Delaware (DE) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the state of Delaware, 121 teens died in auto accidents in 2008. Of the 121 accident, 37% involved a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Delaware is serious about stopping auto accident fatalities among teens in the state. Because of this, Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is the law. This means, Delaware requires an extended learning period for teen driver’s to be supervised by a parent or “sponsor” or a certified driving instructor or school. The state also requires all teens to follow the Graduated Driver Licensing law to the letter. Continue reading to learn more about Delaware’s teen driving laws and the penalties for violating them.

Delaware Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Delaware Graduated Licensing (GDL) applies to teen’s ages 16-18. Teens must first obtain a level one learner’s permit before moving to the next step, a class D driver’s license.

To obtain a level one learner’s permit, you must be between the ages of 16-18 years of age and provide the following documentation to the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles:

•    Delaware Driver Education Certificate (Blue Certificate)
•    Documentation that proves full legal name and date of birth (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID)
•    Social security card
•    Signature of parent/guardian or sponsor

You must carry the level one learner’s permit for at least a year before applying for your class D driver’s license. Before applying for a class D driver’s license, the teen driver must complete at lest 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, with 10 hours to take place at night.

To apply for a class D license, in addition to paying a $25 fee, you must:

•    Pass a vision test
•    Pass a written test
•    Fill out the driver’s license application

Delaware Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

In the state of Delaware, drivers under the age of 18 and holding a level one learner’s permit for less than 6 months:

Cannot operate a motor vehicle between 10 p. and 6 a.m. unless he or she is accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or person 25 years of age or older who has held a class D license for at least 5 years. The permit holder may drive between these hours unsupervised if he’s driving:

•    To and from work
•    To or from a school sponsored event
•    To or from a religious sponsored event
•    For the purpose of a medical, fire, or law enforcement related emergency

Under the level one learner’s permit, teens cannot have more than an adult supervisor and one other passenger in the car. This passenger limit does not apply to immediate family members. All persons in the vehicle must wear seatbelts at all times.

If the driver violates any the above restrictions, they will be charged with “driving without a license.” The first offense carries a 60-day license suspension and the second carries a 120-day license suspension. In addition, the driver will not be able to apply for a class D license if the applicant's driving privileges have been suspended, revoked, canceled, denied, or surrendered.

Delaware Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of Delaware, teens 18 and under and driving under a learner’s permit are prohibited from using any type of handheld device in any capacity. Under House Bill 63, if a minor is caught using a cell-phone while driving, the will  lose their licenses for a minimum of 30 days. They will have to pay a $25 fee to have their license reinstated. For second offenses, the offender will lose his license for 90 days.

Delaware Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Delaware, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a Delaware teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, your license will be revoked for two months. For second teen DUI offenses, you will lose your license for 6-12 months. In addition, you face some of the same penalties as an adult that has been convicted of DUI. You will be fined anywhere from $230-$1,150 for a first offense and you may have to complete a treatment program. For second offenses, you may have to pay fines ranging from $575 up to $2,300 and you could end up spending time in a juvenile detention center. Once your driving privileges are restored, you may have to install an interlock device on your vehicle at your own expense.

Delaware Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

Delaware sets its minimum auto liability limits at 15/30/10 for all drivers – regardless of age. 15/30/10 represents $15,000 for personal injury or death to one person, $30,000 for personal injury or death to more than one person, and $10,000 for property damage. Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, Delaware auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year - or an average of $2,171 a year.

An increase in your auto insurance premium is inevitable once you add a teen to the policy, but this doesn’t mean you can’t cash in on special discounts designed just for teens. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing sports and luxury cars for your teen, if you opt for a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).