Speeding Tickets and Penalties in Delaware

Most Delaware drivers will, at some point, get a speeding ticket. This article explains how Delaware's speed limits work and the penalties for a speeding violation.

How Do Delaware's Speed Limit Laws Work?

Delaware has several types of speeding laws: a "general speed restriction" and absolute limits. Below, we explained how the two differ.

Delaware's General Speed Restriction (Basic Speed Law)

Delaware's general speed restriction (sometimes called a "basic speed rule") prohibits motorists from driving faster than is "reasonable and prudent" based on current conditions. In other words, motorists must always drive a safe speed taking into consideration traffic, weather, visibility, and other potential hazards. (Del. Code Ann. tit. 21, § 4168 (2024).)

Delaware's Absolute (Maximum) Speed Limits

Delaware's absolute speed limits are straightforward—if you exceed the maximum limit, you've violated the law and can be ticketed. The absolute speed limits include:

• 25 miles per hour in business districts
• 25 miles per hour in residential districts
• 10 miles per hour in school zones
• 50 miles per hour on two-lane roadways, and
• 55 miles per hour on four-lane or divided roadways.

Absolute limits are typically posted. (Del. Code Ann. tit. 21, § 4169 (2024).)

Penalties for a Speeding Ticket in Delaware

Generally, the fines for speeding violations are $20 for a first offense and $25 for a second or subsequent offense. In addition to these fines, the driver is required to pay:

• Five to 15 miles per hour over the limit. $1 for each mile per hour over the limit (or $2 for each mile per hour over the limit on a second or subsequent offense)
• 15 to 20 miles per hour over the limit. $2 for each mile per hour over the limit (or $3 for each mile per hour over the limit on a second or subsequent offense)
• 20 or more miles per hour over the limit. $3 for each mile per hour over the limit (or $4 for each mile per hour over the limit on a second or subsequent offense)

Generally, fines are doubled for violations that occur in roadwork and construction zones.

A speeding violation will also add two to five points to a motorist's driving record.

Reckless Driving and Vehicular Homicide Charges in Delaware

Depending on the situation, a speeding violation could also lead to reckless driving charges. And for speeding violations that involve fatalities, vehicular homicide charges are possible.