Rangeley Police Department

06/23/2026

BICYCLE HELMET LAW — KNOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD

With warmer weather bringing more cyclists out on Rangeley's roads and pathways, the Rangeley Police Department wants to remind residents and visitors about Maine's bicycle helmet law.
Under Maine law (29-A M.R.S. §2323):

✅ Anyone under the age of 16 — whether operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle — is required by law to wear a helmet on any public roadway or public bikeway.
✅ That helmet must be a good fit, positioned properly, and fastened securely by helmet straps. A loose helmet pushed to the back of the head doesn't meet the standard.
✅ This law also applies to electric bicycles (e-bikes) for riders under 16.
What about adults? Maine does not currently have a helmet requirement for riders 16 and older — but we strongly encourage everyone to wear one. Helmets are estimated to reduce the risk of serious head injury by up to 85%.

Stay safe out there, Rangeley! Whether you're cruising downtown or riding the back roads, protect the most important thing you're wearing: your head.

Read the full Maine statute here: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec2323.html

— Rangeley Police Department

Title 29-A, §2323 Bicyclist and roller skier helmet use; passenger seat use

05/12/2026

The Rangeley Police Department is heartbroken by the loss of a Maine Game Warden, who gave his life in service to the people and lands of Maine.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Maine Warden Service, and all who knew and served alongside him.

Rest easy, Warden. We have the watch from here.

01/18/2026

🚨 Snowmobiling Reminder 🚨

The Rangeley Police Department would like to remind residents and visitors that snowmobiling on sidewalks is prohibited by law.

• Sidewalks are public walkways. Snowmobiles may only be operated on roadways where allowed by law — not on sidewalks or plowed snowbanks.

These rules are in place to protect pedestrians, prevent injuries, prevent property damage, and reduce accidents in busy areas around town.

Thank you for riding responsibly and helping keep our community safe and enjoyable for everyone this winter.

For full details, see Maine law: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/12/title12sec13106-A.html

11/25/2025

🦌 Deer Strikes Are Increasing 🦌— Stay Alert & Consider Joining Our "Deer List"

As fall turns into early winter, we always see an uptick in car-deer crashes around Rangeley. Our officers have already responded to a number of these calls, and we want to help everyone stay a little safer out there.

Deer are especially active at dawn and dusk, and they tend to move in groups. If you see one cross the road, assume more are right behind it. Even with careful driving, these collisions still happen — and when they do, they can be stressful and costly.

If you’d like to be added to the Deer List, please send us a message that includes:

Your name
Your home address
Your phone number
The times you prefer to be contacted

We appreciate everyone doing their part to drive a little slower, stay alert, and look out for wildlife — especially this time of year. As always, we’re here to help keep our community safe.

11/21/2025

Winter Parking Ban Now in Effect

Rangeley’s winter parking ban is now active from November 15th to April 15th, with no parking on town roads between Midnight and 7:00 AM. This helps our plow crews keep roads clear and safe during overnight snow.

According to the town’s winter parking Ban, vehicles in violation will receive one warning. After that, any vehicle parked during restricted hours may be towed to allow plow crews to keep the roads clear.

Local tip: If you’re away for the season, ask a neighbor or caretaker to check your driveway and vehicle placement during storm weeks.

Thank you for helping to keep our roads safe and passable throughout the winter.

11/18/2025

🛠️ Tip Tuesday: Beware of Home Repair & Contractor Scams 🛠️

What It Is: After storms or seasonal weather changes, scammers may approach homeowners offering “cheap” repairs or urgent services. They often pressure you to pay up front or perform unnecessary work. Their goal is to take your money without completing the job properly—or at all.

How to Spot It:

🔹 Unsolicited door-to-door offers or cold calls for repairs
🔹 High-pressure tactics to pay upfront
🔹 No verifiable references or licensing
🔹 Quotes that seem unusually low compared to local market rates

How to Protect Yourself:

☑ Always check references and confirm the contractor is licensed and insured
☑ Get multiple quotes and compare prices before agreeing
☑ Never pay the full amount up front
☑ Ask for a written contract detailing the work and payment schedule
☑ When in doubt, contact the Rangeley Police Department to verify the legitimacy of the contractor

We’re Here to Help: The Rangeley Police Department encourages all community members to stay vigilant. If something feels suspicious, don’t hesitate to call us—we’re happy to help verify contractors or provide guidance. Protect yourself and your home by taking the time to thoroughly check before you hire.

11/14/2025

🚨 Fact Friday: Understanding Maine’s Move Over Law 🚨

Sharing the road safely is everyone’s responsibility. Maine’s Move Over Law is designed to protect emergency personnel, tow truck operators, and roadside workers while they do their jobs.

🔹Maine Law: 29-A M.R.S. § 2054(9) – Move Over Law

🔹Drivers must slow down and, if possible, move over to another lane when approaching a stationary emergency, maintenance, or tow vehicle displaying flashing lights. If it isn’t safe to change lanes, reduce speed, and proceed with caution.

🔹Practical Tip: Always stay alert for vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside. Give them plenty of space, plan ahead, and slow down when needed—these simple actions can save lives.

For full details, you can view the statute here: https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2054.html

Thank you for helping to keep our community safe!

11/12/2025

Tip Tuesday: Burglary Prevention – Keep Your Home Secure

Whether it’s your year-round home or a seasonal camp, taking a few simple steps can greatly reduce the risk of a break-in:

🔹Lock doors and windows – Always secure all entry points, even when stepping out briefly.

🔹Protect valuables – Keep electronics, cash, and important items out of sight.

🔹Use timers on lights – Setting lights to turn on and off can make your home look occupied.

🔹Notify a neighbor – If your property will be empty for a period, let a trusted neighbor know so they can keep an eye out.

For those heading out on vacation or leaving a seasonal camp unattended, you can add your property to our periodic check list here: https://forms.gle/xyHag9DL9Kf9JQ837
These checks help you keep an eye on your property when possible, but please note that they are not performed daily and are performed as time allows.

These small actions, combined with our Property Check service, help your home stay safe while giving you peace of mind. Remember, if you notice anything suspicious around your property or in the neighborhood, call us immediately.

Stay safe and watch out for one another—the Rangeley Police Department is here to help.

11/07/2025

❄️ **Fact Friday: Clear Your Windshield for Safe Driving**

As November begins and the snow season approaches, this is a good reminder to prepare your vehicle for winter driving conditions.

Did you know that Maine law requires vehicle owners to remove snow and ice from their windshields, windows, and mirrors before driving? Driving with snow or ice obstructing your view can be dangerous not only to you but to other drivers and pedestrians.

**Maine Law:** 29-A M.R.S. § 2082 – Windows

* It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle when the windshield or windows are obstructed, limiting the driver’s clear view. Recent amendments also require drivers to take reasonable measures to prevent snow or ice from falling off the vehicle while driving.

**Practical Tip:** Make it a habit to clear all windows, mirrors, and lights before starting your drive, especially during the winter months. This simple step helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone on the road safer.

For full details, you can view the statute here: [29-A M.R.S. § 2082] https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2082.html

Amendment [29-A M.R.S. § 2093] https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2093.html

Stay safe and help keep our community roads clear and accident-free.

11/06/2025

🚨 Public Advisory – Water Main Break 🚨

Rangeley Fire Rescue would like to inform the public that the Rangeley Water District has experienced a catastrophic water main break. Due to this issue, the Water District has issued a Reduced Water Usage Warning until further notice.

We ask all residents and businesses to conserve water by limiting non-essential use such as laundry, dishwashing, and outdoor water activities. This will help maintain enough water pressure for essential needs and emergency fire protection while repairs are underway.

If anyone sees large amounts of water, pooling, or other signs of a leak, please contact the Rangeley Water District immediately at 207-491-5211.

Please stay tuned to official Rangeley Water District and Rangeley Fire Rescue pages for updates as the situation develops.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

— Rangeley Fire Rescue 🚒