DelawareHB 26153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO NUMBER PLATES.

Sponsored By: Kimberly Williams (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.

Base penalties for vehicle violations

For any violation in this chapter, a first offense brings a $10–$100 fine or 30–90 days in jail, or both. A later similar offense brings a $50–$200 fine or 90 days–6 months in jail, or both. If your vehicle’s registration fee is based on gross weight, fines are doubled. You also face an extra fine equal to the registration cost at that weight (or the legal max, whichever is less). That extra fine is suspended if you show a valid registration card for that weight within 5 days of the offense.

Stricter plate rules and higher fines

You must not drive an unregistered vehicle or one without its assigned, unexpired plate. You cannot use or keep fake, altered, canceled, suspended, or revoked plates or registration cards, and you cannot lend your plate or card to others. If your registration or plate is suspended, canceled, or revoked, you must surrender it when the Department asks. You must tell the truth on all registration and title applications. The law also bans devices that flip or hide plates. For these plate and registration offenses, first offenses carry a $50–$200 fine or 30–90 days in jail (or both); later offenses carry $100–$300 or 90 days–6 months (or both). Temporary permits and other exemptions in state law still apply.

Fines for trucks without apportioned plates

If you run an IRP‑qualified truck, you must display an apportioned plate and keep required credentials or a trip permit with you. A first offense costs $115–$345. A later offense costs $345–$575. You also face an extra fine equal to the registration cost at the truck’s gross weight (or the legal max, whichever is less). The extra fine is suspended if you show a valid registration card for that weight within 5 days.

Farm vehicles need licensed drivers

A farm vehicle on public roads must be operated or towed by a properly licensed driver. Owners cannot let unlicensed people operate or tow their farm vehicles. This applies even if the vehicle is exempt from registration or inspection.

Unsafe or illegal equipment banned

You may not drive, or let others drive, a vehicle on a highway if it is unsafe or illegally equipped. This protects people on the road, but it also means owners must fix unsafe or non‑compliant equipment or face penalties. Some farm machines and road machinery are treated differently as the law states.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kimberly Williams
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

William J. Carson
Democratic • House
Franklin D. Cooke
Democratic • House
Daniel B. Short
Republican • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Debra Heffernan
Democratic • House
Jeff Hilovsky
Republican • House
Gerald W. Hocker
Republican • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
S. Elizabeth Lockman
Democratic • Senate
Michael F. Smith
Republican • House
Stell Parker Selby
Democratic • House
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Melanie Ross Levin
Democratic • House
John "Jack" Walsh
Democratic • Senate
Lyndon D. Yearick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 60 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/26/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 3/25/2025