An ATV on the Road
21 Del. C. § 6814 — no off highway vehicle on a public road, a helmet under 18, and a $100 fine with impoundment
An off highway vehicle may not be operated on a public highway, street, sidewalk or its right of way, except pushed across in neutral, or at a special event under a permit.
- It is registered before it is operated anywhere in the State, and the operator has 24 hours to produce the registration.
- Every operator and passenger on a 2 or 3 wheel vehicle wears a helmet meeting federal standards, and so does anyone under 18 on an ATV.
- A person under 12 years of age operates one only under the direct supervision of someone at least 18, or on land a parent or guardian controls.
- No one under 18 carries passengers on an ATV.
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| OffenseFirst | PenaltyA fine of $100 and impoundment for up to 100 days |
| OffenseSecond within 24 months | PenaltyA fine of $500 and impoundment for 60 days |
| OffenseThird within 24 months | PenaltyA fine of $500 and permanent impoundment |
An officer with probable cause may have the vehicle towed and held until the charges are resolved. A particular case is a question for a licensed Delaware attorney.
Sources for this section (5)
- 21 Del. C. § 6814 — Operation of OHVs; Upon public highways, streets, sidewalks or rights-of-way; penalties for violation
- 21 Del. C. § 6801 — OHV registration; Required
- 21 Del. C. § 6823 — Operation of OHVs; Helmets
- 21 Del. C. § 6824 — Operation of OHVs; By minors, incompetent persons or persons under mental or physical disabilities
- 21 Del. C. § 6831 — Penalties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Delaware attorney.