A license is not valid for the operation of a vehicle unless a class or restriction is indicated on the license. [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
1. Classes. There are 3 classes of licenses as follows:
A. A Class A license may be issued for the operation of a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, if the gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight of the vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
A holder of a Class A license may, with an appropriate endorsement, operate a vehicle in Class B or C; [PL 2013, c. 381, Pt. B, §11 (AMD).]
B. A Class B license may be issued for the operation of a single motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds or such a vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
A holder of a Class B license may, with an appropriate endorsement, operate a vehicle in Class C; and [PL 2013, c. 381, Pt. B, §11 (AMD).]
C. A Class C license may be issued for the operation of a single motor vehicle or a combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B license.
A holder of a Class C license may, with an appropriate endorsement, operate all vehicles in that class.
A Class C license authorizes:
(1) A full-time or volunteer member of an organized municipal, state or federal fire department and a law enforcement officer who is a member of an organized municipal, state or federal law enforcement department to operate fire apparatus as described in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 383.3 (2005) and to operate a commercial motor vehicle as a mobile command unit. For purposes of this subparagraph, "mobile command unit" means a motor vehicle designed and used by a law enforcement agency primarily as a command and control platform for emergency response;
(2) A person to operate recreational vehicles for personal use;
(3) A person to operate commercial motor vehicles for military purposes as required in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 383.3 (2005);
(4) A person to operate registered farm motor trucks bearing the letter "F" on the registration plate when the vehicle is:
(a) Controlled and operated by a farmer, including operation by the farmer's employees or family members;
(b) Used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery or farm supplies to or from a farm;
(c) Not used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier; and
(d) Used within 150 miles of the registered owner's farm;
(5) A person, employed by a city, town, county, district or other unit of local government created by or pursuant to law that has a total population of 3,000 individuals or less, to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the boundaries of that unit of local government for the purpose of removing snow or ice from a roadway by plowing, sanding or salting, if:
(a) The properly licensed employee who ordinarily operates a commercial motor vehicle for those purposes is unable to operate the vehicle; or
(b) The employing governmental entity determines that a snow or ice emergency exists that requires additional assistance; or
(6) A person to operate a truck registered as an antique automobile, regardless of weight or combination weight, provided the vehicle is used for noncommercial recreational purposes or purposes pursuant to section 101, subsection 3. [PL 2019, c. 345, §4 (AMD).]
[PL 2019, c. 345, §4 (AMD).]
2. School bus or motorcycle. Operation of a school bus or motorcycle, other than an autocycle, requires a special endorsement on a license.
A nonresident school bus driver picking up and discharging school children or driving in conjunction with school-related activities may operate a vehicle with a certificate issued by the Secretary of State.
A school bus certificate may be issued only after the applicant has successfully passed the required examination.
[PL 2019, c. 345, §5 (AMD).]
3. Mopeds and motorized scooters. A moped or motorized scooter may not be operated:
A. By a person who does not possess a valid license of any class or a license specially endorsed to operate a motorcycle or a moped; or [PL 2005, c. 577, §15 (AMD).]
B. On an interstate highway or on a way on which a bicycle is prohibited. [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
[PL 2005, c. 577, §15 (AMD).]
4. Examination. The Secretary of State shall examine an applicant for the class for which the applicant applies.
[PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
5. Immediate examination.
[PL 2013, c. 381, Pt. B, §12 (AMD); MRSA T. 29-A §1252, sub-§5 (RP).]
6. Endorsement. The Secretary of State shall endorse each license with its class and a special endorsement for specific types of vehicles.
[PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
7. Violation. A person commits a Class E crime if that person operates a vehicle not included within the class of license issued to that person.
[PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
8. Employer's requirements. An employer may impose more stringent or additional qualifications, requirements or examinations than are imposed in this section or may require additional certificates.
[PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).]
