02/24/2023 • 5 min
Delaware driving guide
From speed limits and car seat requirements to toll roads in Delaware, learn all about driving around The First State with our Delaware driving guide.
Driving in a different state can cause confusion if you don’t know the rules of the road. In this guide, we’ll cover all the basic driving rules in Delaware, so you can travel around in your Hertz rental without any problems.
Jump to a section:
- Quick rules of the road
- Speed limits
- Toll roads
- Driving ages
- Essential equipment
- Speed violations
- Driving with children
- Gas prices
- Electric car charging
- Driving between Delaware and other states
- Driving conditions
Quick rules of the road
- You must always yield right of way to pedestrians, even if they are jaywalking.
- When turning left at an intersection, you must give way to oncoming drivers going straight ahead. At a traffic circle, you must give way to those already in the circle.
- If entering a road from an alleyway/driveway, vehicles that are already on the road have right of way.
- All vehicles are required to have two working headlights. Headlights should be on between sunset and sunrise and during bad weather, such as fog, rain, snow, or hail. They should also be on if visibility is less than 1,000 feet.
- Drivers are not allowed to use hand-held mobile devices, tablets, laptops or portable electronic devices while driving. Hands-free devices like in-car Bluetooth are allowed.
Speed limits in Delaware
The maximum speed limit in Delaware is relatively low compared to other states. It usually varies depending on the area and road type, with set speed limits for certain highways.
| Cars | Trucks |
Residential/urban roads | 25 mph | 25 mph |
School zone | 20 mph | 20 mph |
Two-lane state roads | 50 mph | 50 mph |
Four-lane highway | 55 mph | 55 mph |
I-49 & State Route 1 | 65 mph | 65 mph |
Toll roads in North Dakota
There are three toll roads in Delaware, consisting of two highways and one bridge.
John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway
This popular toll road is one of the few ways to cross the Delaware river by car. The total length of the toll road is around 13 miles and tolls must be paid both north and south of the Turnpike.
From: Interstate 95 (I-95)
To: Interstate 295 (I-295)
Cost for car: $4.00 for two-axle cars, SUVs and motorcycles.
Cost for truck: $6.00 for any three-axle vehicle.
How to pay: There are toll booths on the highway so you can pay by cash or via E-ZPass.
US 301
Starting at the border with Maryland, the US 301 is the main toll road in Delaware, with plenty of entry and exit points. The toll road is open most of the day and charges are applicable 24/7 unless there are closures due to construction or accidents.
From: Maryland border, near Middletown
To: Delaware Route 1 (SR 1)
Cost for car: $5.60 without an E-ZPass and $4.00 with a pass.
Cost for truck: It depends on the amount of axles. Generally, charges with an E-ZPass will be:
- Three axles - $9.00
- Four axles - $10.00
- Five axles - $11.00
- Six or more axles - $12.00
Costs are slightly higher if you pay with cash.
How to pay: Via E-ZPass or after receiving an invoice to the address connected with your license plate.
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Running between Dover Air Force Base and Christiana, this is a popular route to take to the beach. It’s open for most of the day and charges are due 24/7.
From: Dover Air Force Base, Dover
To: Christiana
Cost for car: $2.00 on weekdays and $6.00 on weekends.
Cost for truck: $4.50-$9.00, depending on number of axles.
How to pay: You can pay with cash at the toll booth or via the E-ZPass.
Driving ages and license requirements in Delaware
- The minimum driving age in Delaware is 17 years.
- The minimum age to rent a car with Hertz in Delaware is 23.
- To rent a truck or pick-up, the guidelines state that you should be at least 25.
If you are between the ages of 23 and 25 and wish to rent a car in Delaware with Hertz, you can check out our guide for drivers under 25.
Essential equipment to carry in your car in Delaware
In your vehicle, you must have:
- Spare bulbs
- A first aid kit
- Warm blankets
- Water
- Snacks
- A flashlight
- Spare clothes
- Replacement oil, antifreeze, washer fluid and brake fluid
Please check your rental agreement for items that are prohibited from being carried in your rental vehicle.
Delaware speed violations, infractions and penalties
In Delaware, speeding fines start at $25 for a first offense and $25 for a second offense. However, there is an additional fee depending on how far you exceeded the limit.
- 5-15mph over: $1 per mile over the limit, going up to $2 per mile for subsequent offenses.
- 15-20mph over: $2 for every mile over the limit, going up to $3 per mile for subsequent offenses.
- 21mph+ over: $3 for every mile over the limit, going up to $4 per mile for subsequent offenses.
Fines are generally doubled if you’re caught speeding in a construction or roadwork zone.
You can also expect to receive between two and five points on your driving license.
Driving with children in Delaware
Car seat requirements in Delaware require children under 12 or under 5’5” tall to sit in the back if there is an active airbag in the front passenger seat.
The national guidelines for driving with younger children are:
- Infants must be secured in rear-facing seats for as long as possible, but at least up to two years of age.
- Children up to eight years of age must use an appropriate child car seat.
Electric car charging in Delaware
Like other states, Delaware is well on the way to making it easier to charge your electric vehicle within the state.
There are currently 131 public charging points, and most of them can be paid via debit or credit card. There are also some programs in place that allow you to pay via an app, such as ChargePoint.
Driving between Delaware and other states
At Hertz, we understand that there may be instances where you need to make a one-way journey in your rental vehicle. We’re happy for you to drive interstate in your rental, just let us know at time of booking with our one-way rental service.
From Delaware, you may want to head towards Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey or Maryland and drop off your vehicle when you arrive.
Driving conditions in Deleware
The Delaware climate is generally moderate. Although it lies in a humid subtropical zone, there can be quite a difference between the north and south of the state.
There are no adverse weather conditions to be aware of but watch out for snow and rainfall as you head further north in winter.
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