Some offenses leave no room for discretion. Maine law requires certain suspensions with no exceptions and no work license, and treats using a car to commit a crime very seriously.
Know the rule
Eluding a police officer by driving at a reckless speed, causing a high-speed chase with a police vehicle using a blue light and siren, is a Class C crime. If anyone suffers serious bodily injury, it becomes a Class B crime.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Know the rule
Leaving the scene of a bodily injury accident rises from a Class D to a Class C crime if the accident caused serious bodily injury or death and you intentionally, knowingly or recklessly failed to stop.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Possible further suspension if your license is suspended 3 times within 3 years
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
Mandatory suspensions apply with no exceptions and no "work" license option.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Mandatory suspensions include:
- Failure to appear in court or pay a fine: suspended until you appear or the fine is paid
- O.U.I. with a blood level of 0.08% or more, or refusing an alcohol test
- Driving to Endanger: at least 30 days
- Minor illegally transporting, possessing or drinking liquor in a vehicle: at least 30 days
- Minor illegally transporting drugs in a vehicle: at least 30 days
- At fault in an accident without liability insurance: license and registration suspended until proof filed
Know the rule
Failing to appear in court or to pay a fine is one of the most common reasons for suspension.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Crimes that bring license revocation when a vehicle was used and created a risk of serious injury:
- Assault
- Aggravated assault
- Elevated aggravated assault
- Criminal threatening
- Reckless conduct
Revocation for crimes committed with a vehicle
| Crime class | Revocation |
|---|---|
| Class A, B or C | 3 years |
| Class D | 2 years |
| Class E | 1 year |
Know the rule
The Secretary of State may suspend, without a hearing, the license of anyone found incompetent to drive because of physical or mental impairment, after reviewing all available evidence.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
You may request a hearing on any suspension, but the suspension may stay in effect until the hearing.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
A judge may suspend the license of anyone found in contempt for failing to pay a fine, and may order a suspension for offenses unrelated to driving.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Put it into practice
A 19-year-old is stopped with open beer cans he's transporting in his car. That's illegal transportation of liquor by a minor: a mandatory suspension of at least 30 days, with no work license.