An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicle Laws
Sponsored By: Lydia Crafts (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Unclaimed impounded cars lost after 30 days
This applies to impounded cars or parts that are unclaimed, recovered after theft, or unidentifiable. The Secretary of State sends notice to the last known owner and lienholders within 10 days. You or a lienholder have 30 days from when you receive the notice to reclaim and take possession. If you do not, it becomes state property. The Secretary of State may sell it, and any money goes to the Motor Vehicle Services Fund.
New $1 fee on electronic liens
Lienholders must pay $1 for each electronic lien transaction. Beginning January 1, 2026, this fee applies and goes to the Motor Vehicle Services Fund. The Secretary of State can set routine rules for the electronic lien system, including rules on kiosk vendor transaction fees. The law does not set kiosk fee amounts or require kiosk use.
New $2 fee and electronic temp plates
The state authorizes an electronic program to create and manage temporary plates. The Secretary of State can use it but cannot require dealers to use it. Dealers can choose to join or leave. Beginning January 1, 2026, each temporary plate costs $2, and $1 goes to the Motor Vehicle Services Fund to run the program. You may drive with a temporary plate for 30 straight days without paying a regular fee, and may get up to a 20‑day extension at no charge if you are a Maine resident who cannot meet Chapter 7 rules or a nonresident waiting for home‑state registration.
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
ACTPUB Chapter 119
5/27/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/14/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/13/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-85) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-85), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
5/7/2025SenateCONSENT 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-85).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/6/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on TRANSPORTATION in concurrence
3/4/2025SenateCommittee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on TRANSPORTATION.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/4/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-85), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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