From Code of Main Rules:
170.50 CUSTOM VEHICLES AND STREET RODS
1. GENERAL
A. All parts of all vehicles must comply with all laws and rules pertaining to motor vehicle
inspections, other than the exemptions noted in this section.
B. Inspection Technicians must examine custom vehicles and street rods for quality of
workmanship, integrity of the vehicle components, and the vehicle geometry. If the
Inspection Technician believes, based upon training and experience, that the strength or
safety of any component of a street rod or custom vehicle is insufficient, they must not
issue an inspection sticker.
2. REGULATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS FOR CUSTOM VEHICLES
A. Glazing
1. The windshield must be of approved safety glass.
2. The glazing must allow the operator a clear and undistorted view directly ahead and
to the right and left of the axis of the vehicle. The vertical height of the windshield
must be at least 7 inches.
3. If the body of the custom vehicle was originally constructed without rear windows,
then rear windows are not required.
4. A custom vehicle may be modified to remove the rear window. If the rear window is
removed, there must be a sufficient number of mirrors to afford a clear view to the
sides and rear of the vehicle. The vehicle shall not be inspected if the rear window is
removed and not replaced with material to block the rear window opening.
5. Custom vehicles are not required to have sun visors, but if they are present, they
must be secure and able to stay in the upright position when not in use.
B. Exhaust System
(1) A custom vehicle shall be equipped with an exhaust system that is free of leaks
including the exhaust manifolds (including headers), the piping leading from the
flange of the exhaust manifold(s), the muffler(s) and the tail piping.
(2) Exhaust systems shall discharge exhaust fumes at a location to the rear of the
vehicle body or direct the exhaust fumes outward from the side of the vehicle body
at a location rearward of any operable side windows.
(3) No part of the exhaust system shall pass through any part of the vehicle that is used
as a passenger-carrying compartment.
C. Body and Structure
(1) Bumpers - Custom vehicles are exempt from bumper requirements. If a custom
vehicle is equipped with a bumper it must be securely attached and so constructed
that it does not pose a safety hazard to occupants, pedestrians, cyclists or other
vehicles.
(2) Fenders - Custom vehicles must be equipped with fenders or fender and extensions
to provide coverage of the exposed tire tread.
(3) Floor Pan - A floor pan must be in sound condition and completely free of cracks,
holes, open seams, or other openings that would allow exhaust fumes to enter the
passenger or operator compartments.
(4) Gas Tank - Gas tanks must be of the type originally manufactured as a motor vehicle
gas tank.
(5) Rear Engine Driven Vehicles - Rear engine driven vehicles must have metal or
fiberglass shrouds covering exposed exhaust pipes and drive belts.
(6) Windshield Wipers: Custom vehicles are exempt from sections 170(8)(A)(1)-(7) of
this Chapter regarding windshield wipers. However, a custom vehicle must have
adequate windshield wiper(s) to effectively clear the windshield, and the wipers
must be working properly.
(7) Custom vehicles are exempt from the battery location requirement under section
170(5)(A), provided that the battery is properly secured and adequately vented.
D. Tires and Suspensions
1. Custom vehicles are exempt from the portions of this Chapter regarding tires, except
that no tire may contact any portion of the body, the steering components, or the
frame during normal vehicle operations. All tires must be DOT approved and must fit
entirely within the body or fenders of the vehicle so that no portion of the tire tread
is exposed. Tires must meet the requirements in Title 29-A Section 1917 (see
supplement).
2. Custom vehicles are exempt from the portions of this Chapter regarding minimum
frame height requirements, but a custom vehicle must meet the following standard
regarding vehicle height:
a. The scrub line of the vehicle shall not be lower than three (3) inches from a
level surface.
b. No portion of a vehicle component may extend below the scrub line. This
includes any portion of the suspension system; exhaust system, frame, hoses
or other part except body trim or molding.
c. For purposes of measurement, the scrub line must be measured with the
vehicle on a flat level surface, with full weight resting on the tires. The scrub
line may be measured using any two tires.
3. REGULATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS FOR STREET RODS
A. A street rod engine must be front-mounted, unless the vehicle was originally manufactured
with a rear engine.
B. Glazing
(1) The windshield must be of approved safety glass.
(2) The glazing must allow the operator a clear and undistorted view directly ahead and to
the right and left of the axis of the vehicle. The vertical height of the windshield must be
at least 7 inches
(3) If the body of the street rod was originally constructed without rear windows, then rear
windows are not required.
(4) A street rod may be modified to remove the rear window. If the rear window is
removed, there must be a sufficient number of mirrors to afford a clear view to the
sides and rear of the vehicle. The vehicle shall not be inspected if the rear window is
removed and not replaced with material to block the rear window opening.
(5) Street rods are not required to have sun visors, but if they are present, they must be
secure and able to stay in the upright position when not in use.
C. Exhaust System
(1) A street rod shall be equipped with an exhaust system that is intact and that does not
have any leaks. The exhaust system includes the exhaust manifolds (including headers),
the piping leading from the flange of the exhaust manifold(s), the muffler(s) and the tail
piping.
(2) Exhaust systems shall discharge exhaust fumes at a location to the rear of the vehicle
body or direct the exhaust fumes outward from the side of the vehicle body at a
location rearward of any operable side windows.
(3) No part of the exhaust system shall pass through any part of the vehicle that is used as a
passenger-carrying compartment.
D. Body
(1) Bumpers: Street rods are exempt from the requirement to have bumpers.
(2) Fenders: Street rods are exempt from the requirement to have fenders.
(3) Floor Pan; Street rods must have a floor pan that is solid and completely free of
cracks, holes, open seams, or other openings that would allow exhaust fumes to
enter the passenger compartment.
(4) Gas Tank; Gas tanks must be of the type originally manufactured as a motor
vehicle gas tank.
(5) Rear Engine Driven Vehicles; Rear engine driven vehicles must have metal or
fiberglass shrouds covering exposed exhaust pipes and drive belts.
(6) Frame heights; Street rods are exempt from the minimum frame height
requirements.
(7) Windshield Wipers: Street Rods are exempt from sections 170(8)(A)(1)-(7) of this
Chapter regarding windshield wipers. However, a Street Rod must have
adequate
(8) windshield wiper(s) to effectively clear the windshield, and the wipers must be
working properly.
(9) Hoods: Street Rods are exempt from having hoods.
(10) Street Rods are exempt from the battery location requirement under
section 170(5)(A), provided that the battery is properly secured and adequately
vented.
E. Tires
(1) Street Rods are exempt from the portions of this Chapter regarding tires, except that no tire
may contact any portion of the body, the steering components, or the frame during normal
vehicle operations. All tires must be DOT approved. Tires must meet the requirements in Title
29-A Section 1917 (see supplement).
From Maine Statutes:
29-A M.R.S. § 1756. Inspection standards
1. Inspection standards. Equipment subject to inspection must:
A. Be in good working order;
B. Be safely attached or secured to the chassis or body of the vehicle;
C. Be mechanically safe;
D. Not pose a hazard to the occupant of the vehicle or to the general public; and
E. Meet the standards set forth in rules adopted by the Chief of the State Police.
2. Inspection standard for catalytic converter. Notwithstanding the inspection standards of
subsection 1, a catalytic converter subject to the inspection required by section 1751,
subsection 2, paragraph N must meet the rules promulgated by the Chief of the State Police
and must be safely attached or secured to the chassis or body of the vehicle.
3. Windows. In addition to the standards set forth in subsection 1, windows must meet the
standards of sections 1915 and 1916.
4. Fenders. Except as provided by section 1953, subsection 2, paragraph E, a motor vehicle
other than a street rod must be equipped with fenders or fenders and extensions. When a
wheel and tire are installed that permit the tire tread to extend beyond the natural fender
configuration, the fenders must be modified or extended to cover the exposed tire tread.
6. Inspection standard for fuel tank cap. Notwithstanding the inspection standards of
subsection 1, a fuel tank cap subject to the inspection required by section 1751, subsection 2-A,
paragraph B must meet the standards in rules adopted by the Chief of the State Police. The
Chief of the State Police shall adopt rules to establish procedures and standards for a fuel tank
cap pressure test.
7. Inspection standard for on-board diagnostic system. Notwithstanding the inspection
standards of subsection 1, an on-board diagnostic system subject to the inspection required by
section 1751, subsection 2-A, paragraph C must meet the standards in rules adopted by the
Chief of the State Police. The Chief of the State Police shall adopt rules that meet the
requirements of 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 85 for on-board diagnostic test
procedures, standards and equipment.
9-A M.R.S.A. § 2054. Emergency and auxiliary lights; sirens; privileges
D. Except as provided in this paragraph, a vehicle may not be equipped with or display a blue
light.
(3) The taillight of a vehicle, or replica of a vehicle, manufactured prior to 1952 and
registered under section 457, may contain a blue or purple insert of not more than one
inch in diameter.
29-A M.R.S.A. § 2090. Antique vehicles
A vehicle registered as an antique vehicle pursuant to section 457 may pull a trailer or
semitrailer as long as the vehicle is used for noncommercial recreational purposes or for
exhibitions, club activities, parades or other functions of public interest.
29-A M.R.S.A. § 752-A. Exempted odometer information
A vehicle's odometer reading is not required to be disclosed on transfers of the following
vehicles:
(1) Not self-propelled. A vehicle that is not self-propelled; or
(2) Ten years old. A vehicle that is 10 years old or older.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Title, the Secretary of State may require odometer
information for any vehicle, as set forth in section 752, upon showing by records or other
sufficient evidence that vehicle mileage discrepancies exist.