Maine § 1913-A. - Categorical signs
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 1913-A. — Categorical signs, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1913-A.. Categorical signs
1. Signs within the public right-of-way. The following signs may be erected and maintained within the public right-of-way without license or permit as long as they conform to applicable provisions of this Title and rules adopted pursuant to this Title:
A. Signs bearing noncommercial messages erected by a duly constituted governmental body, a soil and water conservation district or a regional planning district; [PL 2015, c. 403, §4 (AMD).]
B. Signs located on or in the rolling stock of common carriers, except those that are determined by the commissioner to be circumventing the intent of this chapter. Circumvention includes, but is not limited to, signs that are continuously in the same location or signs that extend beyond the height, width or length of the vehicle; [PL 2013, c. 529, §8 (AMD).]
C. Signs on registered and inspected motor vehicles, except those that are determined by the commissioner to be circumventing the intent of this chapter. Circumvention includes, but is not limited to, signs that are continuously in the same location or signs that extend beyond the height, width or length of the vehicle; [PL 2013, c. 529, §8 (AMD).]
D. Signs with an area of not more than 260 square inches identifying stops or fare zone limits of motor buses; [PL 2013, c. 529, §8 (AMD).]
E. [PL 2015, c. 403, §4 (RP).]
F. [PL 2015, c. 403, §4 (RP).]
G. Hand-held signs not affixed to the ground or buildings; [PL 2015, c. 403, §4 (AMD).]
H. [PL 2015, c. 403, §4 (RP).]
I. Adopt-A-Highway Program signs allowed under section 1117; and [PL 2015, c. 403, §4 (AMD).]
J. [PL 2015, c. 403, §4 (RP).]
K. [PL 2015, c. 403, §4 (RP).]
L. Temporary signs placed within the public right-of-way for a maximum of 12 weeks per calendar year, except that a temporary sign may not be placed within the public right-of-way for more than 6 weeks from January 1st to June 30th or for more than 6 weeks from July 1st to December 31st. A temporary sign may not be placed within 30 feet of another temporary sign bearing the same or substantially the same message. A temporary sign may not exceed 4 feet by 8 feet in size. A sign under this paragraph must include or be marked with the name and address of the individual, entity or organization that placed the sign within the public right-of-way and the date the sign was erected within the public right-of-way. [PL 2019, c. 594, §1 (AMD).]
2. Types of signs outside the right-of-way.
2-A. Signs outside the public right-of-way. Except as provided in section 1914, a sign may be erected and maintained outside the public right-of-way as long as it does not exceed 50 square feet in size.
3. Regulations.
4. Zones.
5. Prohibited practices. None of the signs referred to in this section may be painted or drawn upon a rock or other natural feature or erected or maintained on:
A. A traffic control sign or device; [PL 2019, c. 228, §2 (NEW).]
B. A public utility pole or fixture; [PL 2019, c. 228, §2 (NEW).]
C. A rotary traffic island; [PL 2019, c. 228, §2 (NEW).]
D. A tree in a public right-of-way; [PL 2019, c. 228, §2 (NEW).]
E. A control-of-access area; or [PL 2019, c. 228, §2 (NEW).]
F. A median less than 6 feet wide. [PL 2019, c. 228, §2 (NEW).]
6. Interstate system. None of the signs referred to in this section, other than signs conforming with subsection 1, paragraphs B and C and logo signs erected pursuant to section 1912‑B, may be located within the right-of-way limits of the interstate system or within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the interstate system and erected in such a fashion that the message may be read from the interstate highway.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 1913-A.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 1913-A. cover?
Section 1913-A. ("Categorical signs") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 1913-A.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 1913-A." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 1913-A. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.