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Speed Limits and Controls
- 1/25If no speed limit is posted
The general maximum speed limit in Delaware is 55 mph where no specific speed signs are posted, unless conditions require slower driving.
When driving in a residential or business district
Standard speed limits in neighborhoods and commercial areas are 25 mph to protect pedestrians and ensure safe vehicle flow.
At a school zone with children present
Delaware law requires drivers to reduce speed to 20 mph in school zones when children are present to ensure their safety.
If you are in a posted school zone during restricted hours
Speed reductions apply during clearly posted times even if flashing lights are not in use.
At a work zone with reduced limits
Fines are doubled in work zones. Reduced limits protect construction workers and help prevent crashes in active work areas.
If weather or road conditions are hazardous
It is unsafe and possibly illegal to drive at posted speeds during rain, fog, ice, or debris-covered roads.
When driving on an expressway
Expressways permit higher speeds but still require alertness and full compliance with all speed control signs.
If a minimum speed sign is posted
Driving too slowly disrupts traffic flow and may cause crashes or delays, especially on highways or freeways.
If you exceed the speed limit
Delaware’s point system adds points to your record for each speeding offense, increasing insurance rates and risking license suspension.
When speeding more than 20 mph over the limit
Severe speeding violations may result in automatic suspension, especially for repeat offenders.
If you accumulate too many speeding points
Delaware requires behavioral courses for drivers with repeated or serious violations to promote safer habits.
If your driving is classified as aggressive
Speeding combined with unsafe lane changes or following too closely may be classified as aggressive driving.
At a sharp curve or narrow turn
Entering curves too fast increases the risk of sliding or rolling over, especially in wet conditions.
When your tires lose traction due to speed
Skidding on curves or wet roads is often caused by excessive speed. Drivers must adjust speed to maintain control.
If you enter or exit a highway
Use acceleration and deceleration lanes properly to avoid disrupting traffic flow or causing collisions.
At night when visibility is limited
Lower visibility makes it harder to detect hazards. Slower speeds allow time to react safely.
If you try to save time by speeding
Speeding rarely saves much time but significantly increases crash severity and vehicle wear.
If you drive too slowly and block other vehicles
Driving well below the speed of traffic without cause is dangerous and illegal. Maintain a safe, steady flow with other drivers.
Slow before entering a sharp curve
Braking in a curve may cause the vehicle to slide.
Hydroplaning starts
Tires lose contact with the road, reducing control.
Preventing hydroplaning
Lower speeds help tires maintain grip in rain.
Driving 25 mph over the limit
Penalties increase with every additional 5 mph.
Driving 50 mph over the limit
Severe speeding results in harsher consequences.
Gravel or dirt road driving, your speed should be
Loose surfaces reduce traction and increase stopping time.
What’s the best way to avoid hydroplaning?
Lowering speed helps maintain tire grip on wet roads.