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DelawareHB 471153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 RELATING TO REGULATION AND CONTROL OF OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES.

Sponsored By: Kerri Evelyn Harris (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Off-highway vehicle owners face towing and fines

Delaware’s general off-highway vehicle penalties include a $100 first-offense fine and impoundment at conviction for up to 100 days, at the owner’s expense. A repeat offense within 24 months of a prior conviction brings a $400 fine and at least six months of impoundment, also at the owner’s expense. Prior convictions under this chapter or a similar state or local off-highway vehicle law count. A uniformed police, peace, or environmental protection officer acting lawfully can order towing and impoundment when probable cause links the vehicle to a violation. This hold can last up to 100 days while charges are pending, at the owner’s expense, in addition to post-conviction impoundment.

Off-highway riders face tighter private road rules

Delaware law presumes off-highway vehicle use on shared private roads is unauthorized. Riders need express permission on any public or private property and must follow the property controller’s use restrictions. A first operating violation brings a $100 fine and vehicle impoundment at conviction for up to 30 days; the court can suspend impoundment. Each repeat offense committed within 24 months after the first offense brings the owner a $1,000 fine and impoundment for at least 60 days from conviction. Restitution must also cover damage to real or personal property caused by the violation. The vehicle is returned after the fine and impoundment costs are paid; an appealed fine requires a court decision or a not-guilty finding before return. Owners found not guilty owe no impoundment costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kerri Evelyn Harris

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Eric Buckson

    Republican • Senate

  • Franklin D. Cooke

    Democratic • House

  • Josue O Ortega

    Democratic • House

  • Edward S. Osienski

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 58 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/25/2026

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 6/18/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    7/23/2026Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    6/25/2026Senate

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 6 On Its Merits

    6/23/2026Senate

  4. Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate

    6/18/2026Senate

  5. Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 4 ABSENT

    6/18/2026House

  6. Amendment HA 3 to HB 471 - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    6/18/2026House

  7. Amendment HA 3 to HB 471 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    6/18/2026House

  8. Amendment HA 2 to HB 471 - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    6/18/2026House

  9. Amendment HA 2 to HB 471 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    6/18/2026House

  10. Amendment HA 1 to HB 471 - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    6/18/2026House

  11. Amendment HA 1 to HB 471 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    6/17/2026House

  12. Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 5 On Its Merits

    6/16/2026House

  13. Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 5 On Its Merits

    6/16/2026House

  14. Introduced and Assigned to Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in House

    6/10/2026House

Bill Text

  • Current

    6/10/2026

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