Bill > LD1568

This bill amends Maine's vehicle and traffic laws to allow municipal harbor masters and deputy harbor masters to use sirens and emergency lights on their vehicles when responding to watercraft emergencies. Specifically, the legislation adds municipal vehicles operated by harbor masters to the list of authorized emergency vehicles, enabling them to be equipped with red or combination red and white flashing lights, and potentially a siren. To use these emergency vehicle privileges, the harbor master or deputy harbor master must complete an emergency vehicle operation course provided by the Department of Public Safety's Bureau of State Police. The municipality retains the authority to grant or revoke the permission for emergency lights and sirens, and the use of these emergency features is strictly limited to actual emergency response situations. The bill includes an emergency preamble and clause, indicating its immediate importance and desire to have the law in place before the start of the boating season, with the goal of enhancing public safety by allowing harbor masters to more effectively respond to maritime emergencies.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1568&snum=132