New Motorcycle Helmet Law Aims to Reduce Fatalities

Dover – The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) aim to reduce motorcycle fatalities with a new endorsement motorcycle helmet law that will go into effect on Friday, September 1, 2023.

SB 86, sponsored by numerous legislators: David P. Sokola, Sean M. Lynn, Daniel B. Short, Kyle Evans Gay, Kyra Hoffner, Bryan Townsend, David L. Wilson, Paul S. Baumbach, Ruth Briggs King, Franklin D. Cooke, Timothy D. Dukes, Ronald E. Gray, Krista Griffith, Jeff Hilovsky, Kendra Johnson and Edward S. Osienski, was signed by Governor John Carney on June 30, 2023. The new law will require everyone who obtains a new motorcycle endorsement on or after the above date or anyone riding with that person to wear a helmet and eye protection for two years after they receive their endorsement.

Currently, every adult operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle must have a helmet in their possession and wear eye protection while operating or riding a motorcycle. And every person up to 19 years of age must wear a helmet and eye protection.

Helmets and eye protection are already required for those operating with a temporary motorcycle instruction permit as required under § 2703 of Title 21 of the Delaware Code and no passengers are allowed.

SB 86, will now require anyone obtaining a new motorcycle endorsement starting September 1, 2023, to wear a helmet and eye protection during the first two years of their endorsement. A civil penalty will be assessed to those found to be in violation.

“We know helmets save lives and prevent serious head injuries. We know a quarter of all motorcycle accidents that occurred last year involved a newly endorsed rider,” shared Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “By requiring this group to take extra precautions and wear a helmet we’re able to help keep Delawareans safer.”

“It’s our responsibility to keep Delawareans safe,” said Governor Carney. “This legislation, along with the current activities and protection measures, will save lives.”

“Seeing the increase in fatalities on our roadways each week is heart-wrenching. This new law will help protect riders when they are their most vulnerable,” added Amy Anthony, Director of the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

Nineteen states and the District of Columbia currently require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet.

As of August 30, 2023, there are 22,174 motorcycles registered in the State of Delaware.

Riders interested in improving their skills can also enroll in one of the DMV’s Motorcycle Safety Courses. For a list of available courses or enrollment details, visit dmv.de.gov and search on motorcycle courses, email motorcyclecourse@delaware.gov, or contact the below for more information:

Beginner Rider Program
New Castle County – 302-832-5163
Kent County – 302-744-2658
Sussex County – 302-853-1030

Experienced Rider Program
New Castle – 302-862-5163
Kent County– 302-744-2658
Sussex County – 302-853-1030

Last year, 22 motorcyclists were killed on Delaware roadways. As of August 31, 2023, twelve motorcyclists have been killed. Always use caution while operating a vehicle or motorcycle. Look twice at intersections, don’t tailgate, and eliminate distractions. For more motorcycle safety tips for both riders and motorists visit arrivealivede.com.


Ride Smart, Ride Safe During Motorcycle Awareness Month

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) encourages motorcyclists to ride smart and ride safely through education and awareness.

Every year from April through November, DMV offers six motorcycle safety courses for various skill levels, including an instructor-level course for those interested in becoming a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCoach.

Course benefits include professional training and up to 15% off your motorcycle liability insurance. Plus, upon course completion graduates are exempt from taking DMV motorcycle endorsement knowledge and road testing for up to six months.

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski commented, “Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to crashes, and as motorists, we need to be extra cautious, especially during warmer weather, and remember to share the road.”

“Our motorcycle safety courses teach riders so many skills, but the ultimate goal is for graduates to utilize everything they learn every time they go out for a ride. By working together, we can make our roadways safer for all,” said DMV Director Jana Simpler.

Anyone who successfully completes a DMV Rider Safety Course in 2023 will be automatically entered to win a four-digit motorcycle license plate. Two drawings will be held: one on July 21, 2023, for those who successfully complete a course from March 17, 2023 to July 16, 2023, and another on November 18, 2023, for those who successfully complete a course from July 17, 2023, through November 12, 2023. Winners will receive an email alerting them how to obtain their tag.

For a list of available courses or enrollment details, CLICK HERE, visit dmv.de.gov and search on motorcycle courses, email motorcyclecourse@delaware.gov, or contact the below for more information:

New Castle County – 302-832-5163
Kent County – 302-744-2658
Sussex County – 302-853-1030

Last year, 22 motorcyclists were killed on Delaware roadways. As of Monday, May 8, 2023, four motorcyclists have been killed. Always use caution while operating a vehicle or motorcycle. Look twice at intersections, don’t tailgate, and eliminate distractions, for more motorcycle safety tips for both riders and motorists visit arrivealivede.com.


Create a Safer Ride During Motorcycle Awareness Month

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in support of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety’s (OHS) Motorcycle Safety campaign, urges both motorists and motorcyclists to create a safer ride through education and awareness.

Motorcyclists of all skill levels, both novice and advanced can enroll in a DMV Motorcycle Safety Course. Beginner course benefits include professional training, 10% off your motorcycle liability insurance, exemption from taking the DMV road test and graduates automatically get a license to ride. Advanced course benefits include professional training and 15% off your motorcycle liability insurance.

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski commented, “We continue to stress the need for increased safety awareness on our roads for all modes of transportation. With the arrival of warm weather, more motorcycles will be on the roads and over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Regardless of how you choose to travel, safety should be everyone’s top priority.”

“Whether it’s your first time on a motorcycle or you’ve been riding for years, please enroll in one of our courses,” urged Director of the Delaware DMV Jana Simpler. “The combination of classroom and road training will not only make you a better driver but will also help reduce the likelihood of a mishap.”
For a list of available courses or enrollment details CLICK HERE, visit dmv.de.gov and search on motorcycle courses, e-mail motorcyclecourse@delaware.gov or contact the below for more information:

Beginner Rider Program
New Castle County – 302-832-5163
Kent County – 302-744-2658
Sussex County – 302-853-1030

Experienced Rider Program
New Castle – 302-862-5163
Kent – 302-744-2658
Sussex – 302-853-1030

In 2021, 24 motorcyclists were killed on a Delaware roadway. This year 3 motorcyclists have died. Even if you are not a motorcyclist, always look twice at intersections, don’t tailgate motorcycles, and eliminate distractions while driving. For more motorcycle safety tips visit https://www.youtube.com/user/delawaredmv. For information on all programs offered by the DMV CLICK HERE or visit DMV.de.gov and click on Driver Services.


I-95 Drive to Save Lives & Drive to Save Lives across Delaware – April 9th to 10th, 2021

Delaware- In 2014 the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) initiated the “Drive to Save Lives” campaign to reduce deaths on U.S. highways. The campaign targeted distracted and impaired driving, speeding, the use of seatbelts and the unsafe driving behaviors of operators of large trucks and buses. A combination of education and awareness, partnering with other agencies, and high-visibility traffic enforcement were used to achieve the campaign goals. These successful efforts gave the IACP a desire to continue the campaign annually.

Delaware State Police have coordinated the “Drive to Save Lives” efforts at least once a year, specifically on Delaware’s portion of I-95 for the past several years. Working alongside DSP there are 14 other participating state police and highway patrol agencies that patrol portions of I-95. Over the past four years DSP has taken their campaign coordination efforts a step further. In 2017, DSP began requesting other Delaware law enforcement agencies having patrol-related duties to be included in the campaign. As a result, numerous agencies throughout the state have been participating in this campaign. This year is proving to become the greatest teamwork effort with at least 30 Delaware municipal agencies slated to participate in the April 9th and 10th campaign.

Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety has continued to be a supporter of the “Drive to Save Lives” campaign. All law enforcement agencies, along with the Office of Highway Safety, are looking forward to working together during April’s campaign. With the Office of Highway Safety’s assistance, Delaware’s participating law enforcement agencies are better able to supply personnel for these high-visibility patrols.

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is pleased to support the Delaware State Police and municipal agencies from across the state in the “Drive to Save Lives” initiative. This is an opportunity for Delaware to participate in a nationwide event, focusing on multiple highway safety priorities, using data-driven enforcement methods and education to decrease the high-risk behaviors of drivers. These partners are committed to decreasing fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways and it’s initiatives like this that can help us achieve that goal,” Sarah Cattie, Traffic Safety Program Manager, Delaware Office of Highway Safety.

The Delaware State Police will be coordinating the I-95 effort, as well as the portion of the campaign that extends to other roadways throughout the state. DSP will be patrolling the state’s main corridors, while the municipal agencies will be patrolling their specific jurisdictions. The team of agencies will be highly motivated to perform traffic stops, educate operators, and issue citations. The ultimate goal is to provide education and enforcement that will lead to a decrease in the number of crashes throughout Delaware not only on April 9th and 10th, but into the future.

The Delaware State Police are proud to partner with our allied agencies around the State in the 2021 Drive to Save Lives campaign.  While utilizing education and proactive enforcement strategies, Troopers will engage motorists each day with the intention to enhance driver safety and reduce fatal and serious injury collisions.   Along with our highway safety partners, we are dedicated to this nationwide effort and to our shared goals of keeping Delawareans and our visitors safe.”  Colonel Melissa Zebley, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police

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About the Delaware Office of Highway Safety
The Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is committed to improving the safety of Delaware’s motoring public by focusing on behavioral traffic safety issues, such as impaired driving, seat belt use, speeding, child passenger safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, and teen driving issues. Follow the Delaware Office of Highway Safety on ArriveAliveDE.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.


DART to Operate Reduced Statewide Weekday Service Level Beginning Wednesday, March 18

Due to the presence of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Delaware, business closures, reductions in staffing and lower ridership levels, effective Wednesday, March 18, DART public transit services will operate on the following reduced service schedule until further notice. On weekdays, regular fixed route services will operate on a Saturday service schedule statewide, with additional service on Routes 15, 18, 43 and 301. DART’s regularly scheduled weekend service will operate normal service levels. For specifics, please visit www.DartFirstState.com.

Customer Service call center hours will be reduced to Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Riders can view real-time bus information by downloading the DART Transit app. For any concerns or questions, customers are encouraged to email us at dotdtcweb@delaware.gov. Our Customer Service Team will also be monitoring DART’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts to assist customers with any inquiries.

In addition, all DART ticket stores will be closed until further notice starting on Wednesday, which includes the stores at 718 N. Market St., Amtrak Station, at DART Administration Buildings in Dover and Wilmington, and at the Lewes Transit Center. DART fares and passes can be purchased through DART Pass mobile payment app, online, or by paying cash on the buses. A list of other sales locations is available here.

The Lewes Transit Center Passenger Facility will also be closed to the public.

Statewide Paratransit services will continue to operate normal hours, as will the Reservations call center.

To support Delaware Public Schools, DART is offering students free bus rides on regularly scheduled bus routes to access school meal programs weekdays from 10 AM to 2 PM until schools are back in session.

Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) has implemented several additional measures to clean vehicles and facilities used by the public to help limit the spread of the illness. For customers who ride our public transit service, all DART buses have and continue to be thoroughly disinfected with vital oxide antimicrobial spraying solution and we are thoroughly cleaning areas of frequent contact to keep our buses as clean as possible. Our public facilities and lobbies are continually being disinfected including counters, public seating, and door handles.

The safety and well-being of our customers and employees is our top priority. We know the importance of connecting people to their destinations, safely, and efficiently. We are closely monitoring this rapidly evolving situation through Delaware’s Division of Public Health and the CDC to ensure that we have the most up-to-date information to guide our operations.

If you are feeling sick, please do not visit public facilities and avoid public transportation. For more information on the state’s response to the Coronavirus, visit de.gov/coronavirus.