{"id":372448,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/delaware-law\/delaware-traffic-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-11-20T13:23:38","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T18:23:38","slug":"delaware-traffic-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/delaware-law\/delaware-traffic-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Delaware Traffic Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Delaware Traffic Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

As a visitor or resident in Delaware, you’ll need to know the Delaware traffic laws before you hit the road. Breaking the law while driving, however accidental, will put you at risk for penalties like fines or even the loss of your license.<\/p>\r\n

Delaware has unique rules for traffic control and law enforcement. Learn about its vehicle code, traffic ticket system, right-of-way laws, and more information Delaware drivers should remember.<\/p>\r\n

Check the State’s Rules of the Road<\/h2>\r\n

Most traffic laws are covered in Title 21: Motor Vehicles<\/a> of the Delaware Code. See the chart below to find specific statutes for popular topics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Drinking & Driving Violations<\/th>\r\nDriving under the influence<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 section 4177)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without a License \/ With a Suspended License<\/th>\r\nDriving without a license<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 section 2701)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Insurance \/ With Insufficient Insurance<\/th>\r\nMotor vehicle liability policy<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 section 2902)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Registration \/ With Expired Registration<\/th>\r\nOperation of unregistered vehicle<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 section 2101)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Illegal U-Turn<\/th>\r\nLimitations on turning around<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 section 4153)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Leaving the Scene of an Accident \/ Hit & Run<\/th>\r\nDuty of driver involved in accident – property damage or injury<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 section 4201)Duty of driver involved in accident – injury or death<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 section 4202)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mechanical Violations and Unlawful Vehicle Modifications<\/th>\r\nEquipment Requirements<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 sections 4301 to 4319)Lights<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 sections 4331 to 4358)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Reckless Driving<\/th>\r\nReckless driving<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 section 4175)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Running a Red Light \/ Stop Sign<\/th>\r\nTraffic Signs, Signals, and Markings<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 sections 4106 to 4112A)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Seat Belt \/ Child Restraint Violations<\/th>\r\nOccupant Protection System Safety Act<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 sections 4801 to 4803)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Speeding<\/th>\r\nSpeed Restrictions<\/a> (DE Code Title 21 sections 4168 to 4174)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Local Ordinances and Regulations<\/h2>\r\n

State laws<\/a> build the framework for traffic rules, but state agencies and local governments work together to address specific needs. For instance, Dover maintains and enforces its own red light cameras<\/a> at select traffic signals around the city.<\/p>\r\n

When driving between towns, watch for road signs that alert drivers to local rules. If a city posts signs prohibiting a right or left turn at a specific intersection, you must obey the sign. Even if no other vehicles are around and you believe you could turn safely, the local law wouldn’t allow it.<\/p>\r\n

Delaware Speed Limits<\/h2>\r\n

There are maximum speed limits<\/a> for different road types in the state of Delaware as follows:<\/p>\r\n