Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

Maine requires commercial auto insurance with 50/100/25 liability limits, but coverage minimums increase based on passenger capacity, vehicle weight and whether you operate for hire or cross state lines.

Learn more about the commercial auto insurance coverage you need for your business in Maine, for-hire carrier requirements, passenger capacity tiers and penalties below.

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# Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

Written by Blest Papio

Updated: February 20, 2026

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What Commercial Auto Insurance Is Required in Maine?

Maine's commercial auto insurance requirements under Title 29-A, Section 1605 set these minimums for most business vehicles:

$50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person per accident
$100,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people per accident
$25,000 for property damage per accident

These limits apply to standard business vehicles in Maine, like company cars, service vans and light-duty trucks that don't transport passengers or freight for hire. If your vehicles carry passengers for compensation, haul freight under for-hire authority or weigh more than 10,001 pounds, higher minimums under Section 1611 apply instead, and those are covered in the sections below. A common mistake is assuming these 50/100/25 minimums cover all commercial use, when for-hire and heavy vehicle operations require two to 15 times more coverage.

Maine's vehicle weight requirements apply to intrastate for-hire carriers that don't transport passengers or hazardous materials. If your vehicles cross state lines or carry hazmat, federal FMCSA minimums apply instead of the state limits below.


0–10,000 lbs	50/100/25 split or $125,000 CSL	Company cars, service vans, light-duty pickups
10,001–26,000 lbs	$750,000 CSL	Box trucks, delivery trucks, large vans (LD 1276, effective 2025)
26,001+ lbs	$750,000 CSL	Semi-trucks, dump trucks, heavy-duty vehicles
For-hire freight (intrastate-exempt, any weight)	$350,000 CSL	Local delivery, freight haulers without federal authority
Short-term rental trucks (26,000 lbs or less, under 30 days)	50/100/25 split or $125,000 CSL	Rental truck customers

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum operating weight set by the manufacturer, not the vehicle's actual curb weight, and many box trucks and large vans cross the 10,001-pound GVWR threshold even when empty. You can find your vehicle's GVWR on the driver-side door label, in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Maine's passenger carrier requirements under Title 29-A, Section 1611(2)(B) apply to any vehicle transporting passengers for hire within the state, including vehicles under contract with a municipality or school district for student transport. The largest jump in coverage happens at the 16-passenger threshold, where the minimum triples from $750,000 to $1,500,000.


1–3	$125,000 CSL or 50/100/25 split	Intrastate for-hire
4–7	$300,000 CSL	Intrastate for-hire (includes student transport contracts)
8–15	$750,000 CSL	Intrastate for-hire
16–30	$1,500,000 CSL	Intrastate for-hire
31+	$2,000,000 CSL	Intrastate for-hire
Transit district vehicles	$400,000 CSL	Registered to a transit district (Title 30-A, Section 3501)
Interstate, 15 or fewer	$1,500,000 CSL	Crosses state lines
Interstate, 16+	$5,000,000 CSL	Crosses state lines

Car pools, van pools and taxicabs are exempt from the interstate requirements in Section 1611(2)(C) but still must meet the intrastate capacity-based limits in Section 1611(2)(B). Maine counts capacity based on seats behind the driver, not actual passengers carried, so a 15-passenger van requires $750,000 CSL even if you only carry three people.

Maine's Transportation Network Company Insurance Act (Title 24-A, Sections 7301 to 7305 and Title 29-A, Section 1673) requires coverage whenever an Uber, Lyft or other TNC driver is logged into the app, not just when a passenger is in the vehicle. Coverage rules split into two phases based on whether the driver has accepted a ride.


App on, waiting for request	Driver, TNC or combination of both	50/100/25 liability + MedPay + UM/UIM
Ride accepted through trip completion	TNC (primary coverage)	$1,000,000 CSL

TNC drivers in Connecticut have a major coverage gap. Most personal auto policies exclude all rideshare activity, leaving zero protection for any accident while the app is on. Connecticut law explicitly permits insurers to add this exclusion under CGS § 13b-120(g), and most carriers do, even for periods when no passenger is present.

Hazardous materials coverage in Maine follows federal FMCSA requirements under 49 CFR Part 171, regardless of whether the vehicle crosses state lines. For non-hazmat cargo, Maine doesn't sort requirements by cargo category the way some states do, so your coverage minimum depends on vehicle weight and for-hire status rather than what's in the truck.


General freight (10,001+ lbs, intrastate)	$750,000 CSL	Non-hazardous goods, equipment, supplies
General freight (under 10,001 lbs, for-hire intrastate)	$350,000 CSL	Small freight, expedited delivery
Standard hazmat	$1,000,000 CSL	Flammables, corrosives, oxidizers per 49 CFR Part 171
High-risk hazmat	$5,000,000 CSL	Class A/B explosives, poison gas, radioactive materials, tanks over 3,500 gallons
Oil transport	$1,000,000 CSL	Crude oil, fuel oil, lubricants
Household goods (interstate)	$750,000 CSL + $5,000/vehicle and $10,000/occurrence cargo	Moving companies with federal authority

The $5,000,000 high-risk hazmat requirement applies even to vehicles under 10,001 pounds GVWR. Vehicle size doesn't reduce the coverage floor when the cargo itself is classified as high-risk.

WHEN DOES FEDERAL LAW APPLY OVER MAINE LAW?

Federal FMCSA insurance requirements replace Maine state minimums when your operations involve transporting cargo or passengers across state lines, or when you move cargo as part of an interstate shipment, even if your leg stays entirely within Maine, such as a Portland-to-Lewiston haul of freight that originated out of state. Federal rules also apply to any vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more in interstate commerce and to any vehicle carrying federally regulated hazardous materials, regardless of weight. Verify which rules apply to your operation through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, FMCSA insurance filing requirements and a licensed insurance professional before setting your coverage limits.

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirement Exemptions

Maine's exemptions under Title 29-A, Section 1611(6) are narrow compared to states with broad agricultural or rural carve-outs. The most notable exemption covers all vehicles owned by the state, a municipality or a school district. Government vehicles are fully exempt from Section 1611's for-hire insurance requirements and instead fall under government self-insurance programs.


State, municipal or school district vehicles	Government self-insurance statutes
Vehicles used only for personal (non-business) purposes	Personal auto insurance rules (50/100/25)
Car pools and van pools (Section 556)	Exempt from interstate for-hire rules; intrastate capacity limits still apply
Private carriers hauling own goods (not for hire, no hazmat)	Standard state liability minimums (50/100/25)
Off-road equipment not operated on public ways	No road-use liability requirement
Short-term rental trucks (26,000 lbs or less, under 30 days)	Reduced limits: 50/100/25 split or $125,000 CSL per Section 1611(2)(E)
Dealer and transporter vehicles	Separate requirements under Section 1612 (100/300/100)

These exemptions don't apply to vehicles operating in Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland or any other Maine municipality where the vehicle is used on public roads for business purposes. If you're unsure whether an exemption applies to your situation, check with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles or a licensed insurance agent.

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Alternatives

Maine law under Title 29-A, Section 1611(1) allows two alternatives to a standard commercial auto insurance policy for meeting financial responsibility requirements. A third option, self-insurance, is available only through federal authority for interstate carriers.

Surety bond: You can file a surety bond with the Maine Secretary of State in the amount required for your vehicle class. The bond must be approved by the Secretary of State and backed by either two responsible individuals or a surety company authorized to do business in Maine. Bond amounts match the same minimums as insurance: $125,000 CSL for the smallest for-hire passenger vehicles up to $2,000,000 for vehicles carrying 31 or more passengers. Most bonding companies require strong credit and collateral equal to 10% to 30% of the bond amount.
Self-insurance (federal only): The FMCSA grants self-insurance authority under 49 CFR § 387.309 to interstate motor carriers that can demonstrate adequate tangible net worth relative to the size of their operations, a satisfactory DOT safety rating and ongoing financial reporting compliance. Maine doesn't offer a state-level self-insurance program for commercial vehicles. This option is limited to large fleets with the financial resources to cover claims without transferring risk to an insurer.

Maine doesn't allow cash deposits as a commercial auto insurance alternative. Unlike some states that accept cash deposits or certificates of deposit filed with a state agency, Maine's statute limits for-hire vehicle financial responsibility to insurance policies or surety bonds.

Special Coverage Circumstances in Maine

Two situations require additional commercial auto insurance in Maine or separate documentation beyond the standard liability minimums.

Leased commercial vehicles

Leasing companies either include the lessee on their policy or require the lessee to carry coverage meeting Maine's standards. Maine's minimum liability won't cover the full lease balance if your vehicle is totaled. A 50/100/25 policy caps property damage at $25,000, which is far below the replacement value of most commercial vehicles. Gap insurance covers the difference between the actual cash value and the remaining lease amount, and most lessors require it as a condition of the lease agreement.

Canada border commerce

Maine shares a 611-mile border with New Brunswick and Quebec, and commercial vehicles crossing into Canada need separate documentation. Many Maine carriers assume their U.S. policy automatically covers Canadian operations, but your Maine commercial auto policy may not extend coverage into Canada, or may limit it, so check your policy's territorial coverage clause before crossing. Canadian provinces require proof of financial responsibility, and Quebec operates under a no-fault system where bodily injury claims are processed by the provincial insurer (SAAQ) rather than your U.S. carrier.

If your business moves freight or passengers across the Maine-Canada border regularly, carry a Canadian Non-Resident Inter-Province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card (the "yellow card") and confirm your policy provides at least $1,000,000 Canadian in combined liability. Review the U.S. Department of State's Canada travel advisory for current border crossing requirements that may affect commercial operations.

Seasonal tourism operations

Maine's tourism economy creates seasonal spikes in commercial vehicle activity, mainly along the coast from May through October. Businesses running charter boats with land-based shuttle service, hotel courtesy vans or tour buses in areas like Bar Harbor, Camden and Kennebunkport should confirm their policies cover the higher passenger counts and increased mileage during peak months. A policy written for year-round local use may not adequately cover the risk profile of a vehicle running daily tourist routes in congested summer traffic. Review your coverage limits and driver roster with your insurer before the season starts.

Commercial Auto Insurance Enforcement and Penalties in Maine

Maine law enforcement verifies insurance during traffic stops under Title 29-A, Section 1601 by requesting proof of financial responsibility, which drivers can present electronically or on paper. For for-hire vehicles, the Secretary of State monitors coverage continuously. Insurers must file 30 days' notice on Form K before any cancellation takes effect, and the state will immediately suspend or revoke registration if coverage lapses.


No proof of insurance (first or subsequent)	$100–$500	License and registration suspended until proof provided	Valid insurance + $50 restoration fee + $20–$30 license fee
Uninsured at time of accident	$100–$500	License and registration suspended; plates surrendered	Pay fines in full + SR-22 filing + proof of insurance
Failure to surrender license/plates after suspension	Up to $1,000 (Class E crime)	Up to 6 months imprisonment	Criminal court resolution required
For-hire vehicle coverage lapse	Registration revoked	Cannot operate until new insurance filed with Secretary of State	New Form JB or federal filing + registration renewal

An SR-22 certificate filed by your insurer is required in Maine after an uninsured accident or a conviction for driving without coverage, and it must stay active for three years with any lapse restarting the clock. Maine doesn't have a "No Pay, No Play" law, so an uninsured driver can still pursue a claim after being hit, but they'll owe the penalties above on top of any civil liability.

How to Verify Your Business Meets Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

Use these steps to confirm your vehicles and business operations meet Maine and, if applicable, federal commercial auto insurance rules.

1
Identify how each vehicle is used
Maine's insurance requirements depend on vehicle use, not just business type. A company car, a for-hire freight van and a passenger shuttle each fall under different sections of Title 29-A, Section 1611.
2
Check each vehicle's weight rating
Find the GVWR on the driver-side door label. If the rating is 10,001 pounds or more, Maine's new $750,000 intrastate CMV minimum under LD 1276 applies, and federal FMCSA rules may also apply if the vehicle crosses state lines.
3
Determine whether state or federal rules apply
Federal FMCSA requirements replace Maine state law when your operations involve interstate cargo or passenger transport. Even if your truck stays in Maine, moving cargo that's part of an interstate shipment can trigger federal minimums. All hazmat transport falls under federal rules regardless of route.
4
Confirm your liability limits meet the correct requirement
Standard Maine business vehicles need at least 50/100/25. For-hire freight carriers need $350,000 CSL. Intrastate CMVs over 10,001 pounds need $750,000 CSL. Passenger carriers need coverage based on capacity, ranging from $125,000 to $2,000,000 for intrastate operations.
5
Verify your policy reflects actual vehicle use
Make sure your Maine policy classifies each vehicle correctly, lists all drivers and includes coverage for how the vehicle is used in daily operations. A vehicle classified as "business use" that's actually transporting passengers for hire could result in a denied claim when you need coverage most.
6
Confirm required registrations and filings
Interstate carriers need a USDOT number and federal insurance filings (BMC-91, MCS-90). Intrastate vehicles over 26,000 pounds GVWR also need a USDOT number in Maine. For-hire passenger carriers must file Form JB with the Secretary of State, and cancellation of any filed policy requires 30 days' notice on Form K.
7
Check for coverage gaps on cross-border and seasonal routes
If your vehicles cross into New Brunswick or Quebec, confirm your Maine policy's territorial clause covers Canadian operations and carry a yellow card. If your business runs seasonal routes in tourist areas, review whether your policy limits and driver roster match peak-season activity levels before the season starts.

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements: Bottom Line

Commercial auto insurance requirements in Maine depend on whether your vehicles operate for hire, how many passengers they carry, whether they weigh more than 10,001 pounds and whether your routes cross state lines or the Canadian border. Once you've identified which category applies, confirm your liability limits and policy classifications match, and update both whenever you add vehicles, change routes or take on contracts with higher coverage floors.

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements: Next Steps

Now that you know the insurance requirements that apply to your vehicles in Maine, the next step is determining how much coverage your business actually needs beyond the legal minimums. Requirements set the floor, but your financial risk, contract obligations and vehicle use determine the right limit.

If your goal is just legal compliance

Confirm your liability limits meet the Maine or federal minimums that apply to your operation. Make sure your insurer classifies your vehicles correctly so coverage isn't denied due to improper use categories when you get commercial auto insurance coverage.

If your vehicles are valuable or highly visible

Maine's $25,000 property damage minimum won't cover a totaled work truck, a damaged storefront or a multi-vehicle accident on I-95. Consider higher property damage and liability limits, especially if your vehicles carry tools, equipment or branding that increases your visibility and lawsuit exposure in high-traffic areas like Portland, Lewiston or the Route 1 corridor.

If you transport passengers

Maine's passenger carrier minimums start at $125,000 CSL, but review limits well above that floor. A single serious passenger injury can produce medical costs that exceed even the $300,000 CSL required for 4 to 7 passenger vehicles, and many facility agreements with hotels, resorts and event venues in Maine require $1,000,000 or more regardless of what the state mandates.

If you haul goods or equipment

Maine's coverage floors set the minimum, but match your limits to the potential loss value. Maine's new $750,000 intrastate CMV requirement under LD 1276 reflects the reality that heavy truck crashes produce losses well above the old $50,000 floor, but even $750,000 may fall short if your loads are high-value or your routes include congested corridors around Portland and Augusta.

If your business signs contracts

Maine's legal minimums rarely satisfy contractual requirements, so check insurance clauses in agreements with clients, property owners or platforms. Most brokers and shippers require $1,000,000 in auto liability regardless of Maine's legal minimums, and Amazon Relay, major load boards and retail shippers often add requirements for additional insured status, cargo coverage and general liability on top of that.

If your business operates near the Canadian border

Maine's 611-mile border with New Brunswick and Quebec means cross-border freight and passenger operations are common, especially through Houlton, Calais, Jackman and Fort Kent. Your Maine policy may not extend full coverage into Canada, and Quebec's no-fault bodily injury system means your U.S. liability coverage won't respond to injury claims the same way it does domestically. Confirm your policy's territorial clause, carry a Canadian yellow card and consider at least $1,000,000 Canadian in combined liability before scheduling regular cross-border runs.

About Blest Papio

Blest Papio is a Content Producer at MoneyGeek specializing in small business insurance. With five years of experience in insurance and finance writing and hands-on perspective as a former business counselor, he understands the risks that come with running a business and what it takes to protect against them.

Blest focuses on commercial auto, cyber, property and specialty business insurance. He digs deep into policy details, regulations and provider offerings so businesses can find the coverage they need and avoid financial fallout. His goal is to translate technical insurance language and insurer offerings into guides you can act on.

Whether you're insuring company vehicles, managing cyber liability or protecting your commercial property, Blest aims to guide you through your risks to help you find coverage you truly need, not sell you a policy.

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sources

Maine Legislature. "Title 29-A, Section 1605: Required Amounts of Insurance." Accessed February 20, 2026.
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "For-Hire Insurance." Accessed February 20, 2026.
Maine Bureau of Insurance. "For-Hire Insurance." Accessed February 20, 2026.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. "Insurance Filing Requirements." Accessed February 20, 2026.
U.S. Department of Transportation. "49 CFR Part 171 — General Information, Regulations and Definitions." Accessed February 20, 2026.
U.S. Department of State. "Canada International Travel Information." Accessed February 20, 2026.

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

What Commercial Auto Insurance Is Required in Maine?

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements by Vehicle Weight

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements by Passenger Count

Maine Rideshare and Transportation Network Company Insurance Requirements

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements by Cargo Type

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirement Exemptions

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Alternatives

Special Coverage Circumstances in Maine

Commercial Auto Insurance Enforcement and Penalties in Maine

How to Verify Your Business Meets Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

Identify how each vehicle is used

Check each vehicle's weight rating

Determine whether state or federal rules apply

Confirm your liability limits meet the correct requirement

Verify your policy reflects actual vehicle use

Confirm required registrations and filings

Check for coverage gaps on cross-border and seasonal routes

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements: Bottom Line

Maine Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements: Next Steps

sources