Using a mobile phone while driving in Delaware (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Delaware bans driving while holding an electronic communication device to call, text, view or play. Calls with hands-free equipment are allowed. The civil penalty is USD 100 for a first offence and no points are assessed.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $100.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 0 points [1] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers while the vehicle is moving: holding a device while composing, sending, reading or viewing e-mail, text messages or other data is prohibited. Fine USD 100 for a first offence, USD 200 to 300 for a repeat within 2 years. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Holders of a Level 1 Learner's Permit or a driver education learner's permit may not drive while using a mobile phone, text messager or similar device unless stopped off the lanes of travel; a violation counts as negligent driving. [2] |
Notes
- "Using" means holding the device in the hand or hands while viewing or sending data, playing games, composing or reading messages, or engaging in a call. The ban applies to a motor vehicle in motion on a highway.
- Civil penalty of USD 100 for a first offence and USD 200 to USD 300 for a later offence within 2 years.
Sources
- Delaware General Assembly: Delaware Code Title 21, Chapter 41, Subchapter IX: section 4176C - Electronic communication devices; penalties (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Delaware General Assembly: Delaware Code Title 21, Chapter 27, Subchapter I (drivers' licences; § 2710 learner's permits) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Delaware and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | No points |
| Maryland | Banned (no hand use) | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None unless crash |
| New Jersey | Banned (primary offence) | Allowed | USD 200 to 400 | None (3 from third offence) |
| Pennsylvania | Banned (holding) | Hands-free; one-button only | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Delaware
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal, 21+, within limits · Growing at home: No home growing
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph business, 20-25 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph (2-lane roads)
- 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
- 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.