An Act to Improve Safety by Allowing the Use of Variable-message Signs on Certain Vehicles
Sponsored By: Lydia Crafts (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Maine safety vehicles can display warning signs
The law took effect upon approval. Maine allows changeable message signs on wreckers, police vehicles, fire department vehicles, safety patrol vehicles, and highway maintenance vehicles. Signs cannot be wider than the vehicle and must face only traffic behind it. Wreckers can use signs only while stopped to repair, load, unload, or recover a vehicle. Their signs must use amber lights showing left or right arrows, “slow down,” or “move over.” The other listed vehicles can display safety information about traffic, crashes, maintenance, bad weather, road conditions, and organized events. Their signs must show left or right arrows, “slow down,” “move over,” “accident ahead,” “crash ahead,” or similar wording. Additional messages require state rules and must meet the latest federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards. The Commissioner of Public Safety or a designee can adopt rules to carry out these message requirements. Safety patrol vehicles must be used or contracted by the Maine Department of Transportation or Maine Turnpike Authority.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Lydia Crafts
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 546
3/3/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.
2/26/2026SenateThis being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
2/24/2026HouseCOMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-797), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
2/12/2026SenateReports READ and ACCEPTED Bill READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (H-797) READ and ADOPTEDASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.
2/10/2026SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-797).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
2/10/2026HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on December 9, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on TRANSPORTATION pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
12/9/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-797), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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