A license is not valid for the operation of a vehicle unless a class or restriction is indicated on the license. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
1.Classes. There are 3 classes of licenses as follows:A. A Class A license may be issued for the operation of a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, if the gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight of the vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. A holder of a Class A license may, with an appropriate endorsement, operate a vehicle in Class B or C; [2013, c. 381, Pt. B, §11(AMD).]
B. A Class B license may be issued for the operation of a single motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds or such a vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight not in excess of 10,000 pounds. A holder of a Class B license may, with an appropriate endorsement, operate a vehicle in Class C; and [2013, c. 381, Pt. B, §11(AMD).]
C. A Class C license may be issued for the operation of a single motor vehicle or a combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B license. A holder of a Class C license may, with an appropriate endorsement, operate all vehicles in that class.
A Class C license authorizes:
(1) A full-time or volunteer member of an organized municipal, state or federal fire department and a law enforcement officer who is a member of an organized municipal, state or federal law enforcement department to operate fire apparatus as described in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 383.3 (2005) and to operate a commercial motor vehicle as a mobile command unit. For purposes of this subparagraph, "mobile command unit" means a motor vehicle designed and used by a law enforcement agency primarily as a command and control platform for emergency response;(2) A person to operate recreational vehicles for personal use;(3) A person to operate commercial motor vehicles for military purposes as required in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 383.3 (2005);(4) A person to operate registered farm motor trucks bearing the letter "F" on the registration plate when the vehicle is: (a) Controlled and operated by a farmer, including operation by the farmer's employees or family members;(b) Used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery or farm supplies to or from a farm;(c) Not used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier; and(d) Used within 150 miles of the registered owner's farm;(5) A person, employed by a city, town, county, district or other unit of local government created by or pursuant to law that has a total population of 3,000 individuals or less, to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the boundaries of that unit of local government for the purpose of removing snow or ice from a roadway by plowing, sanding or salting, if: (a) The properly licensed employee who ordinarily operates a commercial motor vehicle for those purposes is unable to operate the vehicle; or(b) The employing governmental entity determines that a snow or ice emergency exists that requires additional assistance; or(6) A person to operate a truck registered as an antique automobile, regardless of weight or combination weight, provided the vehicle is used for noncommercial recreational purposes or purposes pursuant to section 101, subsection 3. [2019, c. 345, §4(AMD).] [2019, c. 345, §4(AMD).]
2.School bus or motorcycle. Operation of a school bus or motorcycle, other than an autocycle, requires a special endorsement on a license. A nonresident school bus driver picking up and discharging school children or driving in conjunction with school-related activities may operate a vehicle with a certificate issued by the Secretary of State.
A school bus certificate may be issued only after the applicant has successfully passed the required examination.
[2019, c. 345, §5(AMD).]
3.Mopeds and motorized scooters. A moped or motorized scooter may not be operated: A. By a person who does not possess a valid license of any class or a license specially endorsed to operate a motorcycle or a moped; or [2005, c. 577, §15(AMD).]B. On an interstate highway or on a way on which a bicycle is prohibited. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).] [2005, c. 577, §15(AMD).]
4.Examination. The Secretary of State shall examine an applicant for the class for which the applicant applies. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
5.Immediate examination.[2013, c. 381, Pt. B, §12(AMD); MRSA T. 29-A § 1252, sub-§ 5 (RP).]
6.Endorsement. The Secretary of State shall endorse each license with its class and a special endorsement for specific types of vehicles. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
7.Violation. A person commits a Class E crime if that person operates a vehicle not included within the class of license issued to that person. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
8.Employer's requirements. An employer may impose more stringent or additional qualifications, requirements or examinations than are imposed in this section or may require additional certificates. [1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2(NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5(AFF).]
Amended by 2019, c. 345,§ 5, eff. 9/19/2019.Amended by 2019, c. 345,§ 4, eff. 9/19/2019.Amended by 2013, c. 381,§ B-11 and § B-12, eff. 10/9/2013.Amended by 2011, c. 165,§ 1, eff. 9/28/2011.1993, c. 683, §A2 (NEW) . 1993, c. 683, §B5 (AFF) . 1995, c. 65, §§A153,C15 (AFF) . 1995, c. 65, §B11 (AMD) . 1997, c. 437, § 29 (AMD) . 2001, c. 197, § 5 (AMD) . 2001, c. 486, § 2 (AMD) . 2005, c. 577, §§14,15 (AMD) . 2005, c. 679, § 2 (AMD) . 2007, c. 383, § 20 (AMD) .