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In Maine, impaired driving is classified as Operating Under the Influence (OUI) rather than DUI. When someone is convicted of an OUI, the effects are felt immediately—but what about the long-term consequences, particularly on a person’s driving record? This is a common concern for Maine drivers trying to understand the full impact of an OUI beyond fines and court appearances.
This blog post explores how long an OUI remains on a driver’s record in Maine and what that means for future traffic stops, insurance policies, and legal situations. Many people are surprised to learn that an OUI can stay on record far longer than expected, and in some cases, indefinitely. Knowing how driving records are maintained, who can access them, and how they’re used is essential for understanding the long-term footprint of a conviction.
Whether you’re dealing with a current OUI, have one in your past, or simply want to know more about how Maine handles these records, this guide offers clear, neutral information. We’ll explain what the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) tracks, how insurers and authorities use that data, and why it matters years down the line.
How the Maine BMV Handles OUI Convictions
In Maine, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) keeps a detailed record of all licensed drivers and their driving histories. When a driver is convicted of an OUI, that conviction is entered into their official driving record and becomes part of the documented history maintained by the BMV.
For OUI offenses, Maine law enforces a 10-year “lookback” period, which is the time during which a prior offense can be used to enhance penalties for a new offense. However, even after the 10-year mark, the original OUI conviction doesn’t just disappear from the driving record. It may no longer count toward repeat-offense sentencing, but it may still remain visible to the BMV, law enforcement, and other entities with access to driving records.
The BMV’s records are primarily used for legal and administrative purposes, including license suspensions, reinstatements, and future legal actions. The lasting presence of an OUI on your driving record can influence how authorities treat you in subsequent traffic-related matters.
How Long Does an OUI Stay on Your Driving Record in Maine?
The official answer is that an OUI conviction stays on your driving record for life in Maine, but with a 10-year legal relevance period. This 10-year period is used for determining penalties for any subsequent OUI offenses. If another OUI occurs within this period, it will be treated as a second or repeat offense, leading to stricter penalties.
After those 10 years, a previous OUI will typically no longer be counted against you for sentencing purposes. However, the record itself is still retained by the BMV and is visible to relevant parties such as law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies. In some cases, insurers or employers who check your motor vehicle report (MVR) may also be able to see the conviction, depending on how long their records go back.
This means that while the legal consequences of the OUI might lessen after 10 years, the offense itself doesn’t vanish from your record entirely.
Insurance Implications of OUI on a Driving Record
Your driving record plays a major role in how car insurance companies assess your risk. In Maine, an OUI conviction leads to an immediate and often substantial increase in insurance premiums. Insurers typically view impaired driving as a high-risk behavior, and that status can affect your rates for several years.
Most insurance companies in Maine keep OUI-related surcharges in place for three to five years, though some may consider the offense relevant for even longer. The exact time frame varies by insurer, but as long as the OUI remains on your driving record, it can be used to justify higher premiums.
In addition, drivers convicted of OUI in Maine are often required to obtain SR-22 insurance, a form of high-risk auto insurance certification. This requirement usually lasts for three years and must be maintained without interruption. If the SR-22 lapses or is canceled early, the clock resets, potentially prolonging the requirement.
Driving Record Visibility for Employers and Agencies
While your criminal record is separate from your driving record, many employers—especially those hiring for roles involving driving—will request a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as part of the hiring process. In Maine, this report will include OUI convictions recorded by the BMV.
Employers evaluating job applicants for delivery services, transportation roles, or any position requiring the operation of a company vehicle may be especially focused on your driving history. A past OUI can be viewed as a risk factor, even if it occurred several years prior.
Government agencies or licensing bodies may also access your driving record during background checks for permits, professional licenses, or other legal matters. Although an older OUI may carry less weight, its continued presence on the record can still raise questions or require further explanation.
Repeat Offenses and the Role of the Driving Record
One of the most important roles your driving record plays in Maine is in determining whether a new OUI offense is classified as a first offense or a repeat offense. The state uses a 10-year lookback period for this determination. If you are convicted of another OUI within that period, it is treated as a second (or higher) offense with significantly harsher penalties.
This includes longer license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory minimum jail sentences, and requirements for ignition interlock devices. All of these consequences are based on the content of your BMV-maintained driving record, which acts as the legal history used by courts and the Department of Public Safety.
This lookback period ensures that past behavior remains relevant to the legal system for a significant amount of time—even if the individual has remained offense-free for several years.
Can You Remove an OUI from Your Driving Record in Maine?
Maine does not provide a legal mechanism for removing or expunging an OUI from your driving record. The conviction remains part of your BMV file, and there is no formal process for erasing or hiding the offense once it has been recorded.
Unlike criminal record expungement, which is limited and rarely granted even for eligible offenses, the driving record system is designed for administrative accuracy and public safety. Once the OUI is entered, it remains a permanent record—even if its legal weight for sentencing purposes fades over time.
This policy reflects Maine’s strong stance on impaired driving and its focus on maintaining accurate records for both public safety and legal enforcement.
FAQ: OUI and Driving Records in Maine
How long does an OUI stay on my driving record in Maine?
An OUI conviction remains on your driving record for life, but is typically considered legally relevant for 10 years when determining repeat offenses.
Will insurance companies see my OUI after 10 years?
Most insurers focus on the past three to five years, but some may look further back depending on company policy. The record itself is still available.
Can an OUI be expunged from a Maine driving record?
No. Maine does not allow expungement of OUI convictions from driving records. The information remains in the BMV database permanently.
Does a driving record affect employment?
Yes, particularly for jobs that involve driving or require a clean motor vehicle record. Employers may consider past OUI offenses during hiring.
What’s the difference between the driving record and criminal record?
Your driving record tracks violations and license actions with the BMV, while your criminal record contains court-related offenses. OUI appears on both.
Conclusion
An OUI conviction in Maine stays on your driving record permanently, even though its relevance for legal penalties generally lasts 10 years. This long-term presence can affect insurance rates, job applications, and future legal outcomes. Maine does not offer record-clearing options for driving records, making it important to understand how past offenses continue to shape administrative and legal experiences.
To explore how impaired driving convictions impact long-term records in more detail, visit our DUI Records and Long Term Impact page. For specific insights on record duration and what stays visible over time, check out the guide on How Long a DUI Stays on Your Record.