Me. Stat. tit. 12 § 13104

Current through 131st (2023-2024) Legislature Chapter 684

Section 13104 - Registration

1.Operating unregistered snowmobile. Except as provided in this subsection, subsection 7 and section 13112, a person may not operate a snowmobile that is not registered in accordance with this section.

A. A registration is not required for a snowmobile operated over the snow on land on which the owner lives or that the snowmobile operator owns or leases, regardless of where that snowmobile operator is domiciled, as long as the snowmobile is not operated elsewhere within the jurisdiction of this State. [2023, c. 308, §13(AMD).]

B. A registration is not required for a snowmobile operated by a commercial ski area for the purpose of packing snow or for rescue operations thereon unless the snowmobile is required to cross a public way during that operation. [2005, c. 1, §1(AMD).]

C. Snowmobiles owned and operated in this State by the Federal Government, the State or a political subdivision of the State are exempt from registration fees but must be registered and required to display numbers. [2005, c. 1, §1(AMD).]

D. Registration is not required to field test repairs to a snowmobile if valid snowmobile repair shop number plates issued under section 13110 are affixed to the snowmobile during the field test and the snowmobile is not owned by the snowmobile repair shop or any repair shop employee. [2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 2003, c. 614, §9(AFF).]

E. Registration is not required to field test repairs to a snowmobile when the snowmobile is tested on the premises of a snowmobile repair shop when the snowmobile repair shop is open and the snowmobile is not owned by the snowmobile repair shop or any repair shop employee. [2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 2003, c. 614, §9(AFF).]

F. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection.

(1) A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

(2) A person who violates this subsection after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. [2009, c. 213, Pt. OO, §18(AMD).]

[2023, c. 308, §13(AMD).]

2.Application and issuance. The commissioner, or an agent designated by the commissioner, may register and assign a registration number to a snowmobile upon application and payment of a fee by the owner. The commissioner shall charge a fee of $1 in addition to the fee for each registration issued by an employee of the department. The registration number in the form of stickers issued by the commissioner must be clearly displayed on both sides of the snowmobile. An annual registration is valid for one year commencing July 1st of each year, except that any registration issued prior to July 1st but after May 1st is valid from the date of issuance until June 30th of the following year.

[2021, c. 411, §7(RPR).]

3.Form of registration. The snowmobile registration must be in such form as the commissioner may determine except that the commissioner shall develop a single form of registration that can be used for the 3-day, 10-day or seasonal nonresident registrations.

[2015, c. 237, §1(AMD).]

4.Fee. Except as provided in subsection 5, the annual snowmobile registration fee is as follows:

A. For residents, $55. The registration for a snowmobile owned by a resident is valid for one year, commencing on July 1st of each year; and [2021, c. 104, §1(AMD).]

B. For nonresidents:

(1) Seventy-four dollars for a 3-consecutive-day registration. A person may purchase more than one 3-day registration in any season;

(2) One hundred and nineteen dollars for a seasonal registration; and

(3) Ninety-nine dollars for a 10-consecutive-day registration. A person may purchase more than one 10-day registration in any season.

The registration for a snowmobile owned by a nonresident must specify the dates for which the registration is valid. [2021, c. 104, §1(AMD).]

Ten dollars from each resident registration fee and $15 from each nonresident registration fee collected pursuant to this subsection must be transferred to a special fund administered by the Off-Road Vehicle Division of the Bureau of Parks and Lands within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The funds must be used to assist any entity that has a snowmobile trail grooming contract with the Bureau of Parks and Lands in the purchase of trail-grooming equipment. The funds also may be used for the repair or overhaul of trail-grooming equipment.

Seventeen dollars from each resident snowmobile registration fee must be transferred to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Sixteen dollars from each nonresident 3-day snowmobile registration fee, $16 from each nonresident 10-day snowmobile registration fee and $21 from each nonresident seasonal snowmobile registration fee must be transferred to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Five dollars from each nonresident 3-day snowmobile registration fee and 10-day snowmobile registration fee must be transferred to the Snowmobile Enforcement Fund established under section 10258.

[RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. A, §9(COR).]

5.Antique snowmobile registration fee. A person who owns a snowmobile that is more than 25 years old and that is substantially maintained in original or restored condition may register that snowmobile under this subsection as an antique snowmobile. An antique snowmobile registration authorizes that snowmobile to be operated only for the purpose of traveling to, returning from and participating in an exhibition, parade or other event of interest to the public or for occasional personal use. The fee for an antique snowmobile registration is $33. An antique snowmobile registration is valid until the ownership of that antique snowmobile is transferred to another person. Upon the transfer of ownership, the new owner may reregister that snowmobile as an antique snowmobile by paying the $33 antique snowmobile registration fee. The registration fee for an antique snowmobile is allocated according to section 10206, subsection 2, paragraph A.

[2017, c. 164, §25(AMD).]

6.Members of armed forces permanently stationed in Maine. The following persons are eligible to register any snowmobile owned by them at the resident fee:

A. Any person serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who is permanently stationed at a military or naval post, station or base in the State; and [2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 2003, c. 614, §9(AFF).]

B. The spouse and children of the person described in paragraph A, provided that the spouse and children permanently reside with that person. [2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 2003, c. 614, §9(AFF).]

A member of the armed forces described in paragraph A who desires to register a snowmobile shall present certification from the commander of the post, station or base, or from the commander's designated agent, that the member is permanently stationed at that post, station or base. Registration fees for registrations pursuant to this subsection must be allocated as if the person registering the snowmobile was a resident of the municipality in which the post, station or base is situated.

[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 2003, c. 614, §9(AFF).]

7. Snowmobiles of nonresidents; Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails. Except as specifically provided in this subsection and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a snowmobile belonging to a nonresident may be possessed or operated by any person in this State as long as the snowmobile is properly registered in this State in the name of a nonresident owner of the snowmobile. Nothing in this subsection authorizes the operation of a snowmobile in a manner contrary to this chapter.

A. A nonresident is ineligible to obtain a resident registration for a snowmobile owned by that nonresident. Snowmobiles and grooming equipment registered to federal or state entities, snowmobile clubs, municipalities or counties from bordering states or provinces and engaged in trail grooming may be operated without being registered under this subsection. Snowmobiles registered in either New Hampshire or Canada may be operated on any lake or pond that is partly in both the State and New Hampshire or Canada without being registered in the State. [2005, c. 456, §1(NEW).]

B. A snowmobile registered in this State or in New Hampshire may be operated without further registration requirements on those portions of the Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails located in Maine. For purposes of this paragraph, "Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails" means:

(1) New Hampshire Trail 18 as identified in the Success Pond - Grafton Notch area; and

(2) Maine Trail ITS-80 as identified in the Evans Notch area of the White Mountain National Forest. [2005, c. 456, §1(NEW).]

C. Snowmobiles registered in another state or in a Canadian province may be operated without a Maine registration at a special event or festival organized to occur in this State if such operation is approved by the commissioner. An event or festival organizer must submit a request in writing to the commissioner at least 60 days prior to the event or festival and shall include a map of trails where operation will be allowed. [2005, c. 465, §1(NEW).]

D. A snowmobile owned or under the control of a snowmobile manufacturer may be operated without a Maine registration at a demonstration event organized to occur in this State if such operation is approved by the commissioner. A snowmobile manufacturer or a representative of a snowmobile manufacturer must submit a request in writing to the commissioner at least 60 days prior to the demonstration event and shall include a description and the location of the event. [2009, c. 184, §1(NEW).]

E. The commissioner may annually establish one 3-consecutive-day period, 2 days of which are weekend days, during which a nonresident may operate in the State a snowmobile that is not registered in this State if the nonresident's snowmobile has a valid registration from another state or a Canadian province and if the nonresident has submitted notification under paragraph F. [2019, c. 207, §1(AMD); 2019, c. 207, §4(AFF).]

F. The commissioner shall establish an online notification process to promote seasonal nonresident snowmobile registration opportunities to nonresident snowmobile operators and to promote general snowmobile recreational activities in the State through regional state tourism organizations and a statewide organization with an interest in snowmobiling. The process must allow a nonresident who plans to operate in this State during the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E a snowmobile that is not registered in this State to provide information to the department using an electronic form accessible through the department's publicly accessible website. The commissioner may not require a fee to submit the electronic form. The electronic form must:

(1) Briefly describe the purpose of this process and clearly indicate that the notification process is free;

(2) Request the nonresident snowmobile operator's name, address, telephone number and e-mail address and the location or locations where the nonresident plans to operate the snowmobile during the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E; and

(3) Include a statement that by submitting the electronic form the person named on the electronic form authorizes the commissioner to share the information on the electronic form with the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism after the end of the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E for purposes of promoting seasonal nonresident snowmobile registration opportunities to nonresident snowmobile operators and promoting general snowmobile recreational activities in the State through regional state tourism organizations and a statewide organization with an interest in snowmobiling.

The commissioner shall share the information collected on the electronic form under this paragraph with the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism annually after the end of the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E for purposes of promoting seasonal nonresident snowmobile registration opportunities to nonresident snowmobile operators and promoting general snowmobile recreational opportunities in the State through regional state tourism organizations and a statewide organization with an interest in snowmobiling.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, failure to comply with this paragraph is not a violation of any law or rule administered by the department. Nothing in this paragraph relieves a person of the person's responsibilities under any law or rule regulating the ownership or operation of a snowmobile in the State. [2019, c. 207, §2(NEW); 2019, c. 207, §4(AFF).]

The commissioner shall adopt rules regarding the grooming and maintenance of the Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails and reimbursement or payment for those services. The rules must allow reimbursement for grooming and maintenance services to be through direct cash payments by users of the Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails or through in-kind services. The costs of grooming and maintenance must be based on the average per mile costs to Maine and New Hampshire of providing these services. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

[2019, c. 207, §§1, 2(AMD); 2019, c. 207, §4(AFF).]

8.Duplicate registration certificate. The holder of any resident or nonresident seasonal registration certificate issued under this section may obtain a duplicate from the commissioner upon application and payment of a fee of $1.

[2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 2003, c. 614, §9(AFF).]

9.Numbers permanent.

[2007, c. 165, §1(RP).]

10.Transfer of ownership, discontinuance of use. The following provisions govern transfer of ownership and discontinued use.

A. A person who transfers the ownership or permanently discontinues the use of a snowmobile having a resident registration or a nonresident seasonal registration and applies for registration of another snowmobile in the same registration year is entitled to a registration upon payment of a transfer fee of $4 and is not required to pay the regular registration fee. [2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §42(AMD).]

B. Whenever ownership is transferred or the use of a snowmobile for which a registration has already been issued is discontinued, the old registration must be properly signed and executed by the owner showing that the ownership of the snowmobile has been transferred or its use discontinued and returned to the commissioner within 10 days of the transfer or discontinuance of use. [2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 2003, c. 614, §9(AFF).]

C. If there is a change of ownership of a snowmobile for which a registration has previously been issued, the new owner shall apply for a new registration, shall set forth the original number in the application and shall pay the regular fee for the particular snowmobile involved. [2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 2003, c. 614, §9(AFF).]

[2005, c. 12, Pt. III, §42(AMD).]

11.Open snowmobile weekend.

[2005, c. 1, §3(RP).]

12.Restrictions.

[2003, c. 614, §9(AFF); 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §388(RP); 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422(AFF).]

12-A.Registration certificate; inspection and display. The following provisions apply to registration certificates and numbers.

A. A person shall:

(1) Provide a registration certificate or an online registration receipt for inspection by any law enforcement officer on demand. A person may provide a registration certificate or an online registration receipt in electronic form; and

(2) Display a registration number assigned to a snowmobile in such form and manner as the commissioner may determine, except that an antique snowmobile is not required to display registration numbers. A person may operate a snowmobile registered online without displaying a registration number until that person receives the registration certificate from the department or for 30 days after registering the snowmobile online, whichever occurs first. [2021, c. 130, §3(AMD).]

B. The following penalties apply to violations of this subsection.

(1) A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

[2021, c. 130, §3(AMD).]

13.Fraudulent acquisition of snowmobile registration.

[2019, c. 452, §11(RP).]

14.Report of destroyed, abandoned or permanently removed snowmobile. A registrant shall notify the commissioner if a snowmobile is destroyed, abandoned or permanently removed from the State.

[2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §391(NEW); 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422(AFF).]

15.Reciprocity.

[2011, c. 437, §1(NEW); MRSA T. 12 § 13104, sub-§ 15 (RP).]

16.Reciprocity.

[2017, c. 97, §2(RP).]

17.Snowmobile Trail Fund Donation Sticker Program. The commissioner shall establish the Snowmobile Trail Fund Donation Sticker Program. The commissioner shall design and issue 3 different Snowmobile Trail Fund donation stickers to reflect a donor's donation of $25, $50 and $100, respectively. For every donation $2 is retained by the department and the remainder is transferred to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands.

A Snowmobile Trail Fund donation sticker is in addition to and separate from the snowmobile registration requirements of this section.

[2015, c. 237, §3(NEW).]

12 M.R.S. § 13104

Amended by 2023SP1, c. 308,§ 13, eff. 10/25/2023.

Amended by 2021SP1, c. 411,§ 7, eff. 10/18/2021.

Amended by 2021SP1, c. 130,§ 3, eff. 10/18/2021.

Amended by 2021SP1, c. 104,§ 1, eff. 10/18/2021.

Amended by 2019, c. 452,§ 11, eff. 9/19/2019.

Amended by 2019, c. 207,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2020.

Amended by 2019, c. 207,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2020.

Amended by 2017, c. 164,§ 25, eff. 11/1/2017.

Amended by 2017, c. 97,§ 1 and § 2, eff. 11/1/2017.

Amended by 2015, c. 237,§ 1 to § 3, eff. 6/23/2015.

Amended by 2015, c. 130,§ 1, eff. 10/15/2015.

Amended by 2014, c. 588,§ E-6, eff. 10/1/2013.

Amended by 2013, c. 386,§ 1, eff. 10/9/2013.

Amended by 2011, c. 437,§ 1, eff. 9/28/2011.

Amended by 2011, c. 129,§ 1, eff. 9/28/2011.

2003, c. 414, §A2 (NEW) . 2003, c. 414, §D7 (AFF) . 2003, c. 614, § 9 (AFF) . 2003, c. 655, §§B386-391 (AMD) . 2003, c. 655, §B422 (AFF) . 2005, c. 1, §§1-3 (AMD) . 2005, c. 12, §§III41,42 (AMD) . 2005, c. 456, § 1 (AMD) . 2005, c. 465, § 1 (AMD) . 2007, c. 165, § 1 (AMD) . 2007, c. 556, § 3 (AMD) . 2007, c. 651, § 18 (AMD) . 2009, c. 184, § 1 (AMD) . 2009, c. 213, Pt. OO, §§18-20 (AMD) . 2009, c. 226, § 1 (AMD) .

Subsection 15 was repealed 10/1/2013. PL 2013, c. 386, §1 attempted to strike the language that repealed the subsection, but did not take effect in time.