Delaware speed limits

Key points

1. You must not drive faster than is reasonable for conditions, even below the posted limit.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “You must not drive on a Delaware highway at a speed greater than is reasonable under existing conditions. This means that it is not always lawful to drive as fast as the posted speed limit.”
   Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 93

2. School zones are 20 mph; business and residential districts are 25 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “School zones* 20 miles per hour Business districts 25 miles per hour Residential districts 25 miles per hour”
   Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 93

3. Two lane roads are 50 mph; divided or four lane roads and controlled access highways are 55 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “Two-lane roads 50 miles per hour Divided roads & roads having four or more lanes 55 miles per hour Controlled access highways (turnpikes & expressways) 55 miles per hour”
   Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 93

4. Route 1 and Interstate 495 are 65 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “Route 1 and interstate 495 65 miles per hour”
   Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 93

5. The listed limits may be changed under emergency conditions, and never exceed the posted limit.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “Under emergency conditions, the speed limits below may be changed. The driver must never exceed the posted limit.”
   Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 93

6. Do not drive so slowly that you impede traffic, unless safety or the law requires it.

   Source: Handbook p. 94

   “You must not drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when necessary for safety or compliance with the law.”
   Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 94

7. Obey posted minimum speeds, except when weather or conditions make them unsafe.

   Source: Handbook p. 94

   “You must obey posted minimum speed limits, except when weather or other conditions make it unsafe to do so.”
   Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 94

8. Speed limit signs are black on white; advisory speed signs are black on yellow, often under a warning sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 94

   “Speed limit signs have black letters and numerals on a white rectangular background and are the legal allowable limits. Advisory speed signs have black letters on a yellow background and often are shown under a warning sign.”
   Delaware Driver Manual, Handbook p. 94

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Delaware practice test

1. 1. What speed limit does Delaware list for Route 1 and Interstate 495?

   1. 65 miles per hour
   2. 55 miles per hour
   3. 50 miles per hour
   4. 70 miles per hour
   Show answer

   65 miles per hour. Delaware's speed table lists 65 miles per hour for Route 1 and Interstate 495. The 50 mile figure belongs to two-lane roads, while 55 applies to divided roads, roads with four or more lanes, and controlled access highways in the table. The 70 mile option exceeds the listed Delaware maximum for this entry. Check the posted sign and current conditions as well, because the manual's general rule still requires a reasonable speed.

2. 2. What should you do if icy conditions make a posted minimum speed unsafe?

   1. Drive at the minimum with hazard lights to compensate
   2. Keep the minimum speed regardless of traction
   3. Drive slower than the minimum as conditions require
   4. Accelerate above the minimum to spend less time on the ice
   Show answer

   Drive slower than the minimum as conditions require. A posted minimum speed normally must be obeyed, but Delaware makes an exception when weather or other conditions make that speed unsafe. Ice can require a much slower pace because braking and steering depend on the available tire grip. Hazard lights cannot restore traction or make the posted minimum safe. Look for a shiny road surface and other signs of freezing, reduce speed smoothly, and allow enough room to respond without sudden braking or steering.

3. 3. When may driving slowly enough to impede normal traffic be justified in Delaware?

   1. Whenever another driver could use the shoulder to pass
   2. Whenever the driver wants to read roadside advertisements
   3. When safety or compliance with the law requires it
   4. Only when a police vehicle is directly behind
   Show answer

   When safety or compliance with the law requires it. Unnecessarily holding up normal traffic by driving too slowly is prohibited, but safety and legal requirements can justify a slower pace. Poor visibility or a duty to yield may require reducing speed even when following drivers want to move faster. The possibility of a shoulder pass does not excuse obstructing traffic. Assess the actual road hazard or legal obligation, maintain a predictable position, and avoid using convenience or distraction as a reason to delay other vehicles.

Source: the Delaware Driver Manual, Section Four: Rules of the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.