Maine Hardship License Insurance After Suspension
Maine requires 50/100/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Free to compare
Maine at a Glance
50/100/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
PIP and Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$50
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Maine
Maine operates under a traditional tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages. The state requires continuous proof of insurance, and coverage lapses trigger immediate license suspension and SR-22 filing requirements upon reinstatement. If you're applying for a conditional license after suspension, you must file SR-22 with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles before your hardship hearing.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
What Drivers Pay in Maine
$175–$306/mo
Typical monthly rate in Maine, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Non-standard carriers in Maine — including The General, Safe Auto, Bristol West, and Dairyland — offer conditional license SR-22 policies when standard carriers decline coverage.
Get Insured for the Drive to Work
Keep Driving to WorkIf your license is suspended
Work-Restricted Drivers License
A restricted license is available while suspended.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a conditional license in Maine after a DUI suspension?
You must file a hardship petition with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles and attend a hearing where you present evidence of employment need, proof of SR-22 insurance, and documentation that you've completed required alcohol education programs. The Bureau grants conditional licenses only for specific purposes — work, medical appointments, and alcohol treatment — and only after you've served a mandatory suspension period that varies by offense. First-offense DUI requires 150 days of suspension before you're eligible to apply.
Can I get SR-22 insurance in Maine before my license is reinstated?
Yes, and you must. Maine requires proof of active SR-22 filing before your conditional license hearing, not after approval. You can purchase SR-22 insurance while your license is still suspended — the insurer files the certificate electronically with the Bureau, and you bring proof of filing to your hearing. Expect 24–48 hours for the SR-22 to appear in the Bureau's system after purchase.
What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses during my conditional license period in Maine?
Your conditional license suspends immediately and automatically. Maine insurers are required to notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 24 hours of policy cancellation or lapse. The Bureau does not send advance warning — your license becomes invalid the moment the lapse is reported, and you must restart the SR-22 filing period from day one if you're caught driving.
How long does Maine require SR-22 filing after a license suspension?
Three years from the date of reinstatement for most major violations, including DUI, reckless driving, and driving without insurance. The clock starts when your license is reinstated, not when the violation occurred. If your insurance lapses at any point during the three-year period, the entire filing requirement resets and you start the three-year count from the beginning.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
State-mandated proof of financial responsibility filed electronically by your insurer with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Required for three years after most major violations.
Non-Owner SR-22
SR-22 certificate attached to a liability-only policy for drivers who don't own a vehicle but need to maintain their conditional license or fulfill court requirements.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Maine's 50/100/25 minimum is mandatory for all drivers and cannot be waived under any circumstance.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage from carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers, including those with DUI convictions, suspended licenses, multiple violations, or SR-22 filing requirements.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your injuries and vehicle damage.