Driving in Maine: A Survival Guide

Maine is a massive state—bigger than all the other New England states combined. At 35,385 square miles, it stretches from the New Hampshire border to the Canadian Maritime provinces, with vast stretches of wilderness in between. Public transit is limited outside of Portland, so for most visitors, a car is essential. But driving here comes with its own set of rules, hazards, and quirks that can surprise even experienced drivers.

The good news: Maine roads are generally well-maintained, traffic is light outside of a few summer bottlenecks, and the scenery makes every drive worthwhile. The challenges: wildlife that doesn’t yield, weather that can change rapidly, and distances that are deceptive on the map.

The Two Maines

There are effectively two road networks in Maine:

The Interstate (I-95): The high-speed artery. It runs from the NH border north to Houlton. South of Augusta, it’s a toll road (The Maine Turnpike). It’s the fastest way to get north-south, but you won’t see the ocean.
Route 1: The legendary coastal highway. It runs through every town center. It is scenic, slow, and prone to massive traffic jams in summer (especially in Wiscasset).

The Moose Hazard

This is not a joke. Hitting a moose is catastrophic. A bull moose can weigh 1,500 pounds and stand 7 feet tall.

The Physics: Because their legs are so long, the bumper hits the legs and the massive body crashes through the windshield.
Danger Zones: Anywhere north of Portland, but especially “Moose Alley” (Route 201 north of Skowhegan) and the Golden Road.
When: Dawn and dusk are peak activity times. May/June and September/October are peak movement months.
What to Do: Scan the shoulders constantly. If you see a moose, brake hard but try not to swerve violently, as you may hit a tree or another car.

Logging Roads & The North Woods

In the northern half of Maine, the “roads” are often privately owned gravel logging tracks.

Right of Way: Logging trucks ALWAYS have the right of way. They are heavy, moving fast, and cannot stop. Pull over completely if you see one coming.
Gate Fees: You will often have to pass through a checkpoint (North Maine Woods) and pay a cash fee.
Conditions: Gravel roads eat tires. Bring a full-sized spare (not a donut) and a jack.
GPS: Do not rely on Google Maps. It may try to route you down a snowmobile trail. Buy a Maine Gazetteer (paper map).

Winter Driving

“All-season” tires are often not enough for a real Maine winter.

Snow Ban: Many towns have overnight parking bans during storms.
Black Ice: Coastal roads often look wet but are actually frozen.
Kit: Keep a shovel, blanket, and scraper in the trunk.

The Rotary (Roundabout)

Maine loves rotaries. They are everywhere.

Yield to Traffic IN the Circle: They have the right of way.
Don’t Stop: Once you enter, keep moving.
Blinkers: Use your right blinker to signal when you are exiting.

Gas & EV Charging

Gas: In remote areas (Route 11, the Golden Road), gas stations can be 50+ miles apart. Never let your tank drop below half in the North Woods.
EVs: The charging network is good along I-95 and Route 1 (thanks to Revision Energy and others), but gets very sparse inland and north of Bangor. Plan carefully.

Local Etiquette

The Wave: On back roads, it is customary to lift a finger or wave to passing drivers.
Letting People In: Maine drivers are generally polite. If someone is trying to turn onto the main road in heavy traffic, let them in.
Headlights: Keep them on, even in the day. It helps you be seen on shady, tree-lined roads.
Slow Down in Villages: Maine has many small villages with speed limits that drop suddenly. Locals appreciate visitors who respect these zones.

Distances & Travel Times

Maine distances are deceptive. What looks like a short drive on the map can take hours on winding two-lane roads:

Portland to Acadia: 3 hours (not 2)
Portland to Moosehead Lake: 3.5 hours
Portland to Aroostook County: 5+ hours
Bangor to Lubec (easternmost point): 2.5 hours

Plan for slower speeds than you’re used to. Many scenic routes average 35-45 mph due to curves, villages, and traffic.

Summer Traffic Hotspots

In July and August, certain areas become notorious bottlenecks:

Wiscasset: The “Prettiest Village in Maine” is also the slowest. Route 1 traffic can back up for miles waiting to pass through the single-lane center.
Freeport: L.L.Bean draws millions annually; weekends are especially congested.
Bar Harbor/Acadia: The Park Loop Road and downtown Bar Harbor require patience in peak season.
Kennebunkport: The narrow roads through the village slow to a crawl during summer weekends.

Fall Foliage Season

Late September through mid-October brings “leaf peeper” traffic to scenic routes. Popular foliage drives include:

Route 17 (Rangeley): Often called one of the best foliage drives in New England.
Route 27 (Kingfield to Stratton): Spectacular colors through the western mountains.
Kancamagus Highway (NH border): Just across the border but draws heavy Maine traffic.

Essential Gear

Keep in your vehicle:

Maine Atlas and Gazetteer: The definitive paper map for Maine. GPS can fail in remote areas.
Flashlight: For changing tires on dark roads or exploring covered bridges.
Cell phone charger: Coverage is spotty; keep your phone charged.
Cash: Smaller toll plazas and many rural businesses are cash-only.
Water and snacks: Distances between services can be longer than expected.

Emergency Contacts

Maine State Police: 1-800-452-4664
Roadside Assistance (AAA): 1-800-222-4357
Maine DOT Road Conditions: 511

Drive safe, take your time, and remember: the journey is half the experience. Maine’s roads pass through some of the most beautiful scenery in the eastern United States—there’s no need to rush through it.

Rental Car Considerations

If renting a vehicle for Maine travel:

Size matters: Compact cars work fine for coastal trips. For logging roads or winter travel, consider an SUV with higher clearance.
AWD/4WD: Not essential for summer coastal travel, but valuable for shoulder seasons and any mountain exploration.
Winter tires: Major rental companies don’t always provide them. If visiting December-March, ask specifically about winter tire availability.
GPS backup: Download offline maps before leaving the rental lot. Cell coverage gaps are common.

Scenic Pull-Offs and Rest Areas

Maine has designated scenic turnouts on major routes:

Route 1: Multiple ocean-view pull-offs between Rockland and Acadia.
Route 17: The Height of Land overlook is the most famous, but several smaller pull-offs offer excellent views.
Route 201: The Attean Overlook near Jackman provides wilderness panoramas.

The Maine Turnpike (I-95) has full-service rest areas with food, fuel, and clean facilities at Kennebunk, Gardiner, and West Gardiner.

The Maine Driving Philosophy

Maine drivers tend to be patient and courteous—but they also expect the same in return. A few unwritten rules:

Use turnouts: If you’re driving slowly on a scenic road and cars pile up behind you, pull over and let them pass.
Wave thanks: When someone lets you in or waits at a narrow bridge, acknowledge with a wave.
Don’t honk: Mainers rarely honk except for genuine emergencies. Using your horn aggressively marks you as an outsider.
Respect the pace: Rural Maine moves slower. Accept it rather than fighting it.

Driving in Maine is ultimately about the experience, not the destination. The winding roads, ocean glimpses, mountain views, and small-town main streets are features, not bugs. Embrace the pace, stay alert for wildlife, and enjoy one of the most scenic states in America.