Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §2649-A is enacted to read:

§2649-A.__Motor vehicles on ice prohibited

1.__Public water supply.__Notwithstanding section 2649, a person may not operate a motor vehicle, as defined in Title 29-A, section 101, subsection 42, on any frozen body of water that is used as a public water supply.

2.__Exception.__The municipal officials, as defined in Title 30-A, section 2001, subsection 11, of a municipality that has a public water supply within its boundaries may promulgate regulations governing the granting of a day pass allowing the operation of motor vehicle on that body of water.__The pass is restricted to a one-time use and may only be granted for a reason determined by the municipal officials to be in the best interest of the public.

3.__Violation.__A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $200 may be adjudged for any one offense.

SUMMARY

This bill prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle on any frozen body of water that is used as a public water supply. The bill does provide for a one-time day pass that may be granted to allow a motor vehicle to be driven on the ice when it is in the best interest of the public.