Maine Trip Permit

When Do You Need a Maine Trip Permit?

The travel permit acts as an interim registration of commercial trucks and buses moving into Maine that are not yet apportioned. It is advisable to secure this permit when your vehicle is used in interstate commerce and fits into the following conditions:

• Weight Limits: You have a power unit whose gross vehicle weight (GVW) or weight registration exceeds 26,000 pounds.
• Combined Weight: Your power unit and your trailer’s gross combined weight (or weight registration) exceeds 26,000 pounds.
• Number of Axles: Your vehicle comes with at least three axles.
• Compliance Reminder: The Registration Trip Permit does not fulfill fuel tax responsibilities. You need to have an active IFTA license to avoid this requirement; otherwise, you will be required to get a Maine Fuel Trip Permit.

Permit Validity and Requirements

If you find yourself operating on an emergency basis in the state of Maine, you will have to be prepared. This is because enforcement officers at the weigh station or port of entry can ask for evidence of your permit.

• Validity: Generally, the Maine Trip Permits have validity up to 72 hours straight.
• Documents: Always keep a copy of your permit either physically or digitally within your cab. The permits are particular to the vehicle and thus should not be shared with any other power unit.
• Cost-Efficient Alternatives: Carriers may acquire a trip permit for the IRP, an IFTA fuel trip permit, or both.

How to Obtain Your Maine Permits

The BMV of Maine and permitted services provide easy ways for obtaining temporary permits so you will always be on schedule.

• Permitted Permit Services: Numerous carriers use professional permit services for processing applications and making sure that all necessary information such as your VIN, gross vehicle weight and the number of axles are entered correctly.
• Direct Contact: Alternatively, the direct contact information for the Maine Fuel Unit is (207) 624-9000 (ext. 52137), where you can also apply for fuel permit applications.
• Information Required: While making an application, you need to have your VIN number, license plate number, gross weight of your vehicle, and the intended travel dates in Maine.

Need Assistance with Specialized Permits?

When your vehicle is too large for regular permitted size limits such as a gross weight exceeding 80,000 lbs, height greater than 13.5 feet, or a width larger than 8.5 feet, then you would need special Oversize and Overweight (OS/OW) permits in order to travel through Maine safely.