Safety Laws

Child Safety

Delaware works hard to keep child passengers safe. Each month, the Office of Highway Safety conducts free child seat safety checks. The officers answer questions about safety seats, recalls, placement, and installment. No appointment is necessary. Call (302) 744-2740 to find out when the next check is being held in your area.

Delaware law states that all children under the age of 12 must ride in the back seat of the vehicle.

Babies less than one year old and weighing less than 20 pounds must be placed in an approved rear-facing car carrier, with harness straps at or below the shoulders.

Children between 20 and 40 pounds will remain in an approved forward-facing car seat, with the harness straps across the shoulders.

Toddlers and children weighing 40-80 pounds "graduate" to a booster seat, which is buckled in using the vehicle's safety belts.

All children 16 years old and younger must wear a seat belt at all times.

Seat Belts

Delaware requires that seat belts be worn by all passengers at all times.

Cell Phones

If you hold a learner's permit, you may not use your cell phone while driving. All other drivers may use a cell phone, but it is not advised for safety reasons. It's best to pull safely to the side of the road or into a parking lot to use your phone.