MAINE STATE SYMBOLS

§ 251. Short title
This subchapter may be cited as the "Uniform Flag Law."

§ 252. Definitions
The words "flag," "standard," "color," "ensign" or "shield," as used in this subchapter, shall include any flag, standard, color, ensign or shield, or copy, or picture or representation thereof, made of any substance or represented or produced thereon, and of any size, evidently purporting to be such flag, standard, color, ensign or shield of the United States or of this State, or a copy, picture or representation thereof.

§ 252-A. Display
The United States flag shall be flown at half mast only at such times as specified by the President of the United States or the Governor of the State of Maine. Any United States flag, except those flags having a historical significance, when being displayed shall be in good condition at all times, not tattered, not torn or not discolored.

Flying the United States flag in any manner in violation of the Federal United States Flag Code or in violation of this section is a Class E crime.

§ 253. Desecration
No person shall, in any manner, for exhibition or display:

1. Markings. Place or cause to be placed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing or advertisment of any nature upon any flag, standard, color, ensign or shield of the United States or of this State, or authorized by any law of the United States or of this State; or
2. Expose to public view. Expose to public view any such flag, standard, color, ensign or shield upon which shall have been printed, painted or otherwise produced, or to which shall have been attached, appended, affixed or annexed any such word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing or advertisement; or
3. Merchandise. Expose to public view for sale, manufacture or otherwise, or to sell, give or have in possession for sale, for gift or for use for any purpose, any substance, being an article of merchandise, or receptacle, or thing for holding or carrying merchandise, upon or to which shall have been produced or attached any such flag, standard, color, ensign or shield, in order to advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark or distinguish such article or substance. Any violation of this section shall be a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $50 may be adjudged.

§ 254. Mutilation
No person shall publicly or openly mutilate, deface, defile, defy, trample upon, or vy word or act cast contempt upon any such flag, standard, color, ensign or shield. Any violation of this section shall be a Class E crime.

§ 255. Exceptions
This subchapter shall not aply to any act permitted by the statutes of the United States or of this State, or by the United States Army and Navy regulations, nor shall they apply to any printed or written document or production, stationery, ornament, picture or jewelry whereon shall be depicted said flag, standard, color, ensign or shield with no design or words thereon and disconnected with any advertisement.

§ 256. Interpretation
This subchapter shall be so construed as to effectuate their general purpose and to make uniform the laws of the states which enact them.

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