Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
Often no. State law lets a vehicle with a disability placard or plate park without charge, and for up to twice the posted time limit, at parking areas other than paid off-street parking facilities. Local rules may apply.
- The free parking and double-time rule does not apply to a 'parking facility', defined as off-street parking for a fee.
- Municipalities that regulate parking must allow placard holders to park under this state rule.
- Municipal officers may set and enforce a time limit for spaces reserved for disability parking.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: unclearVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“may park a length of time that does not exceed twice the limit otherwise allowed.” (29-A M.R.S. section 521 (disability plates and placards), subsection 12)
“intended for the off-street parking of motor vehicles by the public for a fee.” (30-A M.R.S. section 5401 (definition of parking facility))
“may park in accordance with Title 29-A, section 521, subsection 12” (30-A M.R.S. section 3009 (municipal traffic ordinances))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
The Secretary of State issues placards to people whose disability limits walking, certified by a licensed health professional. Disability spaces may be used with a placard or plate issued by another state.
- Qualifying conditions include being unable to walk 200 feet without resting, using portable oxygen, certain lung, heart, arthritic, neurological or orthopedic conditions, or recovering from childbirth.
- Applications need a certificate from a physician, physician associate, nurse practitioner or registered nurse; permanent placards can be renewed for up to 6 years.
- Temporary placards are valid for no more than 6 months.
- A placard may be displayed only when the person with a disability is a passenger or driver, or the driver is waiting for a service for them.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Can not walk 200 feet without stopping to rest;” (29-A M.R.S. section 521 (eligibility))
“or a disability registration plate or placard issued by another state.” (29-A M.R.S. section 521, subsection 9-A (other states))
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Time limits and overstay penalties are set by each municipality. State law makes illegal parking under a local ordinance a civil violation and lets towns let people pay a set fee to avoid court.
- Municipal officers may regulate parking on any public way or public parking area, including meters and metered charges.
- Illegal parking under a local ordinance is a civil violation.
- Vehicles with a disability placard or plate may park up to twice the otherwise allowed time in many places (see the meters answer).
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The municipal officers may regulate the parking of motor vehicles on any public way or public parking area” (30-A M.R.S. section 3009 (municipal traffic ordinances))
“Illegal parking of a vehicle in violation of any ordinance authorized by this paragraph is a civil violation.” (30-A M.R.S. section 3009 (civil violation))
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Snow bans are set by each town. Portland example: in a declared citywide parking ban, cars left on city streets after 10 PM can be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. Check your own town's rules.
- State law gives municipalities authority over parking and traffic ordinances.
- Portland example (from a past storm alert): ban ran 10 PM to 6 AM; the fine for not moving a vehicle was $130.
- Portland example: free snow-ban lots were listed, with vehicles required to leave by 7 AM in most.
- Hours, fines and lots change by storm, so check the current city notice.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Vehicles left on city streets after 10:00 PM can be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense.” (City of Portland Alert: Citywide Parking Ban Declared Sunday and Monday Nights (city example))
“the fine for failing to move your vehicle during a parking snow ban is now $130.” (City of Portland Alert (fine amount, city example))
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Maine has no single statewide rule on overnight street parking. Each municipality decides, including any overnight bans or permits, so check local signs and the town or city parking office.
- State law gives municipal officers exclusive authority to enact traffic ordinances and to regulate parking on public ways.
- We did not find an official page on overnight rules that we could open, so no specific local rule is stated here.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The municipal officers have the exclusive authority to enact all traffic ordinances in the municipality” (30-A M.R.S. section 3009 (municipal traffic ordinances))
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
Most parking fines and towing are municipal. State law sets a $200 to $500 fine for parking in a disability space without a plate or placard. Portland example: cars can be ticketed and towed in a snow ban.
- Parking in a clearly marked disability space without a disability plate or placard (Maine or another state) is a traffic infraction with a fine of $200 to $500.
- Parking in a disability access aisle is also an infraction even with a placard.
- Portland example: towed cars go to private lots and the city's alert lists a $130 snow-ban ticket.
- We did not find an official page on retrieving a towed car.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“A person who violates this subsection is subject to a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $500.” (29-A M.R.S. section 521, subsection 9-A (disability parking enforcement))
“Vehicles left on city streets after 10:00 PM can be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense.” (City of Portland Alert (city example))
Ask about parking rules
COMING SOONSoon you will be able to ask a question and get an answer from these verified rules, with the source.
General information, not legal advice. Local signs and ordinances always apply.
