Maine Revised Statutes Title 5. Administrative Procedures and Services § 7. State-owned motor vehicles

The State may provide motor vehicles for the travel of state employees in a number to be determined by the Legislature. Each state department or commission head shall promulgate written policy concerning the use of state-owned motor vehicles assigned to that department or commission. The policy must include, but not be limited to, a definition of the use of state-owned motor vehicles that constitutes use in the conduct of state business and that distinguishes such use from private use.

The Legislature finds that the energy crisis requires State Government to act as a leader in the conservation of energy. In order to achieve that end, it is necessary for the State to consume less energy, particularly in the area of transportation. The Legislature, therefore, declares it to be in the public interest that the fleet of new motor vehicles purchased for the travel of state employees meet the federal fleet mileage standards.

Any state employee or official who misuses a state-owned motor vehicle shall be liable for the actual costs of such use and in addition may be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension from employment.

All state-owned vehicles, except as otherwise provided, shall display special registration plates, approved by the Secretary of State, plainly designating them as state-owned motor vehicles. They may in addition display a marker or insignia, approved by the Secretary of State, plainly designating them as state-owned. Motor vehicles used by departments, commissions or agencies charged by law with law enforcement or investigatory functions, if used for those purposes by personnel who have full-time law enforcement or investigatory duties, shall not be required to display a special registration plate.

The Legislative Council shall biennially study and review state motor vehicle needs and uses and shall report its findings to the Legislature. Department and agency heads shall justify the purchase of motor vehicles as part of request for appropriations before the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs.