ;
( 2 ) Operate a snowmobile manufactured after October 1 , 1985 that emits total vehicle noise greater than 78 decibels of sound pressure level at 50 feet on the “ A ” scale , as measured by the SAE standards J-192 ; or
( 3 ) Operate a snowmobile with an exhaust system that has been modified in a manner that amplifies or otherwise increases total noise emission above that of the snowmobile as originally
2023-24 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES ATV & SNOWMOBILE