Delaware speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state Delaware's default speed limits.
• You can explain the general speed restriction and advisory speeds.
• You can describe when you must stop for a school bus.
• You can apply the move-over law and the signaling distance.

What you need to know and understand

• School zones: 20 mph. Business districts: 25 mph. Residence districts: 25 mph, or 20 mph where the road owner sets it.
• Two-lane roads: 50 mph. Divided roads, roads with four or more lanes, and controlled-access highways: 55 mph.
• Route 1 and Interstate 495: 65 mph.
• Fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled.
• You must signal for at least the last 300 feet before turning or moving right or left.
• Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing brings a fine and a license suspension.

Default limits at a glance

These limits can be lowered by signs where conditions make them unsafe. Speed limit signs are black on white and are law. Advisory speed signs are black on yellow and recommend a safe speed, often on a curve. If you go faster than an advisory speed and crash, you can be found to have broken the general speed rule. You must also not drive so slowly that you hold up normal traffic.

• School zones: 20 mph when children are present, as defined in state law.
• Business districts: 25 mph. Residence districts: 25 mph, or 20 mph where the road owner sets it.
• Two-lane roads: 50 mph.
• Divided roads and roads with four or more lanes: 55 mph.
• Controlled-access highways such as turnpikes and expressways: 55 mph.
• Route 1 and I-495: 65 mph.

School buses

Overhead yellow lights flash about 10 seconds before the bus stops: slow down and expect a stop. When the red lights flash and the stop arm is out, you must stop before reaching the bus from either direction. The only exception is when you are on the opposite side of a highway with four or more lanes, and even then you should pass slowly. Do not move until the red lights stop and the arm is pulled in.

A first conviction for passing a stopped school bus carries a fine of $115 to $230, possible jail time, and a one-month license suspension with no driving at all.

Work zones, emergency vehicles and signaling

In work zones, watch for orange signs, lower limits and flaggers. Fines for speeding there are doubled.

When an emergency vehicle approaches using a siren or flashing lights, pull to the right edge of the road, clear of intersections, and stop until it passes. When you approach a stopped emergency vehicle, DelDOT vehicle, tow truck or any vehicle showing hazard lights, flares or cones, move over a lane if you safely can. If you cannot, slow to a safe speed as you pass; where the limit is 50 mph or more, state law sets that at least 20 mph below the posted limit.

Delaware law requires you to signal for at least the last 300 feet before you turn or move right or left, to signal before stopping or slowing suddenly, and to leave at least three feet when passing a bicyclist. Our Delaware permit test guide lists more of these figures.

Common mistakes

• Treating the posted limit as a target in fog or rain. The general speed rule still applies.
• Passing a stopped school bus on a two-lane road because the children are on the other side. Both directions must stop.
• Signaling at the last second. Delaware requires a signal for at least the last 300 feet before a turn.
• Staying in the lane next to a stopped police car on a multi-lane road when the next lane is clear.

Test yourself: Delaware speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Delaware Permit Test
• Delaware Driver’s Ed and the Blue Certificate
• Delaware Driving Privilege Card