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DelawareHS 1 for HB 48153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 9, 21, AND 22 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES.

Sponsored By: DeShanna U Neal (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Stronger penalties for accessible parking abuse

It is illegal to park in an accessible space unless the vehicle is being used by the person the plate or placard was issued to. Fake or altered plates or placards, letting someone else use your placard, and parking in access aisles are banned. Police or property owners can tow illegally parked vehicles, and the owner pays removal and storage. Officers can place a parking summons on an unattended car; you may mail it in at least 2 days before arraignment. Penalties are $250 for a first offense and $500 or 10–30 days in jail (or both) for later offenses, and plates or placards can be suspended or revoked.

Permits and checks before changing accessible parking

You cannot add or change accessible parking until the county or town issues a permit. Facilities under the Architectural Accessibility Act may submit a Board approval letter instead of a permit. After work is done, the issuing office must confirm compliance by inspection or by reviewing your photos and documents. For missing permits or required signs, an officer must give a written warning and 30 days to fix before a summons or warrant. If you do not cure a violation within 90 days, the government can fine you up to $500 per violation. Counties and towns must adopt these permitting and confirmation rules.

Clear design and signs for accessible parking

Accessible parking must meet ADA rules and local or state building codes. Each space needs a sign at least 12 by 18 inches, mounted at least 60 inches high, with the wheelchair symbol and the current maximum fines. Van spaces must say “Van Accessible,” and access aisles must have no‑parking signs, a blue border, and 4‑inch hatched lines. For every three van‑accessible spaces required by federal law, one must be reserved for wheelchair or scooter users. Spaces must be on the shortest accessible route and be kept clear; snow, ice, and debris must be removed as soon as practicable. No time limits are allowed in accessible spaces unless the space is metered. Very small sites (four or fewer total spaces) and assigned dwelling‑unit lots do not have to mark accessible spaces.

Deadlines and local rules for accessible parking

New accessible spaces must meet the rules now. Existing spaces must meet them when restriped, repainted, resurfaced, or altered, or within 5 years, whichever comes first. Signs that meet the rules must be installed within 2 years. Lots with 25 or fewer spaces and properties in national register historic districts wait until their next restriping or other changes. These rules do not cover on‑street parking. The State, counties, and towns must adopt matching rules; a town may use its county’s rules but not make them weaker. Any government or property owner may adopt stricter standards or provide more accessible spaces.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • DeShanna U Neal

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Debra Heffernan

    Democratic • House

  • Kendra Johnson

    Democratic • House

  • Eric Morrison

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Poore

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cyndie Romer

    Democratic • House

  • Melanie Ross Levin

    Democratic • House

  • Claire Snyder-Hall

    Democratic • House

  • John "Jack" Walsh

    Democratic • Senate

  • David L. Wilson

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. HS 2 for HB 48 - Signed by Governor

    9/25/2025Governor

  2. HS 2 for HB 48 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    6/30/2025Senate

  3. HS 2 for HB 48 - Lifted From Table in Senate

    6/30/2025Senate

  4. HS 2 for HB 48 - Laid On Table in Senate

    6/30/2025Senate

  5. HS 2 for HB 48 - Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits

    6/18/2025Senate

  6. HS 2 for HB 48 - Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate

    6/17/2025Senate

  7. HS 2 for HB 48 - Passed By House. Votes: 27 YES 7 NO 2 NOT VOTING 5 ABSENT

    6/17/2025House

  8. HS 2 for HB 48 - - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    6/17/2025House

  9. Substituted in House by HS 2 for HB 48

    6/10/2025House

  10. Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 8 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits

    5/14/2025House

  11. Adopted in lieu of the original bill HB 48, and Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House

    4/17/2025House

Bill Text

  • Current

    4/17/2025

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