ME LD1562

Requires highways, town ways, and streets to be maintained as safe and convenient for motor vehicle travelers, with safety evaluated based on existing roadway surface and season of the year

Establishes that residents must notify municipal officers or county commissioners in writing of unsafe road conditions before any liability attaches

Replaces criminal indictment penalties with civil action remedies, allowing persons who suffer bodily injury or property damage from unrepaired defective roads to sue after officials unreasonably neglect repairs

Authorizes municipalities to appoint their board of appeals to hear petitions from 3 or more residents regarding defective town ways, with authority to inspect roads, hold hearings, and prescribe required repairs

Clarifies that trees, structures, utility poles, and facilities existing in compliance with municipal ordinances are not considered defects in public ways