Car speed limits in Delaware (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Cars may do 25 mph in a business district, 20 or 25 mph in a residence district, 50 mph on two-lane roadways and 55 mph on four-lane and divided roadways; 65 mph applies on part of State Route 1. School zones have a 20 mph limit where signs are posted, at the times the signs state. Fines for speeding in a marked highway construction or maintenance area are at least doubled.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads | 25 mph (business); 20 or 25 mph (residence) [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads | 50 mph on 2-lane roadways [1] |
| Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads | 55 mph on 4-lane and divided roadways [1] |
| MotorwaysPassenger car on public roads | 55 mph on 4-lane and divided roadways; 65 mph on part of Route 1 [1] |
| School zonesPassenger car on public roads | 20 mph in school zones where 20 mph regulatory signs are posted; the signs state when the limit applies, such as when children are present or while warning lights flash. [1] |
| Residential streetsPassenger car on public roads | 20 or 25 mph in any residence district, at the discretion of the agency that owns the road. [1] |
| Roadworks zonesPassenger car on public roads | Fines for speeding and other listed moving violations are at least double the normal amount for a first offence in a highway construction or maintenance area marked by traffic-control devices. [2] |
Notes
- The Department of Transportation may declare a different limit for state-maintained highways on the basis of engineering studies (§ 4169(b)).
- The statute sets 65 mph for the part of State Route 1 between Red Lion Creek and the Appoquinimink River, excluding the toll plaza area. Other posted limits may apply.
Sources
- Delaware General Assembly: Title 21, Chapter 41, Subchapter VIII. Speed Restrictions, § 4169 Specific speed limits (Delaware Code Online) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Delaware General Assembly (Delaware Code Online): Title 21, Chapter 41, Subchapter I, § 4105 Persons and vehicles working on highways and utilities; exceptions (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Delaware and neighbouring states
| State | Built-up areas | Outside built-up areas (single carriageway) | Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 25 mph business, 20-25 mph residential | 50 mph (2-lane roads) | 55 mph (4-lane/divided) | 55 mph; 65 mph on part of Route 1 |
| Maryland | 30 mph (35 divided residential) | 50 mph | 55 mph | 70 mph maximum |
| New Jersey | 25 mph (35 mph low-density districts) | 50 mph | ⚠ Not yet verified | 55 mph on interstates; 65 mph where posted |
| Pennsylvania | 35 mph; 25 mph local residential | 55 mph | — | 65 or 70 mph where posted |
More rules in Delaware
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal, 21+, within limits · Growing at home: No home growing
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (Class D after 12 months on a permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (Level 1 learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers and similar excepted) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (sparklers and similar items)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Closed pocketknife up to 3.75 in is not a deadly weapon · Locking or one-handed knives: Deadly weapon; separate offence repealed 2025
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats (16+) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats (16+)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.