Child Passenger Safety Laws in Delaware

1. What is the minimum age required for children to ride in a booster seat in Delaware?


In Delaware, the minimum age requirement for children to ride in a booster seat is 4 years old.

2. Does Delaware require children to be in rear-facing car seats until a certain age?


Yes, Delaware requires children to be in rear-facing car seats until they reach the age of 2.

3. What type of car seat is required for newborns and infants in Delaware?


In Delaware, newborns and infants must be secured in a rear-facing car seat that is appropriate for their size and weight.

4. Does Delaware have a law requiring children to ride in the back seat of a vehicle?


Yes, Delaware does have a law requiring children to ride in the back seat of a vehicle. Children must ride in the back seat of a vehicle until they are at least 8 years old and at least 4’9” tall.

5. How many passengers does Delaware permit to ride in the back seat with a child who is using a safety seat?


Delaware law permits up to 3 passengers to ride in the back seat with a child who is using a safety seat.

6. Does Delaware have any restrictions regarding the use of cell phones by drivers with passengers under the age of 18?


Yes. In Delaware, drivers with passengers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. The use of hands-free cell phones is allowed.

7. Does Delaware have laws that address the use of child restraint systems in taxicabs and other for-hire vehicles?


Yes, Delaware does have laws that address the use of child restraint systems in taxicabs and other for-hire vehicles. According to the Code of Delaware Title 21,Chapter 41, Section 4168 (a): “No person shall operate a taxicab or other for-hire vehicle on any public highway or street within this State unless the vehicle is equipped with a child safety seat that meets the specifications of the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213.”

8. Are lap and shoulder belts required for all passengers in vehicles registered in Delaware?


Yes, lap and shoulder belts are required for all passengers in vehicles registered in Delaware.

9. Does Delaware impose any restrictions on the use of rear-facing car seats on airplanes?


No, Delaware does not impose any restrictions on the use of rear-facing car seats on airplanes. However, it is important to check with the airline before traveling as many airlines have specific requirements and policies that must be followed.

10. Does Delaware have any laws that prohibit drivers from smoking in vehicles with passengers under the age of 18?


Yes. Delaware has a law that prohibits anyone from smoking in any vehicle while a person under the age of 18 is present.

11. Are there any laws in Delaware that apply specifically to booster seat requirements?


Yes. In Delaware, children must use a booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9” tall, whichever comes first. Children from 8 to 12 years old must use a booster seat if they are not 4’9” or taller.

12. Does Delaware allow for children under a certain age to be secured with a lap belt only?


No, Delaware does not allow children under any age to be secured with a lap belt only. All children under 8 must be properly secured in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat that is correctly fastened to the vehicle and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Children over 8 must be properly secured in a vehicle belt system that is correctly fastened and adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

13. Which type of vehicles are exempt from child restraint laws in Delaware?


In Delaware, child restraint laws do not apply to vehicles used by the US mail, fire department, ambulance service, or public transportation.

14. Are there any laws in Delaware that allow for exceptions to certain child restraint requirements for pregnant women?


Yes, there are exceptions to certain child restraint requirements for pregnant women in Delaware. Delaware Code Title 21, Section 4176 states that, “Whenever an adult woman provides a written statement from a physician licensed to practice medicine in the State of Delaware that in the physician’s opinion the woman’s physical condition is such that the use of a seat belt or other vehicle safety device by the adult woman would be detrimental to her health, and her health condition is such that she should not be required to wear a seat belt or other vehicle safety device, then the adult woman shall not be in violation of this section.”

15. What are the penalties associated with violating child passenger safety laws in Delaware?


There are no specific penalties associated with violating child passenger safety laws in Delaware. However, drivers can be charged with reckless endangerment, which is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a maximum fine of $2,300.

16. Are there any restrictions regarding children riding in the front seat of a vehicle in Delaware?


Yes. Children under the age of 8 must ride in the back seat of a vehicle. If the vehicle has no back seat, the child must be in an appropriate car seat or booster seat.

17. Does Delaware require the use of child safety seats at all times or just when certain criteria are met?


Delaware requires the use of child safety seats at all times for children up to 8 years old or who are less than 80 pounds in weight.

18. Is it legal to transport an unrestrained pet when transporting children in a vehicle registered in Delaware?


No, it is not legal to transport an unrestrained pet when transporting children in a vehicle registered in Delaware. According to Delaware law, all passengers in a motor vehicle must be properly restrained, including animals.

19. What kind of child safety seats must be used when traveling on buses operating within Delaware?


When traveling on buses operating within Delaware, children must use car seats or booster seats appropriate for their size, height, and age.

20. Is there a law in Delaware that requires all children riding in school buses to use booster seats or other child safety restraints?


No, there is not a law in Delaware that requires all children riding in school buses to use booster seats or other child safety restraints.