Delaware Bicycle Laws

Required under age

Required under age 18

Applies to passengers

Yes

Standard

CPSC (16 C.F.R. Part 1203).

Penalty

Civil violation; fine of up to $25 for a first offense. The court must waive the fine on proof that the rider has obtained a CPSC-certified helmet within 30 days.

Statute

¹

See our find your helmet size and kids bike sizing guide.

Statewide rule

Allowed with conditions

Notes

21 Del. Code § 4198 lets bicyclists ride on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinance or official sign. A rider on a sidewalk has the rights and duties of a pedestrian, must yield to pedestrians, and must give an audible signal before overtaking. Wilmington, Newark and the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk prohibit sidewalk cycling in designated commercial zones.

Statute

¹

See our commuter bike sizing guide and bike fitting guide.

Applies to bicycles

No

Separate cycling DUI statute

No

BAC limit

—

Penalty

Delaware's DUI statute (21 Del. Code § 4177) applies only to operators of a 'motor vehicle, off-highway vehicle or moped,' and 21 Del. Code § 101 defines motor vehicle to exclude bicycles. Impaired cyclists may still face reckless-driving or public-intoxication charges, but the DUI penalties - including a 12- to 24-month licence revocation and ignition interlock - do not attach to bicycle operation.

Statute

¹²

— Not yet researched.

Front light required

Yes

Front spec

White lamp on the front, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet.

Rear requirement

Rear reflector or light

Rear spec

Red reflector on the rear visible from a distance of 600 feet when directly in front of lawful upper-beam headlamps. A red rear lamp visible from 500 feet may be used in addition to (but not in lieu of) the reflector.

Side reflectors

No

Pedal reflectors

No

When required

Darkness

Statute

¹

See our bike lights that meet the law and winter and low-light cycling setup.

— Not yet researched.

Two abreast allowed

Yes

Conditions

May not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. UVC §11-1205 derivative.

Statute

¹

Rule

—

Statute

—

— Not yet researched.

Bicycle registration required

No

Operator license required

No

Interstates

Prohibited

Notes

Bicycles are prohibited on Delaware Interstates (I-95, I-295, I-495) and on most limited-access state highways (including SR 1 from the Roth Bridge south to Dover) under DelDOT policy. Conventional state routes - including the iconic shoulder of US 13 - are open by default.