An automobile is a vehicle that moves on four wheels and is one of our primary methods of transportation. Automobiles are also known as cars or vehicles. Trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUV), and minivans are different types of automobiles, and are sometimes referred to as cars, vehicles, or motor vehicles.
Automobiles are usually powered by an internal combustion engine using gasoline or diesel fuel, or by one or more electric motors, using energy stored in one or more rechargeable batteries.
In Maine, automobiles, which include cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans, are primarily regulated by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). These vehicles, whether powered by internal combustion engines using gasoline or diesel, or by electric motors with rechargeable batteries, must be registered with the BMV. Owners must have a valid title and are required to maintain liability insurance. Maine also has specific regulations regarding vehicle inspections, emissions, and safety standards that automobiles must meet. Additionally, Maine has been adopting regulations to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs), including incentives for EV purchases and the development of charging infrastructure. The state adheres to federal laws and safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for vehicle manufacturing and environmental compliance.