Chapter 190 - RULE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF EXPERIMENTAL VEHICLE REGISTRATIONSUMMARY: This rule establishes requirements for the registration of experimental motor vehicles. The rule sets forth required equipment standards, application procedures, and the limitations of use pursuant to 29A MRSA section 470.
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec470.html
COMMUNICATIONS:
All communications should be directed to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Dealer and Agent Services
101 Hospital St.
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
Telephone: 207/624-9000 x. 52143
DEFINITIONS
A. "Experimental Vehicle" means any motor vehicle in the developmental stage that has not yet reached production. It does not include a motor vehicle already in production that is being modified. It also does not include the modification of a vehicle designed for non-highway use unless that vehicle has been modified to meet USDOT vehicle safety standards and EPA emission standards for highway vehicles.B. "Inventor" means a person or company in the business of developing experimental vehicles.C. "Production" means the vehicle is available to the general public for purchase.D. "Daytime" means the period from a 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.E. "Jurisdiction" means a state of the United States, its possessions, the District of Columbia, or any Canadian province or territory.REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPERIMENTAL MOTOR VEHICLES
In order to obtain an experimental vehicle registration:
A. The inventor must have an established physical location in Maine.B. The experimental vehicle(s) must be in a developmental stage and not in production.C. The experimental vehicle must comply with the equipment standards of 29A MRSA chapter 17, including at a minimum: body components, an exhaust system, reflectors, running gear, tires, a horn, lights, directional signals, brakes, steering mechanism, windshield wipers, safety seat belts, and rearview mirrors. An experimental vehicle is exempt from inspection requirements under 29A MRSA section 1751. http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1751.html
D. The inventor must submit an application on a form provided by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Dealer and Agent Services: The application must include:
a. The name of the inventor;b. The address of the inventor;c. The phone number of the inventor;d. A description of the experimental vehicle;e. Photographs of the experimental vehicle in development; andf. A statement as to the expected duration of the experimental testing.E. Upon initial application, the inventor must submit to an inspection of the physical location and the experimental vehicle by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Office of Investigations. The facility may be inspected for any renewals. The applicant must show sufficient intellectual and resource capacity to accomplish the production of the experimental vehicle.G. Plates The inventor may be issued up to two experimental plates to expire in the same month, one year from issuance. The plate must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
a. The plate may be used for one or more experimental vehicles of the same prototype during the term of the registration plate.b. The registration may be renewed annually. The annual registration fee is $20 per plate.c. If a plate is lost, stolen or mutilated, the inventor must report it to the Dealer and Agent Services Section.d. A lost, stolen or mutilated plate may not be replaced by a facsimile.H. Limitations on Use a. An experimental vehicle may not be operated on a public way with a posted speed limit that exceeds the capability of that vehicle.b. An experimental vehicle may not be operated on the Maine interstate system or Maine turnpike.c. An experimental vehicle may be operated only during daytime.d. An experimental vehicle authorized under this rule may be operated outside the State of Maine subject to the laws and requirements of the jurisdiction being operated in. An experimental vehicle authorized by another jurisdiction may operate in Maine provided the home jurisdiction has substantially similar procedures for approving experimental vehicles. C.M.R. 29, 250, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, ch. 190
EFFECTIVE DATE:
December 21, 2008 - filing 2008-583STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 29-A MRSA Section470(8)