Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A. Motor Vehicles § 154. Collection of fees; report

1. Collection of fees. The Secretary of State shall collect all fees required for registering vehicles and licensing operators and all permit fees and transmit these fees to the Treasurer of State.

2. Report. The Secretary of State, as required by the Governor, shall make a report of the fees received for vehicle registrations and issuances of licenses and from other sources, with appropriate recommendations.

3. Collection costs. Whenever the payment of a fee results in a protest or is returned by the bank upon which it was drawn because of insufficient funds, closed account, no account or a similar reason, the Secretary of State shall charge a service collection fee of $2 plus the cost of collection.

4. Recovery of fees or use taxes. Whenever the payment of a fee or use tax required to be collected by the Secretary of State results in a protest or is returned by the bank upon which it was drawn because of insufficient funds, closed account, no account or a similar reason, the Secretary of State may mail a notice of dishonor, as defined in Title 11, section 3-1503, to the person liable, demanding payment and warning the person that if the amount due is not paid within 10 days after the mailing of the notice, suspension of the person's license and registration will result. If the person fails to pay the required amount within 10 days after the mailing of the notice, the Secretary of State may suspend all licenses, permits, certificates and registrations of the person liable for the fee, fees or tax.

5. Recovery of tax on vehicles. Upon receipt of notification of the State Tax Assessor under Title 36, sections 1955-A or 1955-B, the Secretary of State shall mail a notice to the person liable for the tax, warning that if the amount of tax due is not paid within 10 days after the mailing of the notice, suspension of the registration issued for the vehicle in question will result. If the person fails to pay the required amount within 10 days after the mailing of the notice, the Secretary of State shall suspend the registration issued for the vehicle on which the tax remains unpaid.

6. Recovery of turnpike tolls. Upon receipt of notice from the Maine Turnpike Authority in accordance with Title 23, section 1980, subsection 2-A, paragraph G, the Secretary of State shall suspend the registration certificate and plates issued for the vehicle in question. If the motor vehicle is registered in another jurisdiction, the Secretary of State shall suspend the owner's right to operate the motor vehicle in this State in accordance with section 2461. The Secretary of State shall mail a notice of suspension to the registered owner at the last name and address on record with the Secretary of State, which may include an address obtained by reasonable means under Title 23, section 1980, subsection 2-A, paragraph C. The suspension takes effect on the date specified in the notice, which may not be less than 10 days after the mailing of the notification. The Secretary of State may not reinstate the registration certificate and plates or restore the owner's right to operate the motor vehicle in the State until the Maine Turnpike Authority notifies the Secretary of State that the toll and applicable fees and penalties have been paid. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Title 5, section 9052, subsection 1 does not apply to a notice of suspension issued pursuant to this subsection.