What are The Unwritten Rules of Driving in Maine?

There are unwritten rules when it comes to driving in Maine.

Waving, Four-Way Stops and Headlights

These customs are as simple as a hand wave on a back road, waving someone through a four-way stop or a friendly flicking of the headlights at someone passing by.

Common Knowledge

These aren’t written rules of the road, but a common knowledge on how a local acts behind the wheel.

10 Unwritten Rules of the Road

What are the rules of the road in Maine? Here are 10 guidelines we follow when driving in the state.

Wave to Oncoming Traffic

It’s a nice thing to do in rural Maine. A wave is just a friendly gesture in a place where most everyone knows everyone else.

Don’t Tailgate

It’s dangerous to get right on someone’s bumper because they are going to slow. It’s also rude and you might know the driver in front of you. It never looks good.

Big Rigs Have the Right of Way

With logging trucks or freight being hauled, we have a lot of big trucks on the road. Giving them the right of way is the smart thing to do. It’s way safer too.

Blinkers Can Be Optional

Depending on where you are, blinkers can be optional. On country roads and places where there is no traffic it makes sense. Blinkers are a good habit and almost always the right thing to do.

Moose on the Loose

Mainers know how to handle moose on the road or nearby. It’s an unwritten rule to not honk or cause a traffic jam to stop and take pictures. That goes for most wildlife.

Make Way for Snow Plows

Mainers know to never cut a snow plow off. It’s common sense and most people wouldn’t do it. Locals will yield to a plow and give a friendly wave as another unwritten rule to driving in the state.

Brake for Yard Sales

Yard sales are a big deal in Maine. When you see one, get ready to slow down and check it out. It’s also a nice thing to do even if you don’t stop.

• READ MORE: People Say These are The Worst Roads in the County

Different Kinds of Honks

The friendly honk to someone is definitely an unwritten rule of the road in Maine. It’s encouraged. Another rule is, don’t do the impatient honk because you're in traffic or tailgating someone.

Wave When Someone Lets You in Traffic

This is an important rule. Nothing says thank you than a simple wave of the hand when another driver allows you in a lane. Manners will take umbrage if you don’t wave.

Four-Way Stops

Following the written rules at a four-way stop is the best way to go. There’s no confusion if everyone is on the same page. Kindly motioning someone ahead is a nice thing to do when it’s just the two of you.

• ALSO READ: What Items are Stolen the Most from Vehicles in Maine?

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