5 Ways Maine Does Things Differently Than New Hampshire

Maine and New Hampshire may be neighbors, but there are a lot of differences in the way they do things, whether that's how business is done to the laws within each state.

Here are five things that Maine does differently than New Hampshire, and I'll give a point to the state which I think does better than the other.

Maintaining Roads

When I cross the border into New Hampshire from Maine, the difference in the quality of the road changes, sometimes rather dramatically. After traveling on bumpy roads in Maine, that feel like they could use new pavement, I feel like I'm gliding over the road on the smoothest surface known to man. Just look at the difference above at the border between states on Route 2. You don't need me to point out which state is which. Maine does this differently because of budgets through taxes, which is different than New Hampshire. New Hampshire wins this one.

Maine Has Sales Tax

Maine's local tax burden is a whopping 11.14%, the third highest in the United States. New Hampshire doesn't collect income tax or sales tax. Their local tax burden is a mere 6.14%, with only Delaware and Alaska being lower. How does the state make their money? Booze and lottery tickets. Maine relies on much higher taxes. New Hampshire wins again.

Liquor Stores at Rest Stops

Maine has highway rest stops with a convenience store, a Burger King or Popeye's Chicken (depending on the direction you're traveling), and a Dunkin'. New Hampshire rest stops are Liquor and Wine Outlets. New Hampshire owns these liquor stores on and off the highways, and they charge tax on booze at a flat 30 cents per gallon. That is cheaper than Maine's 35 cents per gallon. The booze itself is cheaper too. A 1.75L bottle of Absolut vodka goes for $24.99 in New Hampshire and $36.99 in Maine. New Hampshire for the win here.

Maine Has a Seat Belt Law

If you're in a moving car in Maine, the law says you must buckle your seat belt. New Hampshire, however, has no such law. Don't want to buckle your seat belt in New Hampshire? Go for it. New Hampshire takes its "Live Free or Die" motto literally. New Hampshire is the only state in the country without a seat belt law. Maine's seat belt law has been in place since 1995. Maine finally scores a point.

No Bottle Return

Ever notice on that can or bottle all the states listed that have a five-cent deposit? You won't find New Hampshire on that list. However, I will say in my visits to New Hampshire, I haven't seen a lot of empty cans and bottles on the side of the roads like there used to be in Maine. The bottle bill was enacted in 1976 to give people an incentive not to chuck that can out the window. New Hampshire never did. New Hampshire loses this one, because Maine has the better recycling program.

Final score: New Hampshire 3, Maine 2.