Delaware driving law, answered
Every answer here comes from Delaware Driver Manual and, where the manual is silent, the Delaware Code: Title 21, Chapter 1: Definitions, Title 21, Chapter 7: Enforcement; Arrest, Bail and Appeal, Title 21, Chapter 8: Civil Traffic Offenses, Title 21, Chapter 21: Registration of Vehicles, Title 21, Chapter 23: Title and Liens, Title 21, Chapter 25: Transfer of Title, Registration and Liens, Title 21, Chapter 27: Driver's License, Title 21, Chapter 28: Habitual Offenders, Title 21, Chapter 29: Motor Vehicle Safety-Responsibility, Title 21, Chapter 41: Rules of the Road, Title 21, Chapter 42: Reports of Accidents; Penalties, Title 21, Chapter 43: Equipment and Construction of Vehicles, Title 21, Chapter 48: Occupant Protection System Safety Act, Title 21, Chapter 61: Civil Liability for Driver's Negligence (§§ 6104-6106), Title 21, Chapter 62: Traffic Stop Safety, Title 21, Chapter 70: Fire Lanes, Title 21, Chapter 71: Funeral Processions, Title 21, Chapter 81: Driver's License Compact, Title 4, Section 904: Offenses concerning certain persons, Title 11, Sections 628A to 630A: Vehicular Assault and Vehicular Homicide, with the page or the section it is in.
Statutes fetched on 7 October 2026; manuals fetched on 14 September 2026. How the answers are made
How far from a fire hydrant must you park?
In Delaware, you must not stop or park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Firefighters lose minutes reaching water when a car sits against the hydrant.
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a crosswalk at an intersection must you park?
In Delaware, you must not stop or park in an intersection, on a crosswalk, or within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. A car parked at the corner hides people stepping into the crosswalk from drivers turning in.
In an intersection, on a crosswalk, or within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you park in or near an intersection?
In Delaware, you must not stop or park in an intersection, on a crosswalk, or within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. A car parked at the corner hides people stepping into the crosswalk from drivers turning in.
In an intersection, on a crosswalk, or within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a stop sign or traffic signal must you park?
In Delaware, you must not stop or park within 30 feet of a flashing beacon, stop sign or traffic signal. A parked car near the corner hides the stop sign or signal from the drivers who need to see it.
Within 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic signal.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a railroad crossing must you park?
In Delaware, you must not stop or park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing unless posted otherwise. A car parked near the tracks blocks the view of a train for drivers about to cross.
Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing unless otherwise posted.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a fire station driveway must you park?
In Delaware, you must not stop or park within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station. A car near the station door can block a fire engine as it pulls out on a call.
Within 20 feet of driveway entrance to any fire station or on the opposite side of the street within 75 feet of an entrance when signs are posted.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How close to the curb must you park?
When parking on a two-way Delaware highway, you must park parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb or edge of the road. A car parked far from the curb sticks out into the lane where moving traffic has to swerve around it.
When parking on a two-way highway you must park parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb or edge of the highway.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
In Delaware, you must stop before reaching a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children, whichever direction you are coming from. Children cross in front of the bus, so a car coming the other way can hit a child the bus driver is waving across.
You must always stop before reaching any school bus from either direction when it is stopped to load or unload school children except when you are on the opposite side of a highway having four or more lanes, even then proceed slowly.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What must you do when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?
When you approach a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, Delaware requires you to proceed with caution and yield by changing lanes away from it when possible. An officer standing at a driver's window on the shoulder is a foot from the passing cars.
a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall: proceed with caution and yield the right-of-way by making appropriate lane changes when possible;
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far behind a fire truck answering an alarm may you follow?
(a) No driver of any vehicle, other than on official business, shall follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet or drive into or park such vehicle within 500 feet where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm. No person shall be deemed to have violated this subsection with regard to parking if the act of parking was done prior to the giving of alarm of such fire.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4188(a)
As of 7 Oct 2026
When must you turn on your headlights?
Delaware law requires your headlights, not parking lights, to be on when driving after sunset or before sunrise. Parking lights alone at dusk make a moving car look parked, or not there at all.
Delaware law requires your headlights (not parking lights) to be:
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?
You must switch to low beams 500 feet before meeting another vehicle. High beams left on as a car approaches blind its driver just when the two of you are closest.
Switched to low beams 500 feet before meeting another vehicle or when within 200 feet of the vehicle you are following.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must wear a seat belt?
(a) (1) The driver of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this State shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt which meets the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. (2) The driver of a motor vehicle shall secure or cause to be secured in a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt system, as defined by the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, each occupant of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle who is 16 years of age or older.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4802(a)
As of 7 Oct 2026
When must a child ride in a car seat?
Delaware law requires children under age 4 and 40 pounds to ride in a harnessed car seat. An adult belt on a toddler rides up across the neck and belly instead of the hips and chest.
Children under age 4 AND 40 pounds to ride in a harnessed car seat.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the legal blood alcohol limit for adult drivers?
In Delaware, a BAC of .08 or greater, or the presence of any illicit or recreational drug, is conclusive evidence that a driver is under the influence. At that level, a driver's reaction time and judgment are too poor to avoid a sudden hazard.
In Delaware a BAC of .08 or greater or the presence of any illicit or recreational drug is conclusive evidence that a driver is under the influence.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21?
Under Delaware's zero tolerance law, a driver under 21 who drives after consuming alcohol has their license revoked for two months for a first offense. A young driver who learns early that any drinking costs the license is less likely to drink and drive later.
The law states that anyone under the age of 21 years, who drives, operates, or has actual physical control of a vehicle, an off-highway vehicle, or a moped while consuming or after having consumed alcoholic beverages, shall have their driver license revoked for a period of two months for the first offense and not less than six months nor more than 12 months for each subsequent offense.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What happens if you refuse a breath or blood alcohol test?
If a person arrested for DUI in Delaware refuses the test the officer designates, reasonable steps can be taken to conduct tests without the person's consent. A driver who refuses the test should not be able to hide the evidence of a crash they caused.
If the person refuses to submit to the test designated by the officer, reasonable steps can be taken to conduct tests without the person’s consent.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you use a handheld phone while driving?
Delaware bans hand-held cell phone use and texting while driving; a driver without a GDL who wants to talk on the phone must use a hands-free device, and a GDL driver may not use one at all. A driver holding a phone to one ear steers with one hand and watches the call, not the road.
Those who wish to talk on their cell phone while driving must use a hands-free device.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you text while driving?
Delaware bans hand-held cell phone use and texting while driving; a driver without a GDL who wants to talk on the phone must use a hands-free device, and a GDL driver may not use one at all. A driver holding a phone to one ear steers with one hand and watches the call, not the road.
Those who wish to talk on their cell phone while driving must use a hands-free device.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far before a turn must you signal?
In Delaware you must signal 300 feet before you stop, turn or change lanes. A signal that starts at the corner gives the car behind no time to slow down.
You must signal 300 feet prior to your intended action.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn right on a red light?
In Delaware you may turn right on a steady red light after a full stop, unless a posted sign or a steady red arrow prohibits it. A driver who turns right without stopping can hit a walker or a car they never looked for.
Right turns on red are permissible after full stop, except when prohibited by a posted sign or a steady red arrow is displayed.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn left on a red light onto a one-way street?
In Delaware a left turn on a steady red light is allowed after a full stop only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign or a steady red arrow prohibits it. A left on red onto a two-way street turns you across lanes of oncoming cars.
Left turns on red are permissible after full stop from a one-way street to another one-way street unless prohibited by a posted sign or a steady red arrow is displayed.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Where are U-turns not allowed?
(2) Make a left turn or a semicircular or U-turn except through an opening provided for that purpose in the dividing curb section, separation or line;
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4126(a)(2)
As of 7 Oct 2026
What is the speed limit on a residential street when no sign is posted?
The Delaware speed limit in business and residential districts is 25 mph. Streets with houses and shops have people, cars and doors coming out at every turn.
Residential districts 25 miles per hour
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit on a highway outside town when no sign is posted?
(a) Where no special hazard exists, the following speeds shall be lawful, but any speed in excess of such limits shall be absolute evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful for all types of vehicles: (1) 25 miles per hour in any business district; (2) 20 or 25 miles per hour in any residence district, at the discretion of the agency owning the roadway; (3) 20 miles per hour at all school zones where 20 mph regulatory signs are posted and state the time periods or conditions during which the speed limit is in effect; such conditions may include when children are present or while 1 or more warning lights flash; (4) 50 miles per hour on 2-lane roadways; (5) 55 miles per hour on 4-lane roadways and on divided roadways.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4169(a)
As of 7 Oct 2026
What is the speed limit in a school zone?
In Delaware school zones, when children are present, the speed limit is 20 mph. Children near a school act without warning, and at 20 mph a driver can still stop in time.
School zones* 20 miles per hour
As of 14 Sep 2026
When may you pass another vehicle on the right?
(a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event, except as permitted in subsection (c) and (d) of this section, shall such movement be made by driving off the roadway, main traveled portion, or regular moving traffic lane of the highway.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4117(a)
As of 7 Oct 2026
May you wear headphones while driving?
In Delaware it is illegal to drive with headphones or earphones that cover or go in both ears, because they make it hard to hear emergency horns or sirens. With both ears covered, a driver can miss the siren of the ambulance coming up behind.
Do not drive with head or earphones that cover or go in both ears.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How old must you be to get a learner's permit?
To get a Delaware GDL Level One Learner's Permit, an applicant must be at least 16 years old. A driver younger than the state allows would be learning in traffic before the program is built for them.
Must be at least 16 years old and less than 18 years old – OR – on an active IEP who is at least 16 years old and less than 22 years old.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long must you hold a learner's permit before a license?
A Level One permit holder under 18 may get a Class D license after completing the 12-month GDL program, if the sponsor has not withdrawn and the privileges are not suspended or revoked. A teen who rushes to a full license skips the months that build up safe habits.
A GDL Level One Learner’s permit holder who is under age 18 may obtain a Class D operator's license when they successfully complete the 12-month GDL program, provided the sponsor has not withdrawn their endorsement and the applicant's driving privileges are not currently suspended, revoked, canceled, denied, or surrendered.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must ride with you when you drive on a learner's permit?
(2) When the permit holder is under mandatory supervision, the permit holder must be supervised by a properly licensed parent, guardian or a licensed driver at least 25 years of age who has held a Class D license for at least 5 years. The supervising driver must be seated beside the permit holder in the front seat of the vehicle when it is in motion. No person other than the supervising driver can be in the front seat.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 2710(c)(2)
As of 7 Oct 2026
What hours may a provisional driver not drive?
(4) After the first 6 months from issuance, the permit holder may drive unsupervised between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Such a permit holder may drive only with supervision from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. with the exception of times when the permit holder is traveling to and from church activities, work activities and the permit holder’s school. For purposes of this section, the term “school” shall not include school-related activities that do not take place on school property.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 2710(c)(4)
As of 7 Oct 2026
How many passengers may a new provisional driver carry?
In the second six months, when no supervisor is present, a Level One permit holder may carry only one passenger. Two friends in the car with no adult turn a short trip into a show for the back seat.
During the second six month period of unsupervised driving, when a supervisor is not present, only one other passenger in addition to the driver can be in the vehicle.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the fine for a first drunk-driving conviction?
For a first DUI offense in Delaware, the court may fine the driver $500 to $1,500 and/or sentence them to imprisonment for up to 12 months. The risk of jail is a reason to call a ride before the night ends, not after the arrest.
Sentence: Imprisonment for up to 12 months.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long can you be jailed for a first drunk-driving conviction?
For a first DUI offense in Delaware, the court may fine the driver $500 to $1,500 and/or sentence them to imprisonment for up to 12 months. The risk of jail is a reason to call a ride before the night ends, not after the arrest.
Sentence: Imprisonment for up to 12 months.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you install an ignition interlock after a drunk-driving conviction?
(2) An offender covered under paragraph (d)(1) of this section must have the IID installed on each vehicle the offender will, or does, operate during the period under § 4177C(d)(4) of this title before the Secretary is authorized to reinstate that person’s driver’s license or driving privileges, regardless of whether the vehicle is owned by the person.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4177G(d)(2)
As of 7 Oct 2026
For how many years does a prior drunk-driving conviction count against you?
(2) Time limitations. — For the purpose of determining the applicability of enhanced penalties under § 4177 of this title, the time limitations on use of prior or previous convictions or offenses under this subsection are as follows: a. For sentencing under § 4177(d)(2) of this title, the second offense must have occurred within 10 years of a prior or previous offense. b. For sentencing under § 4177(d)(3), (d)(4), (d)(5), (d)(6), (d)(7), (d)(8), or (d)(9) of this title, there is not a time limitation and all prior or previous convictions or offenses as defined in paragraph (e)(1) of this section must be considered for sentencing. c. For any subsection that does not have a time limitation prescribed, all prior or previous convictions or offenses as defined in paragraph (e)(1) of this section must be considered.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4177B(e)(2)
As of 7 Oct 2026
How many points on your license lead to a suspension?
At 14 calculated points, Delaware imposes a mandatory 4-month license suspension. A driver who keeps adding points after the course has shown the warning did not work.
14 Mandatory 4-month license suspension.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must wear a protective helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle?
(2) A person up to 19 years of age operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle on the roadways of this State shall wear a safety helmet and eye protection approved by the Secretary.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4185(b)(2)
As of 7 Oct 2026
How much light must a tinted side or rear window let through?
(c) (1) Window tint or other material may be applied to the side windows to the immediate right and left of the driver and side wings forward of and to the left and right of the driver, if the window tint or other material has a visible light transmission of 50% or greater. (2) Window tint or other material having a visible light transmission of 0% or greater may be applied to the side windows behind the driver or the rear window.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4313(c)
As of 7 Oct 2026
How much distance must you leave when passing a bicycle?
Delaware drivers must give bicyclists at least 3 feet of room when passing. A car that brushes close can knock a rider over with a mirror or a gust of air.
Motorists must give bicyclists at least three (3) feet of room when passing.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Must a vehicle driving slower than other traffic keep to the right lane?
(b) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4114(b)
As of 7 Oct 2026
What is the minimum liability insurance coverage for bodily injury or death of one person and property damage?
Delaware's minimum liability coverage for bodily injury or death of one person in any one crash is $25,000. A driver with too little coverage who injures someone can be sued for everything they own.
$25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one crash.
As of 14 Sep 2026
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