No, applying makeup while driving is illegal in Maine under distracted driving laws, as it impairs a motorist’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) enforces this under 29-A §2114, which prohibits any activity diverting attention from the road. Violations may result in fines up to $500, though enforcement remains discretionary.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Maine
- Distracted Driving Statute (29-A §2114): Prohibits any action that impedes full control of a vehicle, including grooming activities like makeup application.
- Maine BMV Enforcement Guidelines: Local officers may cite drivers if makeup application visibly reduces reaction time or lane discipline.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Proposed amendments to distracted driving laws may expand penalties to include secondary offenses, such as dashboard-mounted mirrors facilitating vanity tasks.
Maine’s courts have upheld convictions under §2114 where makeup application caused swerving or delayed braking. The law does not distinguish between commercial and personal vehicles, applying uniformly to all drivers. Municipalities like Portland have intensified patrols near high-traffic areas to deter such behavior.