Maine · Handbook chapter 6 · 5 min read

Maine rules for turning, intersections, traffic circles and rotaries, changing lanes, entering and leaving expressways, passing on two-lane roads, no-passing zones, school buses, parking rules and turnarounds.

Why this chapter matters

Most crashes happen where vehicles cross paths: at intersections, merges and passing zones. The test asks how to enter a circle, when you may not pass, what to do for a school bus and where you may not park. Key figures: 100 feet, 10 to 12 seconds, one-third of a mile, 3 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet, 18 inches.

Turns and intersections

Signal, check for pedestrians and traffic, turn into the nearest lane going your way, and make sure your signal cancels. Do not swing wide left before a right turn. At an intersection, look left, right, then left again, even if others face a red light or stop sign, since someone may run it. Do not pull out just because an oncoming car is signaling a turn: the driver may turn later or may have forgotten the signal. If your view is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see.

Traffic circles and roundabouts

• Slow down and yield to vehicles already in the circle.
• Enter to the right and travel counterclockwise around the center island.
• In a large rotary, yield to a vehicle on your left.
• Leave by turning right, and signal your exit. If you leave within two exits, the right-hand lane is suggested unless signs or markings say otherwise.

Changing lanes

Check your mirrors, then look over your shoulder into your blind spot, because mirrors do not cover it. Signal at least 100 feet before you change lanes or turn, find a gap, look again, then move. Watch for motorcycles and bicycles, and check lanes on both sides in case someone else is moving into the same space.

Expressways

• Entering: signal left, use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of traffic, check over your shoulder and merge into a gap. Drivers already on the highway do not have to yield to you. Where there is no acceleration lane, stop, wait for a gap, then speed up and merge.
• Driving: keep right except to pass. Do not pass on the right or on the shoulder. Do not speed up while being passed, and do not cruise in another driver's blind spot.
• Exiting: move into the right lane early, signal, and slow down only after you reach the deceleration lane.
• Stopping: only in an emergency. Pull off as far as you can and raise the hood. Never back up or walk on the travel lanes.
• Highway hypnosis: keep the car cool, keep scanning, vary your speed a little and stop to rest at the first sign of drowsiness.

Passing on two-lane roads

At 50 to 55 mph a pass takes 10 to 12 seconds, and you and an oncoming car together cover over 1,600 feet, about one-third of a mile. Do not pass:

• when an oncoming vehicle is too close,
• within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve (treat it as an oncoming car),
• at intersections, crossroads or shopping center entrances,
• when approaching a railroad crossing or a bridge,
• where a solid yellow line is on your side, a yellow pennant NO PASSING ZONE sign is on the left or a white DO NOT PASS sign is on the right.

Maine law says you must finish a pass before a no-passing zone begins. Return only when you can see the whole passed vehicle in your rearview mirror. When you are being passed, stay in your lane and hold your speed. Give a bicyclist at least 3 feet when you pass.

School buses

When a school bus has stopped with its red lights flashing, you may not pass it on school grounds, in a parking area or on any undivided road. Coming from either direction, stop and stay stopped until the bus moves on or the driver signals you. On a road with a solid divider between you and the bus you need not stop. Passing a stopped school bus can bring a 30-day suspension.

Parking

Park parallel to the road unless angle lines are painted, at least 2 feet from the cars ahead and behind, and no more than 18 inches from the curb. Set the parking brake and shift to park. On a hill:

Keep at least 10 feet from a fire hydrant and 15 feet from a crosswalk when you park, and do not park within 15 feet of a fire station driveway or across from it, in a loading zone, or in a disability space without a plate or placard ($100 fine). Parking in a disability access aisle is prohibited (fine at least $200). Get out on the curb side when you can, and check for bicycles before opening a street-side door.

Turning around

Use a driveway or alley for a two-point turnaround. Use a three-point turn only on a two-lane road too narrow for a U-turn, and go around the block if you can.