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New Laws Enacted in 2009

Maine

Tax Changes effective 1/1/2010 made a number of changes to the sales, use and service provider tax laws affecting a wide range of taxpayers. A detailed description on the tax changes can be view by visiting www.maine.gov/revenue . Two significant changes to the automotive industry require sales tax be collected for automotive repair and towing labor.

Distracted Driver Law effective 9/1/2009 - This new law makes driving while distracted a moving violation. It prohibits engaging in an activity that
impairs the driver's ability to drive. Law makers debated cell phone bans but then decided to ban the behavior of driving distracted rather than ban each individual distraction/device. Minimum fine of $50 for first offense.

Excise Tax Collection- Directs the State Tax Assessor to work with municipal and county officials and law enforcement agencies in areas close to the border with New Hampshire to identify residents of the State who register vehicles, aircraft or watercraft in another state to avoid paying excise taxes and otherwise avoid state income and sales tax.

Autocycles - Defines an autocycle; establishes provisions for registration, operator licensing and limitations on operation of an autocycle. State highway restrictions. An autocycle may not be operated on a road or street where the posted speed limit is greater than 45 miles per hour. An autocycle may cross, at an intersection, a road or street with a posted speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour.

Motorcycle Helmets- An operator of a motorcycle, parent or guardian may not allow a passenger under the age of 18 years to ride in violation of this section. Requires a person under 18 years of age to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle or in a sidecar.

Pedestrian Safety- An operator of a motor vehicle who is passing a pedestrian on a public way or the way's shoulder shall exercise due care by leaving a distance between the motor vehicle and the pedestrian of not less than 3 feet while the motor vehicle is passing the pedestrian. A motor vehicle operator may pass a pedestrian in a no-passing zone only when it is safe to do so.

New Hampshire

Texting while driving ban effective 1/1/2010 – the new law bans text messaging while driving. The law also bans typing on laptop computers or other electronic devices while driving. An exception is made for entering a name and number in a cell phone to make a call. $100 fine

Increased parental involvement - Increases the hours of supervised driving time required to complete driver education of persons under 18 from 20 to 40 hours; adds a requirement that 10 of those hours be at night.

Increased Department of Motor Vehicle fees.

Motor vehicle records increase from $8 to $12/$15
Inspection stickers increase from $2.50 to $3.25
Certified copies of licenses and registrations increase from $10 to $15
Vanity Plates increase from $25 to $40
The 30% EZ-Pass discount is eliminated and replaced with a $30 monthly maximum payment

Vermont

Gas tax increase effective 6/1/2009 - added 3.3 cents per gallon with a new tax assessed to distributors.

Increased Department of Motor Vehicle fees – Nearly all of the fees charged for DMV services and documents were increased in 2009. For a complete list of new fees visit www.dmv.vermont.gov