Maine Revised Statutes Title 23. Transportation § 1351. Installation of signals, devices and signs

The department may make and shall enforce rules and regulations relating to traffic control and the installation and maintenance of traffic control signals, devices, signs and markings on all state, state aid and federal aid highways. The department may be consulted by and shall without charge advise municipal officers and road commissioners on the subject of traffic control.

The department shall have authority to install and maintain traffic control signals, warning, regulatory, directional and informational signs and markings, on all state and state aid highways and highways constructed under its direction with federal funds, when, in its opinion, such signs, signals and markings are necessary for public safety and convenience.

On all designated state and state aid highways, the location, form and character of informational, directional, regulatory and warning signs and traffic control signals and devices, erected by towns, shall be subject to approval of the department.

On any highway or street constructed with federal aid in any town, the location, form and character of informational, directional, regulatory and warning signs, curb and pavement or other markings, and traffic signals, installed or placed by any public authority or other agency, shall be subject to the approval of the department with the concurrence of the Federal Highway Administration.

Any rule or regulation relating to traffic control or the installation or maintenance of traffic control signals, devices or signs adopted pursuant to this section shall be exempt from the rule-making provisions of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375.  1

The department is authorized and directed to establish a system of numbering all classes of highways which, in its opinion, is necessary for public convenience, and to publish maps from time to time showing the highways so numbered.

On all designated state and state aid highways, the department may prohibit other than one-way traffic when in its opinion such prohibition is necessary for public safety.

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to apply to the installation or maintenance of signals, devices, signs, lights or warnings at approaches to railroad crossings.

The issuance of any order or rule and regulation may be proved by submitting a copy thereof signed by the commissioner and duly notarized.

Whoever violates any order or rule and regulation of the department issued under authority of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100 or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by both.