Maine DUI Laws

In 2007, seventy people lost their lives to drunk drivers in the state of Maine. The state recorded a total of 188 fatalities, meaning drunk drivers caused 37% of all fatalities. Fortunately, Maine has one of the lowest numbers of alcohol-related crashes in the U.S.  Maine makes it tough to drink and drive by setting and enforcing strict “Operating Under the Influence (OUI)” laws across the state. Upon arrest, you will be stripped of your driving privileges and your freedom. You will not be allowed to request a reinstatement of driving privileges until you see a judge, but chances are, you won’t see your driver’s license for at least 90 days.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of Maine?

In the state of Maine, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Sentence enhancements exist for cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

In the state of Maine what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of Maine, if you get arrested for OUI, the administrative license suspension period for a first offense is 90 days. During the 90-day suspension period, you may request a reinstatement for extreme circumstances, but the final decision is up to the judge. 

In the state of Maine, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

In the state of Maine, a first OUI carries a $500 fine, a 90-day license suspension, and up to 30 days in jail. A second OUI offense carries a jail sentence up to 6 months, and a 3-year license suspension. Other penalties  include interlock and a minimum $1,000 fine. A third DUI offense carries a $1,000 fine (minimum), a 6-year license suspension, and a jail term up to 9 months and 1 day. Interlock may also be required. For a fourth offense, you can expect to spend up to 2 years in prison, fines of $1,000 or more, a 6-year license suspension, and interlock.