Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Delaware, United States

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Delaware Motorcycle Insurance
3. Delaware Motorcycle Helmet Laws
4. Delaware Motorcycle License Laws

4.1 Delaware Motorcycle Learner’s Permit
4.2 Delaware Motorcycle Endorsement
4.3 Delaware Motorcycle License Test

5. Delaware Motorcycle Passenger Laws
6. Delaware Lane Splitting Laws
7. Delaware Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
8. Sources

1. Introduction

To be allowed to operate a motorcycle in Delaware or “the Diamond State,” you would need to get used to handling this vehicle on the street and become familiar with this state’s rules of the road. Many of the qualifications to become a motorcyclist involve studying motorcycle laws, acquiring necessary equipment, and reviewing paperwork. Of course, you cannot forget to undergo training on your own time and pass the necessary exams to prove you understand the responsibilities of being a rider.

This Post will provide an overview of the essential motorcycle laws and a step-by-step explanation of the licensing process in the state of Delaware.

2. Delaware Motorcycle Insurance

If you wish to operate your vehicle in Delaware, you will need to have it registered and own motorcycle insurance that is recognized in this state. It is mandatory to have since hefty fines can be levied against you for property damages and medical expenses if you were involved in an accident. Whenever you are riding your motorcycle, you must carry proof of ownership on your person or secured somewhere on your motorcycle. You must be able to produce the relevant documents when requested by local law enforcement or affected parties following an accident. Failure to produce Delaware motorcycle insurance will result in hefty fines and/or suspension of vehicle registration.

Your Delaware liability insurance coverage must be able to cover the minimum costs for the following accident-related fees:

$25,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident
$50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident
$10,000 for property damages sustained per accident

You are also required to own Personal Injury Protection which must cover the minimum costs depending on the number of individuals injured in an accident:

$15,000 for a single person per accident
$30,000 for all people injured per accident

If you wish to protect your health and property, you will need to acquire optional forms of motorcycle insurance coverage. As these are not mandatory, only purchase what you can afford and what will be useful under specific circumstance during an accident:

Uninsured coverage
Underinsured coverage
Collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage

3. Delaware Motorcycle Helmet Laws

In Delaware, all riders under the age of 19 must wear an approved motorcycle helmet while operating their vehicles. If you are above the age restriction, you can opt to ride your motorcycle without having protective headgear on. However, this is not recommended since you would be without the protection needed to prevent severe or fatal head injuries.

The usage of motorcycle helmets has been instrumental in preventing motorcycle fatalities and promoting better roadside safety in Delaware:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of injury by 69% and reduce the risk of death by 37%
In 2016, motorcycle fatalities made up about 11.8% of total motor vehicle deaths in Delaware
In 2018, Delaware had 17 motorcycle fatalities which made up 1.5% of total crash victims
In 2019, there were 37 motorcycle crashes with five of them being fatal and 40 motorcyclists being injured

When browsing for an approved motorcycle helmet, you should pick out one that was made by the Snell Memorial Foundation. It should also meet or exceed the safety standards for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The two types of motorcycle helmets that provide the best protection and visibility are the three-quarter and full-face helmets.

Listed in this table below are the features that your motorcycle helmet is required to have if you wish to operate a motorcycle in Delaware:

Delaware Motorcycle Helmet Laws

4. Delaware Motorcycle License Laws

Delaware Motorcycle License Laws

4.1 Delaware Motorcycle Learner’s Permit

You can begin applying for a Delaware motorcycle learner’s permit if you are at least 16 years old or above.

As you apply for your Delaware driver’s license, the fees for the motorcycle learner’s permit will be included. After completion of the requirements, you will be issued a Delaware motorcycle learner’s permit that is valid for six months.

To be given the permit, you must complete the following tasks and fulfill all of the listed criteria:

If you are under 18 years old:
○Complete a State approved Motorcycle Ride Education Course
Present identification documents
Provide proof of Delaware residency
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship
Provide your Social Security Number
Take a photo
Pass the knowledge exam
Pass the vision exam
Pay the required fees

When you are operating with a Delaware motorcycle learner’s permit, you will have to comply with the following restrictions as you practice:

You cannot carry passengers
You cannot operate between sunset and sunrise
You cannot operate on the federal interstate highway system
You must wear protective gear

4.2 Delaware Motorcycle Endorsement

You are eligible to receive a Delaware motorcycle endorsement if you are at least 17 years old or above.

You will have to pay a fee of $12 to have a Delaware motorcycle endorsement added to your driver’s license that is valid for eight years.

Listed below are the requirements you will need to fulfill to obtain a Delaware motorcycle endorsement. Depending on your age when you approach the final step, the list of criteria may differ between motorcyclists:

Delaware Motorcycle Endorsement

*Upon completing a State approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course, you will be given a Student Completion Card. If you present this certificate, you will have the option of waiving both the knowledge and road skills portions of the Delaware motorcycle license test.

*Though applicants over the age of 18 are not required to take the State approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course, completing it would waive having to fulfill the requirements for the Delaware motorcycle learner’s permit plus both the knowledge and road skills portions of the Delaware motorcycle license test.

4.3 Delaware Motorcycle License Test

Written Portion:

Will be completed on touch-screen computers
Complete 25 multiple-choice questions
Questions will be based on content from Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual
Will be tested on understanding of road rules and safe riding practices
Requires a passing grade of 80% or higher

Riding Skills Portion:

Will be conducted in a controlled, off-street area or an actual traffic environment
Your motorcycle will be subjected to a pre-ride inspection to ensure it meets safety standards
Demonstrate basic understanding of motorcycle operation
You will be tested on your ability to stay within the speed limit, adjusting speed and position, maintaining visibility, operating under stress, accelerating, braking, turning, stopping, and swerving
The examiner will grade you based on how well you ride at safe speeds, stay within the lanes, and demonstrate riding maneuvers

5. Delaware Motorcycle Passenger Laws

In Delaware, there is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. Any motorcycle passengers under the age of 19 are only permitted to ride with you if they wear an approved motorcycle helmet.

For it to be legal to carry a passenger, your motorcycle must be outfitted with equipment specifically designed to provide secure yet comfortable seating for an additional person. The required equipment will include a designated passenger seat, handholds, and footrests.

The designated passenger seat can only be fixed to the sides or at the rear of your motorcycle. There must be space between the driver and passenger seats to allow the passenger to fully extend his/her legs on both sides. This will also prevent the passenger from interfering with the operator while handling the motorcycle. The designated passenger seat can only be positioned at the following places on your motorcycle:

The back part of a large driver’s seat
Towards the rear as a separate saddle
Fixed to the side as a sidecar

Because there is no age restriction, you will have to consider other criteria when deciding who can safely ride with you. A popular rule of thumb is that a passenger must be able to reach and plant their feet against the footrests. Therefore, it is best to avoid

transporting young children or elderly individuals. Other characteristics to look for in a motorcycle passenger include the following:

Your passenger must be able to reach the footrests
Your passenger must wear an approved motorcycle helmet
Your passenger cannot be carrying any packages
Your passenger must be able to understand and follow your directions

6. Delaware Lane Splitting Laws

Though Delaware does not have any laws that explicitly declare lane splitting is legal or illegal, it is best to avoid this practice if possible. Lane splitting involves getting precariously close to larger vehicles and moving in their blind spots. If an accident occurs, you will likely be found at fault for the incident and will be denied compensation. If you wish to bypass traffic, you will have to do so at your own risk.

The following examples are motorcycle behavior that fall under the category of lane splitting:

Riding on top of the dividing lines between lanes
Riding in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles
Overtaking a larger vehicle ahead in the same lane

However, thanks to the high maneuverability and compact design of motorcycles, riders are entitled to certain rights regarding how they can act when on the road. Motorcyclists are allowed to attempt the following behavior in Delaware:

You are allowed to make full use of the space within your current lane
You can only share a lane with another motorcycle if:
○Both parties stay apart at least two abreast
○Both parties consent beforehand

7. Delaware Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

Despite the tough yet sleek appearance of most motorcycles, the machinery that allows these vehicles to run tends to be more delicate than people think. The stress from overuse, debris getting caught, and damage from collisions could compromise the functionality of the primary components. Unless they are all in working condition, you will not be able to accelerate, brake, turn, or react properly when operating your motorcycle.

Listed below are the equipment your motorcycle must be fitted with to be considered street legal in Delaware. These components are essential to your motorcycle’s maneuverability, visibility, and overall functionality: