How a Maine license suspension works
A suspended license in Maine means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle during the suspension period. The suspension is not permanent — it ends on a specific date or when you complete certain requirements — but until then, driving is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Maine suspends licenses for several reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, driving under the influence convictions, failure to maintain car insurance, or unpaid child support. Each reason has different rules about how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to get your license back.
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is the state agency that handles suspensions. When your license is suspended, the BMV sends you a notice by mail. That notice tells you why the suspension happened, when it ends, and what steps you need to take. Keeping that notice is important — you may need it later.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended Maine license is temporary, but driving during suspension is illegal and can result in criminal charges and additional fines.
- The BMV sends a written notice explaining why your license was suspended, when it ends, and what you must do to restore it.
- Different suspension reasons have different restoration paths — some require paying fines, others require court action or insurance proof.
- You can contact the BMV directly at 207-624-9000 to find out your suspension status and what steps explore to your specific case.
- Driving on a suspended license adds criminal charges on top of your original violation and can make insurance harder to get later.
Common reasons Maine suspends a license
Traffic violations that add points to your record can lead to suspension. Maine uses a point system: speeding, reckless driving, and other violations add points. When you reach 12 points within a 12-month period, your license is suspended for 30 days. If you reach 18 points within 24 months, the suspension is 90 days. If you reach 24 points within 36 months, the suspension is 180 days.
Unpaid fines and failure to appear in court are common suspension triggers. If you receive a traffic ticket and do not pay the fine by the due date, or if you miss a court date, the court can request that the BMV suspend your license. This suspension stays in place until you pay the fine or resolve the court case.
Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions result in automatic suspension. A first DUI conviction suspends your license for 90 days. A second conviction within ten years suspends it for three years. A third or subsequent conviction suspends it for eight years. These suspensions are mandatory and cannot be shortened.
Failure to maintain car insurance can also trigger suspension. If you are involved in an accident or stopped by police and cannot show proof of insurance, the BMV may suspend your license. You must show proof of continuous insurance to restore it.
How to learn about your Maine license is suspended
The fastest way to check your suspension status is to call the Maine BMV at 207-624-9000. Have your driver's license number ready. The BMV staff can tell you when ready whether your license is suspended, why, and when the suspension ends.
You can also check online through the Maine BMV website. Go to maine.gov/bmv and look for the license status check tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online tool shows your current status and any active suspensions.
If you received a notice in the mail, that notice contains your suspension details. Keep it in a safe place. The notice tells you the suspension start date, end date, and what you need to do to restore your license. If you lost the notice, the BMV can mail you another copy or provide the information over the phone.
Steps to restore your Maine license
The restoration process depends on why your license was suspended. If the suspension is time-based — such as points accumulation — you straightforward wait until the suspension period ends. On that date, your license is automatically restored. You do not need to take any action.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court failure, you must resolve the underlying issue. Pay the fine in full or appear in court to resolve the case. Once you do, notify the BMV or have the court notify them. The BMV will lift the suspension once it receives confirmation that the fine is paid or the case is resolved.
For DUI suspensions, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation and treatment program before your license can be restored. The BMV will provide information about approved programs. You must also show proof of insurance and pay a restoration fee. The fee varies depending on the number of DUI convictions.
For insurance-related suspensions, you must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof to the BMV. The proof must show continuous coverage from the date of the violation forward. Once the BMV receives proof, the suspension is lifted.
What you cannot do while your license is suspended
You cannot legally drive any vehicle in Maine or in other states while your license is suspended. This applies to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and any other motor vehicle. Driving during suspension is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation.
A first offense of driving with a suspended license carries a fine of $250 to $500 and possible jail time. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and possible jail time. A third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 and possible jail time. These penalties are in addition to the original reason your license was suspended.
Driving on a suspended license also creates a new suspension. If you are caught driving while suspended, the BMV will extend your current suspension or create an additional one. This can trap you in a cycle of longer and longer suspensions.
Insurance companies also view driving on a suspended license as a serious violation. If you are involved in an accident while driving illegally, your insurance may refuse to cover the damage. This can leave you personally liable for all costs.
Options for getting around without a license
Public transportation is available in many Maine cities and towns. The Greater Portland Transit District (METRO) serves the Portland area. Concord Coach Lines and Greyhound provide intercity bus service. Check the websites of these services to see if routes serve your area.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Maine, primarily in Portland and surrounding areas. These services allow you to request a ride through a smartphone app. The cost varies by distance and demand.
Carpooling with friends, family, or coworkers is another option. You can arrange regular rides with someone whose license is not suspended. Some employers also offer vanpool programs for employees.
Biking and walking are options for shorter trips, depending on where you live and the season. Maine has bike paths in many communities, and some towns have pedestrian-friendly areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended in Maine?
Maine does not issue hardship licenses or work licenses during a suspension. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court failure, paying or resolving the issue when ready will lift the suspension. For points-based suspensions, you must wait out the suspension period. For DUI suspensions, you may be able to request a work-restricted license after completing a substance abuse program, but this requires a hearing before a judge.
What happens if I move out of Maine while my license is suspended?
Your Maine suspension follows you. Other states can see your suspension through the National Driver Register. If you move to another state and try to get a license there, most states will not issue one until your Maine suspension is resolved. You must handle the suspension in Maine first.
How much does it cost to restore my Maine license?
The restoration fee depends on the reason for suspension. For points-based suspensions, there is no fee — your license is restored automatically. For other suspensions, fees range from $25 to $100. DUI suspensions carry higher fees, sometimes $200 or more. Contact the BMV at 207-624-9000 to find out the exact fee for your situation.
Can I drive someone else's car if my license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means you cannot drive any vehicle, regardless of who owns it. Driving someone else's car while suspended is still a criminal offense and carries the same penalties as driving your own car.
How long does it take to restore my license after I pay a fine?
If you pay a fine or resolve a court case, the court or collection agency notifies the BMV. The BMV typically processes the restoration within one to three business days. However, you should call the BMV to confirm the suspension has been lifted before you drive, since mail delays can occur.