Bill > LD1531

This bill repeals and replaces existing Maine law regarding safety requirements for animal-drawn vehicles on public roadways. The new law mandates that all animal-drawn vehicles must be equipped with a yellow flashing lamp visible from at least 1,000 feet away, either mounted on the top or top-rear of the vehicle, and either a slow-moving vehicle emblem or microprism reflective tape visible from 500 feet. During times of limited visibility—which include nighttime, low-light conditions, and when windshield wipers are necessary—vehicles must also have additional lighting: a white front-facing light visible from 1,000 feet and either two red rear-facing lights or one red light with two red reflectors. The law provides an exception for agricultural equipment that is not transporting livestock or passengers, though such equipment must still display a slow-moving vehicle emblem. The bill allows the Commissioner of Public Safety to establish detailed technical rules about lamp specifications and positioning. These requirements aim to improve the visibility and safety of animal-drawn vehicles sharing public roadways with motorized traffic, particularly in conditions with reduced visibility.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1531&snum=132