30-A M.R.S. §3963: Pawn transaction terms

1. Maximum finance charge established. A pawnbroker may not directly or indirectly receive a finance charge of greater than 25% per month on that part of a loan that is $500 or less, nor more than 20% per month on that part of a loan that is more than $500, made upon property pawned. Accrued interest may not be incorporated as interest-bearing principal.

2. Minimum finance charge authorized. Notwithstanding subsection 1, a pawnbroker may contract for and receive a minimum charge of not more than $2.50.

3. Other charges prohibited. A pawnbroker may not charge a fee in addition to a finance charge allowed under subsections 1 and 2.

4. Time period. The initial redemption or repurchase period of a pawn transaction, not including an extension under subsection 5, may not exceed 60 days.

5. Extension required upon request. A consumer is entitled to at least one extension of the pawn transaction of one month at the same rate of interest upon request in writing or in person.

6. Violation. A violation of this section constitutes a violation of Title 9‑A, section 5‑201, subject to the civil remedies of the Maine Consumer Credit Code, and constitutes a violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Nothing in this section prohibits a pawnbroker from charging a consumer a lower rate of interest than established by this section.