Speed Limits in Delaware

Anyone that lives in, is looking to visit Delaware, or who plans to journey through the state by car must understand what the speed limits in Delaware are.

Laws surrounding speed limits are quite stringent in Delaware, much the same as anywhere else in the U.S. However, it is better to be safe by abiding by the speed limits in Delaware as it will not only cost you less in fines and potential points on your license, but it can help save yourself and others from unnecessary accidents.

The Delaware Department of Transportation has established the safest speed limits to travel in specific areas of the state. The different speed limits highlight the fastest speeds you are legally allowed to drive when conditions are good and the visibility is clear.

Here are the speed limits in Delaware:

• 20 mph is the speed limit for school zones in Delaware.
• 35 mph is the speed limit in the residential areas of the state.
• Undivided roads in Delaware have a maximum speed limit of 50 mph.
• Divided roads in Delaware have a maximum speed limit of 55 mph.
• Urban freeways in Delaware have a maximum speed limit of 65 mph.
• Urban interstates in Delaware are 65 mph.
• Rural freeways in Delaware are 65 mph.
• Rural interstates are 65 mph in Delaware.

These speed limits are defined as the maximum speed any motorist traveling on Delaware roads can legally drive, should you drive over these Delaware speed limits you can and most likely will receive a traffic citation, fines, license suspension, and even in some cases, arrest.

Delaware’s maximum speed limit is relatively low when compared to other states, there are 40 in total that boast higher speed limits, with the state’s top speed of 65 mph.

We all know and are supposed to abide by the maximum speed limit and law. On the other hand, the minimum speed law states that no vehicle should be going at a speed that is so slow that it impedes the flow of traffic.

With regards to driving on the highway, the law suggests that the right-hand lane is reserved for vehicles that go at or below the minimum speed limit in Delaware. If this is not practical, the car should be as close to the right-hand side of the highway as possible.

What Fines & Points Apply When Going Over the Delaware Speed Limit?

The basic fine for surpassing the Delaware speed limit is pretty low comparatively and will vary depending on the speed in which you are driving.

Speeding tickets and fines in Delaware are totally dependent on the circumstances of the offense:

• Speeding by less than 5 mph and first-ever speeding offense – $20.
• Speeding by less than 5 mph and subsequent offense within a 24 month period – $25.
• Speeding by over 5 mph – an additional $1 per mile you go over 5 mph for the first offense and $2 for a subsequent offense.
• Speeding by over 15 mph – an additional $2 per mile over the 15 mph for the first offense and $3 per mile for a subsequent offense.
• Speeding by over 19 mph – an additional $3 per mile over the 19 mph for the first offense and $4 per mile for a subsequent offense.

An example of this would be if you were caught driving 62 mph in a 55 mph zone and this was your first speeding ticket, you would be charged $20 with the addition of $1 for each mile you surpass the limit, making the total $27.

Most traffic-related incidents can and will also lead to points being added to the driver’s record and license. Delaware tracks these points and will suspend the driver’s license if he or she accumulates too many points over a specific period of time.

Here is the Delaware speeding ticket and motor offense points system:

When relocating to Delaware, or just simply visiting on vacation, there is a multitude of fun things to do and places to see. However, knowing and adhering to the Delaware speed limits is essential in order for you to avoid penalties and potential accidents.