How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Maine
If you got a speeding ticket in Maine, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Maine speeding fines under the Violations Bureau schedule: the standard base fine is $134 for most speeding infractions.
How to fight a speeding ticket in Maine, step by step
Decide how to plead
Maine does not have a statewide traffic school ticket dismissal program. Options: (1) Plead not guilty and contest at a hearing — the state must prove the violation; if the officer fails to appear, the citation may be dismissed; (2) Contest the speed measurement accuracy with calibration records; (3) For violations near a tier boundary (e.g., near 15 mph over to avoid the 6-point tier), a reduction in alleged speed significantly reduces points; (4) For 30+ mph over violations (criminal offense), consult an attorney.
Check Maine's dismissal & mitigation options
Maine does not have a statewide traffic school ticket dismissal program. Options: (1) Plead not guilty and contest at a hearing — the state must prove the violation; if the officer fails to appear, the citation may be dismissed; (2) Contest the speed measurement accuracy with calibration records; (3) For violations near a tier boundary (e.g., near 15 mph over to avoid the 6-point tier), a reduction in alleged speed significantly reduces points; (4) For 30+ mph over violations (criminal offense), consult an attorney.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your speeding citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Maine speeding fines under the Violations Bureau schedule: the standard base fine is $134 for most speeding infractions.
Show up prepared
Maine speeding fines under the Violations Bureau schedule: the standard base fine is $134 for most speeding infractions. Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
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Start my free court prep →Maine Speeding ticket — frequently asked questions
What is the statute for speeding in Maine?
Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 2074 governs speed limits in Maine. The basic rule requires motorists to drive at a 'careful and prudent speed not greater than is reasonable and proper having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the way and of other conditions then existing.' Standard limits: 65 mph on interstate highways; 60 mph on other divided highways; 45 mph on undivided two-lane roads; 25 mph in business and residential areas. School and construction zones may have lower limits.
What are the fines for a speeding ticket in Maine?
Maine speeding fines under the Violations Bureau schedule: the standard base fine is $134 for most speeding infractions. Speeding in school zones and construction zones is subject to doubled fines. Exceeding the speed limit by 30 mph or more is a Class E criminal offense (not a civil infraction) — penalties include up to 6 months in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. Court costs and surcharges are added to the base fine. Verify the current fine schedule at courts.maine.gov.
Does Maine have a points system for speeding tickets?
Yes. Maine uses a demerit point system (tit. 29-A, § 2457): 4 points for driving 1-15 mph over the limit; 6 points for driving 16-30 mph over the limit; driving 30+ mph over the limit is a Class E crime (criminal charge). Thresholds: 6 points in 12 months = warning letter from the Secretary of State; 12 points in 12 months = license suspension notice. Points remain on your record for the applicable period — contact the Maine BMV for current retention periods.
Can a speeding ticket be dismissed in Maine?
Maine does not have a statewide traffic school ticket dismissal program. Options: (1) Plead not guilty and contest at a hearing — the state must prove the violation; if the officer fails to appear, the citation may be dismissed; (2) Contest the speed measurement accuracy with calibration records; (3) For violations near a tier boundary (e.g., near 15 mph over to avoid the 6-point tier), a reduction in alleged speed significantly reduces points; (4) For 30+ mph over violations (criminal offense), consult an attorney. Some Maine district courts may have local options — contact the court on your citation.
What is the criminal speeding threshold in Maine?
Exceeding an absolute speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more is a Class E crime under Maine law. Class E crime penalties: up to 6 months in jail; maximum $1,000 fine; mandatory appearance before a judge (cannot simply pay by mail). This is a criminal charge that creates a permanent record — consult a licensed Maine criminal defense attorney immediately if you receive a criminal speeding charge. Speeding 30+ mph over also significantly exceeds the 12-point suspension threshold via the 6-point assessment for 16-30 mph over violations.
Can a speeding ticket affect my license in Maine?
Yes. Maine's point system: 4 points for 1-15 mph over; 6 points for 16-30 mph over. Reaching 6 points in 12 months = warning letter; reaching 12 points in 12 months = suspension. A single 16-30 mph over violation = 6 points (at the warning threshold alone). School and construction zone violations carry doubled fines. 30+ mph over = criminal charge separate from the point system.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.