Registration of Vehicles

Del. Code tit. 21, ch. 21

in effect

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2101 Operation of unregistered vehicle; exceptions.

(a) No person shall drive or move, nor shall any person, being the owner of a vehicle, knowingly permit to be driven or moved upon any highway any vehicle, except trackless trolley coaches, of a type required to be registered hereunder, which is not registered and for which current registration plates have not been issued as provided in this chapter or for which the appropriate fees have not been paid when and as required by this chapter, except that when application accompanied by the proper fee has been made for registration and certificate of title for a vehicle, the same may be operated temporarily pending complete registration upon displaying a duplicate application duly verified or other evidence of such application or otherwise under rules and regulations promulgated by the Department. (b) A motor vehicle or vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle registered as a tow truck or wrecker shall not be in violation of subsection (a) of this section or § 2115 of this title if such towed vehicle has 1 end hoisted off the ground while being towed. The term “tow truck or wrecker” does not apply to a vehicle registered as a truck tractor. (c) A motor vehicle or vehicle being operated on public roadways for the purpose of being transported between the Wilmington Port Authority and short-term parking areas within 1 mile of the facility’s gates need not be registered. These vehicles must have insurance that meets the minimum requirements of § 2118 of this title, before they are operated on any public roadway. (d) Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, a motor vehicle need not be registered and shall not be in violation of § 2115 of this title, if the vehicle is being driven by a repair technician for drive cycle testing, certified under the Delaware Emission Education Program (“DEEP”) who has in that technician’s possession: (1) A permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources permitting such operation; (2) Testing equipment for an on board diagnostic test is installed in the vehicle; and (3) The operator has evidence of a current and applicable garage keeper’s policy on hand, evidencing insurance coverage available for such operation.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2102 Registration of vehicles of new residents; penalty.

(a) Every owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or other vehicle shall, within 60 days after taking up residence in this State, apply to the Secretary and obtain registration for the vehicle. Vehicle owners who have apportioned power units registered in Delaware under the International Registration Plan are exempt from the requirement to register their trailers in accordance with the International Registration Plan agreement. Members of the military and their families who have vehicles registered in their home state are also exempt from this requirement. (b) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section shall be fined for the first offense not less than $400 nor more than $600. For each subsequent like offense, such person shall be fined not less than $800 nor more than $1,200, or imprisoned not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days, or both.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2103 Temporary registration permits.

The Department may, in its discretion, grant temporary or limited registration permits, in no case to be valid for more than 15 days, and may issue appropriate certificates or other evidence therefor as listed below: (1) When application for a certificate of title has been made accompanied by the proper fee, a temporary permit without additional fee may be issued pending action upon such application by the Department; (2) During suspension of registration because of failure of the vehicle upon inspection to meet the legal performance requirements or equipment standards, a temporary permit without additional fee may be issued to allow the vehicle to be driven away to be repaired and returned for inspection or to be driven to a storage place; (3) When a registration has expired, a temporary permit may be issued upon the payment of a fee of $20 in addition to the regular fee for reregistration so that the vehicle may be driven to a place for repair, if necessary, and to an inspection station preparatory to reregistration; (4) For the movement of unregistered vehicles by persons entitled to move the same, when it is not proposed to secure a certificate of title or a transfer of title to such vehicle, a temporary permit may be issued for which a fee of $20 shall be charged; (5) For moving vehicles of which the ownership has been transferred by process of law as provided in §§ 2501-2507 of this title, a permit may be issued without charge. (6) Trip permit registrations pursuant to the International Registration Plan, as authorized in Chapter 4 of this title, may be issued for any vehicle or combination of vehicles which could lawfully operate in this State if full registration or proportional registration were obtained. A permit for this purpose shall be valid for 3 days, including the day issued, for which a fee of $15 shall be charged.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2104 Application for registration.

(a) Every owner of a vehicle desiring registration shall make application to the Department for the registration thereof upon the appropriate form or forms furnished by the Department. Every such application shall bear the signature of the owner in a manner acceptable to the Department. (b) The application shall contain: (1) The name and address of the owner: When the owner is an individual, the address shall be the bona fide residence of the individual; when the owner is a partnership, association, trust or corporation, the address shall be that of the principal office thereof wherever located together with the address of the principal office within this State, if any; (2) A description of the vehicle including, insofar as the following specified data may exist with respect to a given vehicle, the make, model, color, type of body, the serial number of the vehicle, or any number as may be assigned by the Department, and whether new or used and, if a new vehicle, the date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the person intending to operate said vehicle; (3) Such further information as may reasonably be required by the Department to enable it to determine whether the vehicle is lawfully entitled to registration; (4) The Department shall allow the registration of trailers for individuals who are not bona fide residents of Delaware if the individual provides documented proof of ownership of a residence in Delaware and signs a declaration indicating the trailer will remain in Delaware at all times. (c) In the event that the vehicle for which registration is applied is a specially constructed, reconstructed or a foreign vehicle, such fact shall be stated in the application, and with reference to every foreign vehicle which has been registered theretofore outside of this State, the owner shall surrender to the Department all registration cards and certificates of title or other evidence of such foreign registration or ownership as may be in the owner’s possession or under the owner’s control, except where in the course of interstate operation of a vehicle registered in another state it is desirable to retain registration of the vehicle in such other state, such applicant need not surrender, but shall submit for inspection, evidences of such foreign registration or ownership, and the Department upon a proper showing may register the vehicle in this State, but shall not issue a certificate of title therefor. (d) (1) The Department shall allow the registration of motor vehicles owned by individuals who are not bona fide residents of Delaware upon presentation of an affidavit by the applicant, on a form approved by the Department, swearing or affirming: a. That the vehicle is principally garaged in Delaware; b. That the applicant is the owner of at least 1 other vehicle which is registered and insured in the state of the applicant’s domicile; and c. To such other information not inconsistent with this subsection as may be deemed appropriate by the Department or the Insurance Commissioner. (2) An affiant shall notify the Division of Motor Vehicles and the affiant’s automobile insurance company of any changes in the above conditions within 30 calendar days from the date of change. (3) The penalties prescribed by Chapter 24 of Title 18 shall apply to a violation of this subsection.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2105 Registration of heavy vehicles.

(a) Every person applying to register a vehicle at a registered gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 pounds shall provide to the Department with the application documentation of the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating for such vehicle. (b) Any of the following items shall constitute acceptable documentation of the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating in accordance with this section: (1) A valid manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating plate, sticker or plaque permanently affixed to the vehicle; or (2) New vehicle delivery documents which contain the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the gross vehicle weight rating; or (3) A written statement from the manufacturer setting forth the vehicle identification number (VIN), the weight ratings of the major component parts of the vehicle, including axle assemblies, suspension system, frame and tires, and the overall gross vehicle weight rating. The manufacturer’s statement must be based on the design weight rating of the component parts, including tires, and upon the professional judgment of the manufacturer, in the exercise of due care, that the components and their installation are in accordance with accepted industry practice and in compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (4) In the case that a vehicle is missing a valid manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating plate, sticker, or plaque, or cannot obtain a manufacture’s statement, DMV shall assign a GVWR for that vehicle based on the federal bridge formula, or acceptable alternative. (c) As used in this chapter, “manufacturer” shall include any maker of new, incomplete vehicles and such maker’s authorized sales and service representatives; any maker or final assembler of vehicle bodies, components or specialized equipment; and any installer of vehicle bodies, major components or specialized equipment which alters the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating, or which substantially changes its use, and which conforms to the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act [repealed; see now 49 U.S.C. § 30101, et seq.] and of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (d) Any vehicle which has a gross weight in excess of 26,000 pounds, except as provided in §§ 2152 and 4502(c)(2) of this title, shall not be registered at a weight in excess of the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight for such vehicle or the Federal Bridge Formula in the absence of a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating. For those vehicles registered pursuant to § 2152 of this title, the actual gross weight of the vehicle, or each vehicle in combination, shall not exceed the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating. For those vehicles registered for extra weight capacity pursuant to the exception of § 4502(c)(2) of this title, the following shall apply: (1) Vehicles registering for such extra weight capacity shall pay a fee of $100 per vehicle at the time of registration; (2) No vehicle with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of less than 65,000 shall be registered at a weight in excess of the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating for such vehicle; (3) No vehicle being registered for the first time shall be registered at a weight in excess of the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating for such vehicle; (4) No vehicle with a model year 20 or more years prior to the date of registration shall be registered at a weight in excess of the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating for such vehicle; and (5) Commencing June 15, 2026, no vehicle shall be registered at a weight in excess of the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating for such vehicle. (e) If registered pursuant to § 2152 of this title, any vehicle which has a gross weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds shall not be operated within this State unless such vehicle is properly registered pursuant to this section and either: (1) Has permanently affixed to it an unaltered and legible plate, sticker or plaque which states the gross vehicle weight rating; or (2) Has within the vehicle the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating documentation required by subsection (b) of this section. (f) Any vehicle altered so as to change its gross vehicle weight rating or substantially change its use shall not be registered or operated within this State unless the vehicle’s new gross weight rating is documented in accordance with subsection (b) of this section. (g) If the gross vehicle weight rating for a vehicle registered pursuant to this section is documented in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) or (3) of this section, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall maintain such documentation of the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating as part of such vehicle’s title file.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2106 Registration of vehicle and owner; records.

The Department shall file each application received and, when satisfied as to the genuineness and regularity thereof and that the applicant is entitled thereto, shall register the vehicle therein described and the owner thereof in suitable books or in data processing computers under: (1) A distinctive registration number assigned to the vehicle hereinafter referred to as the registration number, which may consist of a numerical figure or figures or of a letter or letters with a numerical figure or figures; (2) The name of the owner; (3) The vehicle identification number and, in the discretion of the Division, in any other method it determines.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2107 Registration card; issuance; information thereon.

(a) The Department upon registering a vehicle shall issue a registration card and deliver it to the owner. (b) The registration card shall contain the date issued, the name and address of the owner, the registration number assigned to the vehicle, such description of the vehicle as may be determined by the Secretary, the period for which the vehicle is registered, a form for endorsement of notice to the Department upon transfer of the vehicle and a space in which the signature of the owner shall be placed to validate the card. (c) This section shall be exempt from the provisions of § 2116 of this title.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2108 Possession of registration card.

The registration card issued for a vehicle required to be registered under this title shall at all times, while the vehicle is being operated upon a highway within this State, be in the possession of the operator thereof or carried in the vehicle and subject to inspection by any peace officer. However, an operator shall be allowed 24 hours to produce the registration card before a conviction can be obtained under this provision, such registration having been legally issued at a time prior to such operator’s arrest.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2109 Period of registration; effective date.

(a) Any vehicle described in § 2151 of this title may be registered for 24 months, 12 months or 6 months and the effective date of the registration shall be the date the vehicle is titled. Any used vehicle not more than 7 model years old may be registered from 6 to 72 months based on a model year and mileage formula established by the Division of Motor Vehicles. The Division of Motor Vehicles may require vehicles to be registered for less than 24 months as may be necessary to ensure a balanced monthly distribution of vehicle inspections and registrations; all fees shall be prorated. The registration of a vehicle shall expire at midnight on the last day of the period for which it is registered, and the vehicle shall not thereafter be operated upon the highways of this State until it has been reregistered according to law. This section shall not apply to the vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan or to vehicles registered under temporary or limited permits or certificates as otherwise provided by this title. (b) The owner of any semitrailer or trailer who wishes to match that vehicle’s license plate expiration with the towing vehicle’s license plate expiration may register such semitrailer or trailer for a period of from 1 to 12 months. In addition to the registration fee, which shall be prorated for the number of months registered, there shall be a service fee of $3.00. This subsection shall not apply to those vehicles which are under a fleet account as specified in § 2143(c) of this title. (c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, any newly-manufactured current model year motor vehicle or trailer with a gross registered weight of 10,000 pounds or less not previously registered or titled in any state or country may be initially registered by the owner for 7 years or less. Newly-manufactured previous model year motor vehicles or trailers having the above criteria may initially be registered for 6 years or less by a prorated formula established by the Division of Motor Vehicles. The effective date of registration shall be the date the vehicle is titled. The registration fee shall be the number of years selected multiplied by the annual registration fee. Thereafter, the registration shall be renewed pursuant to § 2110 of this title. (d) In calculating the prorated fees or combined annual fees payable pursuant to this section, the fees shall be calculated using the rates in effect or scheduled to be in effect during the period of the prorated or extended registration.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2110 Renewal of registration; new card and plate; cancellation of renewal by owner prior to effective date.

(a) Prior to the expiration of the period for which a vehicle is registered pursuant to § 2109 of this title, the registration may be renewed to extend from the date of expiration for an additional period of 6 months or 1 year or 2 years, and the effective date of the renewed registration shall be based on the calendar day the vehicle was titled. Vehicles no more than 7 model years old may be renewed for up to 72 months based on a prorated model year formula established by the Division of Motor Vehicles. Any time prior to the expiration of the period for which a vehicle is registered with a commercial, trailer or farm truck license plate, the registration thereof may be renewed to extend from the date of expiration for an additional period of 3 months, 6 months, 1 year or 2 years. (b) Upon renewing the registration of any vehicle or upon reregistering any vehicle, the Department shall furnish a new registration plate or plates showing the new registration period or the expiration date thereof and shall issue a new registration card or appropriately endorse the new registration period on the original card. (c) A renewal registration of a vehicle for an additional period to take effect at the expiration of the registration thereof may be canceled on application to the Secretary at any time before the renewal registration is to take effect, and thereupon the Secretary shall refund to the owner the registration fee so paid for such renewal registration upon the receipt for cancellation by the Secretary for any such renewal registration card or registration plates, or both, issued pursuant to such renewal and otherwise cancel any endorsement of such renewal entered on the original card. (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a), (b) and (c) of this section, the registration of any trailer with a gross registered weight of 4,000 pounds or less and for which the annual safety inspection is waived may be renewed for 3 years, at the option of the owner. If this option is selected, the registration fee shall be 3 times the annual registration fee. (e) In calculating the prorated fees or combined annual fees payable pursuant to this section, the fees shall be calculated using the rates in effect or scheduled to be in effect during the period of the prorated or extended registration.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2111 Duplicate registration cards.

In the event that any registration card issued under this title is lost, mutilated or becomes illegible, the person who is entitled thereto shall make immediate application for and obtain a duplicate or substitute therefor upon furnishing information of such fact satisfactory to the Department and upon payment of the required fees.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2112 Registration by nonresidents.

(a) A nonresident owner, except as otherwise provided in this section, owning any foreign vehicle which has been duly registered for the current registration year in the state, country or other place of which the owner is a resident and which at all times, when operated in this State, has displayed upon it the number plate or plates issued for any such vehicle in the place of residence of such owner may operate or permit the operation of such vehicle within this State without registering such vehicle or paying any fees to this State. (b) Motor vehicles owned and controlled by nonresidents of this State, who are residents or citizens of foreign nations, and the drivers and operators thereof shall be accorded the free use of the highways of this State without restriction by way of license or registration and without the imposition of any tax or fee. This subsection shall not apply to vehicles owned or controlled by residents or citizens of foreign nations and drivers and operators thereof when such foreign nations do not extend similar privileges to the residents of the United States. (c) A nonresident owner, operator or custodian of any motor vehicle, vehicle or trailer using such vehicle for transportation of persons or property for compensation within this State or for the transportation of merchandise within this State shall register each such vehicle and pay the same fees therefor as is required with reference to like vehicles owned by residents of this State. (d) The requirements of subsection (c) of this section may be waived by the Department of Transportation for vehicles registered in those jurisdictions which reciprocate with vehicles registered in this State. (e) The Secretary shall enforce this title and shall have the power to suspend the operating privilege of all, a class or a part of any class of motor vehicles or trailers or semitrailers registered in another jurisdiction when, in the Secretary’s judgment, any such jurisdiction prohibits the free operation therein of a class or part of any class of motor vehicles or trailers or semitrailers belonging to residents of this State and which have been properly registered in accordance with the laws of this State. The Secretary shall also have power to suspend for violation of any of the provisions of this title, or on other reasonable grounds, the operating privilege of any motor vehicle or trailer or semitrailer belonging to a nonresident. In suspending any such operating privilege, the Secretary shall notify the official or body performing the registration duty in the jurisdiction in which the nonresident resides of such action. If any such motor vehicle or trailer or semitrailer whose operating privilege has been suspended shall thereafter be driven in this State, such driving shall constitute a violation of § 2115(1) of this title, and the driver of any such vehicle shall be subject to the penalty prescribed in § 2116. The Secretary shall also have the power to impound the vehicle in violation until the fees imposed under § 402 of this title have been paid to the Department. Any impoundment fees or towing fees incurred as a result of a violation of this section shall be at the registered owner’s expense. (f) (1) Except as provided by paragraph (f)(2) of this section, a motor vehicle lessor may include separately stated mandatory charges in a rental agreement, including, but not limited to, airport access fees, airport concession fees and all applicable taxes. (2) A motor vehicle lessor may not include a vehicle licensing recovery fee as a separately-stated mandatory charge in a rental agreement. (3) [Repealed.] (4) As used in this subsection: a. “Motor vehicle” means that term as defined in § 101 of this title. b. “Motor vehicle lessor” means a person whose primary business is renting motor vehicles to consumers under rental agreements for periods of 90 days or less. c. “Vehicle licensing recovery fee” means a charge that may be included in a vehicle rental transaction originating in this State to recover costs incurred by a motor vehicle lessor to license, title, register, and plate rental vehicles.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2113 Special farm vehicle registration.

Farmers may register vehicles for farm use in the following manner: (1) Farm truck, semitrailer, and trailer license plates (“FT” tags): a. Farmers may qualify for the reduced registration fee for “FT” license tags if they derive at least $1,000 of their annual income from the operation of their farm and they own or rent at least 10 acres which is actively used in the farming operation from which they derive that income. b. Any vehicle, semitrailer or trailer upon which an “FT” license tag is affixed must be used exclusively in the operation of a farm or for personal use other than nonfarming commercial use. c. Farmers shall not hire or rent the farm truck, semitrailer, or trailer, or permit a farm truck, semitrailer, or trailer to be used for hauling merchandise, farm products, or other items whatsoever under rent, hire, or for pay. d. [Repealed.] (2) Farm vehicle license plates (“FV” tags) exempt from inspection: a. Except as hereinafter provided, after October 7, 2014, no person shall operate any farm vehicle within the State unless such vehicle has been registered in accordance with this chapter. Such registration shall not permit the vehicle to be operated on any highway except as hereinafter specifically provided. This registration is for identification only and does not constitute being “registered” in this State, for purposes of § 2118 of this title, or any other requirement of this chapter. b. Farmers may qualify for an inspection waiver for a farm motor vehicle, farm vehicle, or farm trailer if they derive at least $1,000 of their annual income from the operation of their farm and they own or rent at least 10 acres which are actively used in the farming operation from which they derive that income. c. Any vehicle or trailer upon which a “FV” tag is affixed must be used exclusively in the operation of a farm, or for personal use other than nonfarming commercial use. d. No farm motor vehicle, farm vehicle, or farm trailer may be used for hire or for any use except in the exclusive operation of a farm owned or rented by the owner of such vehicle or trailer, or in aid of and assistance to another farmer for harvest purposes. e. Farmers shall not hire or rent any farm motor vehicle, farm vehicle, or farm trailer, or permit a farm motor vehicle, farm vehicle, or farm trailer to be used for hauling merchandise, farm products, or other items whatsoever under rent, hire, or for pay. f. Farmers shall not use any vehicle or trailer upon which an “FV” tag is affixed for any use except in the operation of a farm owned or rented by the titled owner of such vehicle or trailer or in aid of and assistance to another farmer for harvest purposes, or for personal use other than nonfarming commercial use. g. No farm motor vehicle, farm vehicle, or farm trailer to which an “FV” tag is affixed may be operated or towed upon the public highways or roads unless: 1. Those highways and roads are within a 20-mile radius of a farm owned or managed by the owner of the vehicle or trailer; 2. The vehicle or trailer is operated or towed by a person who is properly licensed by the Division of Motor Vehicles; 3. The vehicle or trailer is properly equipped with a stop light, turn signals and brakes which are in a safe operating condition.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2113A Low-speed vehicles.

(a) Definition. — Low-speed vehicle” means a 4-wheeled motor vehicle, other than a truck, whose speed attainable in 1 mile is more than 20 miles per hour but no more than 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface. The low-speed vehicle shall be limited to a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 3,000 pounds or less. (b) Operation of low-speed vehicles. — Low-speed vehicles shall only be operated on roads where the posted speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour. A low-speed vehicle may cross a highway at an intersection where the highway has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour. Low-speed vehicles shall not be operated on dual highways, as defined in § 135 of Title 17 and located in the unincorporated portions of the State, except as needed to cross them. Low-speed vehicles may be operated on such dual highways within incorporated cities and towns if the respective municipal government enacts an ordinance permitting such movement, subject to the other limitations of this section. All low-speed vehicles shall meet the requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 571.500. (c) Driver’s license requirement. — All persons operating a low-speed vehicle on the highways of this State shall hold a valid driver’s license. (d) Safety inspections. — Low-speed vehicles shall be exempt from Delaware’s safety inspection. Division of Motor Vehicles personnel will verify the vehicle identification number on those vehicles titled in another jurisdiction, which are being titled in Delaware for the first time. A fee of $15 shall be charged for Division of Motor Vehicles technicians to perform offsite vehicle identification number verification. Upon registration and renewal of a low-speed vehicle’s registration, the owner shall certify, under penalty of perjury, that all lights, brakes, tires, seat belts and other vehicle equipment are in good working condition. (e) Insurance. — Low-speed vehicles shall be required to maintain insurance as required by § 2118 of this title. Delaware automobile insurance companies may provide automobile insurance on these vehicles at their option. These automobile insurance companies shall not be mandated to provide insurance on low-speed vehicles by regulation or law. (f) Title and registration. — (1) Low-speed vehicles shall be titled as specified in Chapters 23 and 25 of this title. The manufacturer’s certificate of origin and Delaware title shall clearly identify the vehicle as a low-speed vehicle. The Division shall not issue vehicle identification numbers to homemade low-speed vehicles or retrofitted golf carts unless these vehicles meet all of the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, 49 C.F.R. § 571.500. Normal title and document fees shall be charged to register a low-speed vehicle in Delaware. (2) Registration fees shall be the same as a normal passenger vehicle as defined in § 2151(2) of this title. Registration periods shall comply with §§ 2109 and 2110 of this title. A regular license plate shall be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. (g) Dealer requirements. — Any person engaged in the retail sale of low-speed vehicles must be licensed by the Division of Motor Vehicles as a licensed motor vehicle dealer, must comply with all of the requirements of Chapter 63 of this title, and must meet all Division of Motor Vehicles rules and regulations. (h) Whoever violates this section shall for the first offense be fined not less than $50 nor more than $100. For each subsequent like offense, the person shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $200, or imprisoned not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days or both.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2114 Suspension of registration upon notice of theft.

Whenever the owner of any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, which has been stolen or embezzled, files an affidavit of the fact thereof with the Department, the Department shall forthwith suspend the registration of such vehicle and shall not transfer the title of or reregister the vehicle until it has been notified that the owner has recovered such vehicle. The notice shall be effective for the current registration period, but, if during that time the vehicle is not recovered, a new affidavit to like effect may be filed with the Department, and the notice shall be effective for a further period of 12 months. Thereafter like notices may be given effective from year to year. Every owner who has filed an affidavit of theft or embezzlement shall immediately notify the Department of the recovery of such vehicle, and failure so to do within 30 days after such recovery shall be punished as provided in § 2116 of this title.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2115 Violations of registration provisions.

It is unlawful to do any of the following: (1) Operate or, being the owner of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, knowingly permit the operation upon a highway of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer which is not registered or which does not have attached thereto and displayed thereon the number plate or plates assigned thereto by the Department and unexpired registration plate or plates, subject to the exemptions allowed in this title, or under temporary or limited permits as otherwise provided by this title. (2) Display or cause or permit to be displayed or have in possession any registration card, number plate, or registration plate, knowing the same to be fictitious or to have been canceled, revoked, suspended, or altered. (3) Lend to, or knowingly permit the use by, one not entitled thereto any registration card, number plate, or registration plate issued to the person so lending or permitting the use thereof. (4) Fail or refuse to surrender to the Department upon demand any registration card, number plate, or registration plate which has been suspended, canceled, or revoked as provided in this title. (5) Use a false or fictitious name or address in any application for the registration or inspection of any vehicle, or for any renewal or duplicate thereof, or for any certificate or transfer of title, or knowingly make a false statement, knowingly conceal a material fact, or otherwise commit a fraud in any such application. (6) Drive or move or, being the owner, cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person or which is equipped in any manner in violation of this title, but the provisions of this title with respect to equipment on vehicles shall not apply to implements of husbandry, road machinery, road rollers, or farm tractors except as herein made applicable. (7) Own or operate any qualified motor vehicle as defined under the International Registration Plan, as authorized in Chapter 4 of this title, not properly displaying an apportioned plate with required registration credentials, or operate a qualified motor vehicle without having in that person’s possession a trip permit registration as authorized in § 2103(6) of this title. Any person who violates this paragraph shall, for the first offense, be fined not less than $115 nor more than $345, and for each subsequent offense not less than $345 nor more than $575. In addition, such person shall also be fined in an amount which is equal to the cost of registering the vehicle at its gross weight at the time of the offense or at the maximum legal limit, whichever is less, which fine shall be suspended if, within 5 days of the offense, the court is presented with a valid registration card for the gross weight at the time of the offense or the maximum legal limit for such vehicle. (8) Operate or tow any farm vehicle upon the highways or roads of this State unless properly licensed by the Department, or being the owner of any farm vehicle knowingly permit the operation or towing of any farm vehicle upon the highways or roads of this State unless operated or towed by a person who is properly licensed by the Department, whether or not the farm vehicle is exempt from inspection pursuant to § 2113 of this title. (9) Possess, operate any motor vehicle with, purchase, install, manufacture, sell, offer to sell, or otherwise distribute a number plate flipping device. A “number plate flipping device” means a manual, electric, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle that does either of the following: a. Switches between 2 or more number plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the number plate displayed on the operator’s vehicle. b. Hides a number plate from view by turning the number plate so that the number plate registration number is not visible. (10) Do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required under this chapter.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2116 Penalties.

(a) Whoever violates this chapter shall, for the first offense, be fined not less than $10 nor more than $100 or be imprisoned not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days, or both. For each subsequent like offense, the person shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $200 or imprisoned not less than 90 days nor more than 6 months, or both, in addition to which any person, being the operator or owner of any vehicle which requires a registration fee which is calculated upon the gross weight of the vehicle and any load thereon shall be fined at a rate double that which is set forth in this subsection and be imprisoned as provided herein, or both. In addition, such person shall also be fined in an amount which is equal to the cost of registering the vehicle at its gross weight at the time of the offense or at the maximum legal limit, whichever is less; which fine shall be suspended, if within 5 days of the offense the court is presented with a valid registration card for the gross weight at the time of the offense for the maximum legal limit for such vehicle. (b) (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, whoever violates § 2115(1) through (5) or (9) of this title shall, for the first offense, be fined not less than $50 nor more than $200, be imprisoned not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days, or be penalized by both fine and imprisonment. For each subsequent like offense, such person shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $300, be imprisoned not less than 90 days nor more than 6 months, or be penalized by both fine and imprisonment. (2) Any owner or operator of a vehicle which requires a registration fee which is calculated upon the gross weight of the vehicle, and any load thereon, and who violates § 2115(1)-(5) of this title, shall be fined at a rate double that which is set forth in this subsection, or be imprisoned as provided herein, or be both fined and imprisoned. In addition, such person shall also be fined an amount which is equal to the costs of registering the vehicle either at its gross weight at the time of the offense, or at the maximum legal limit, whichever is less. Such fine shall be suspended if, within 5 days of the offense, the court is presented with a valid registration card for the actual gross weight of the vehicle at the time of the offense. (c) This section shall not apply to violations for which a specific punishment is set forth elsewhere in this chapter. (d) For any violation of the registration provisions of § 2102 or § 2115 of this title and in absence of any traffic offenses relating to driver impairment, the violator’s copy of the traffic summons shall act as that violator’s authority to drive the vehicle involved by the most direct route from the place of arrest to either the violator’s residence or the violator’s current place of abode.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2117 Refunds of fees paid for certain unused registrations.

Upon the surrender to the Department of the number plates or plate issued for a vehicle registered under this title, and the furnishing of proof satisfactory to the Secretary and the State Treasurer that (1) the owner of the vehicle entered the armed forces of the United States after such vehicle was registered or (2) that the owner of such vehicle is 65 years of age or older and that the owner voluntarily surrendered such owner’s operator’s license following the attainment of such age and the registration or reregistration of such vehicle, and that the registration of such vehicle is in full effect, there shall be refunded to such owner, from the General Fund of this State, from funds not otherwise appropriated, a sum equal to as many twelfths of the fee paid for the registration of the vehicle as there are full calendar months in the registration year following the date of the receipt of the number plates or plate, less the sum of $1.00.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2118 Requirement of insurance for all motor vehicles required to be registered in this State; penalty [For application of this section, see 82 Del. Laws, c. 160, § 5].

(a) No owner of a motor vehicle required to be registered in this State, other than a self-insurer pursuant to § 2904 of this title, shall operate or authorize any other person to operate such vehicle unless the owner has insurance on such motor vehicle providing the following minimum insurance coverage: (1) Indemnity from legal liability for bodily injury, death or property damage arising out of ownership, maintenance or use of the vehicle to the limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of at least the limits prescribed by the Financial Responsibility Law of this State. (2) a. Compensation to injured persons for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred within 2 years from the date of the accident for: 1. Medical, hospital, dental, surgical, medicine, x-ray, ambulance, prosthetic services, professional nursing and funeral services. Compensation for funeral services, including all customary charges and the cost of a burial plot for 1 person, shall not exceed the sum of $5,000. Compensation may include expenses for any nonmedical remedial care and treatment rendered in accordance with a recognized religious method of healing. 2. Net amount of lost earnings. Lost earnings shall include net lost earnings of a self-employed person. 3. Where a qualified medical practitioner shall, within 2 years from the date of an accident, verify in writing that surgical or dental procedures will be necessary and are then medically ascertainable but impractical or impossible to perform during that 2-year period, the cost of such dental or surgical procedures, including expenses for related medical treatment, and the net amount of lost earnings lost in connection with such dental or surgical procedures shall be payable. Such lost earnings shall be limited to the period of time that is reasonably necessary to recover from such surgical or dental procedures but not to exceed 90 days. The payment of these costs shall be either at the time they are ascertained or at the time they are actually incurred, at the insurer’s option. 4. Extra expenses for personal services which would have been performed by the injured person had they not been injured. 5. “Injured person” for the purposes of this section shall include the personal representative of an estate; provided, however, that if a death occurs, the “net amount of lost earnings” shall include only that sum attributable to the period prior to the death of the person so injured. b. The minimum insurance coverage which will satisfy the requirements of subparagraph a. of this paragraph (a)(2)a. of this section is a minimum limit for the total of all payments which must be made pursuant to that subparagraph of $15,000 for any 1 person and $30,000 for all persons injured in any 1 accident. c. The coverage required by this paragraph shall be applicable to each person occupying such motor vehicle and to any other person injured in an accident involving such motor vehicle, other than an occupant of another motor vehicle. d. The coverage required by this paragraph shall also be applicable to the named insureds and members of their households for accidents which occur through being injured by an accident with any motor vehicle other than a Delaware insured motor vehicle while a pedestrian or while occupying any registered motor vehicle other than a Delaware registered insured motor vehicle, in any state of the United States, its territories or possessions or Canada. e. The coverage required in this paragraph shall apply to pedestrians only if they are injured by an accident with any motor vehicle within the State except as to named insureds or members of their households to the extent they must be covered pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)d. of this section. f. The owner of a vehicle may elect to have the coverage described in this paragraph written subject to certain deductibles, waiting periods, sublimits, percentage reductions, excess provisions and similar reductions offered by insurers in accordance with filings made by such insurers with the Department of Insurance; applicable to expenses incurred as a result of injury to the owner of a vehicle or members of the owner’s household; provided that the owner of a motorcycle may elect to exclude from such coverage expenses incurred as a result of injury to any person riding such vehicle while not on a highway and in any case of injury when no other vehicle was involved by actual collision or contact. This election must be made in writing and signed by the owner of the vehicle; insurers issuing such policies may not require such reductions. For all policies having a deductible pursuant to this paragraph the insured shall receive in writing as a separate document a full explanation of all deductible options available, and the insured shall sign such written explanation acknowledging receipt of a copy of same. In addition the insured shall sign a separate statement acknowledging the specific deductible the insured is selecting and the related cost for the policies with such deductible. An insured person may not plead and introduce into evidence in an action for damages against a tortfeasor the amount of the deductible; however, insurers shall recover any deductible for their insureds or their household members pursuant to subsection (g) of this section. Any notices or documents required under this section may be delivered in compliance with the provisions of § 107 of Title 18. g. The coverage required by this paragraph shall be considered excess over any similar insurance for passengers, other than Delaware residents, when the accident occurs outside the State. h. Insurers shall notify injured persons covered under this section that the coverage is for 2 years from the date of the accident, and that it is only extended for compensation related to surgical or dental procedures that are related to the accident and that were impossible or impractical to perform within the 2-year period. Such surgical or dental procedures must be verified in writing, within 2 years of the accident, by a qualified medical practitioner. i. 1. Expenses under paragraph (a)(2)a. of this section shall be submitted to the insurer as promptly as practical, in no event more than 2 years after they are received by the insured. 2. Payments of expenses under paragraph (a)(2)a. of this section shall be made as soon as practical after they are received during the period of 2 years from the accident. Expenses which are incurred within the 2 years but which have been impractical to present to an insurer within the 2 years shall be paid if presented within 90 days after the end of the 2-year period. (3) Compensation for damage to property arising as a result of an accident involving the motor vehicle, other than damage to a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, self-propelled mobile equipment and any property in or upon any of the aforementioned, with the minimum limits of $10,000 for any 1 accident. (4) Compensation for damage to the insured motor vehicle, including loss of use of the motor vehicle, not to exceed the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the loss and $10 per day, with a maximum payment of $300, for loss of use of such vehicle. The owner of the motor vehicle may elect to exclude, in whole or in part, the coverage described in this paragraph by the use of certain deductibles and exclusions in accordance with filings made by the insurer with the Department of Insurance. (b) No owner of a motor vehicle being operated in this State shall operate in this State, or authorize any other person to operate such vehicle in this State, unless the owner has insurance on such motor vehicle equal to the minimum insurance required by the state or jurisdiction where said vehicle is registered. If the state or jurisdiction of registration requires no minimum insurance coverage, then such owner must have insurance on such motor vehicle equal to the minimum insurance coverage required for motor vehicles registered in this State. However, an owner shall not be convicted under this subsection if, prior to conviction, the owner shall produce to the court in which the offense is to be tried the insurance identification card or in lieu thereof other sufficient proof of insurance showing such insurance to be in full force and effect at all pertinent times when the motor vehicle was being operated in this State. The Justice of the Peace Court may permit an operator charged under this subsection to provide proof of insurance to the Court by mail or facsimile transmission in lieu of a personal appearance. Proof of insurance shall be as prescribed by the Court and shall be sent to the Court directly from the operator’s insurer or the insurer’s agent or broker. It shall be the responsibility of the operator to ensure that proof of insurance is received and accepted by the Court. When proof of insurance is sent by mail or fax, the Court may also accept a guilty plea by mail or fax for any accompanying charge for which a voluntary assessment is permitted under § 709(e) of this title. A guilty plea so accepted shall have the same force and effect as if the operator had made the plea in open court. The Justice of the Peace Court shall enact court rules to implement the handling of such cases by mail or facsimile transmission. Where proof of insurance is provided by facsimile, the operator’s insurer or the insurer’s agent or broker must confirm the information by mail and the Justice of the Peace Court must confirm by telephone that the facsimile was sent by the operator’s insurer or the insurer’s agent or broker. (c) Only insurance policies validly issued by companies authorized to write in this State all the kinds of insurance embodied in the required coverages shall satisfy the requirements of this section. (d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the issuance of policies providing coverage more extensive than the minimum coverages required by this section or to require the segregation of such minimum coverages from other coverages in the same policy. (e) Policies purporting to satisfy the requirements of this section shall contain a provision which states that, notwithstanding any of the other terms and conditions of the policy, the coverage afforded shall be at least as extensive as the minimum coverage required by this section. (f) The coverage described in paragraphs (a)(1)-(4) of this section may be subject to conditions and exclusions customary to the field of liability, casualty and property insurance and not inconsistent with the requirements of this section, except there shall be no exclusion to any person who sustains bodily injury or death to the extent that benefits therefore are in whole or in part either payable or required to be provided under any workers’ compensation law. (g) Insurers providing benefits described in paragraphs (a)(1)-(4) of this section shall be subrogated to the rights, including claims under any workers’ compensation law, of the person for whom benefits are provided, to the extent of the benefits so provided. (1) Such subrogated rights shall be limited to the maximum amounts of the tortfeasor’s liability insurance coverage available for the injured party, after the injured party’s claim has been settled or otherwise resolved, except that the insurer providing benefits shall be indemnified by any workers’ compensation insurer obligated to make such payments to the injured party. (2) Any settlement made with an injured party by a liability insurer shall not be challenged or disputed by any insurer having subrogated rights. (3) Disputes among insurers as to liability or amounts paid pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1)-(4) of this section shall be arbitrated by the Wilmington Auto Accident Reparation Arbitration Committee or its successors. Any disputes arising between an insurer or insurers and a self-insurer or self-insurers shall be submitted to arbitration which shall be conducted by the Commissioner in the same manner as the arbitration of claims provided for in subsection (j) of this section. (4) No insurer or self-insurer shall join or be joined in an action by an injured party against a tortfeasor for the recovery of damages by the injured party and/or the recovery of benefits paid by the insurer or self-insurer. (5) Nothing contained herein shall prohibit a liability insurer from paying the subrogated claim of another insurer prior to the settlement or resolution of the injured party’s claim. However, should the amount of such settlement or resolution, in addition to the amount of any subrogated claim, exceed the maximum amount for the tortfeasor’s liability insurance coverage available for the injured party, then any insurer who has been paid its subrogated claim shall reimburse the tortfeasor’s liability insurer that portion of the claim exceeding the maximum amount of the tortfeasor’s liability insurance coverage available for the injured party. (6) Unless specifically excepted by this subsection, this subsection shall also apply to self-insurers. (h) Any person eligible for benefits described in paragraph (a)(2) or (3) of this section, other than an insurer in an action brought pursuant to subsection (g) of this section, is precluded from pleading or introducing into evidence in an action for damages against a tortfeasor those damages for which compensation is available under paragraph (a)(2) or (3) of this section without regard to any elective reductions in such coverage and whether or not such benefits are actually recoverable. (i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require an insurer to insure any particular risk. Nothing herein shall limit the insurer’s obligation pursuant to the Delaware Automobile Plan. (j) Every insurance policy issued under this section shall require the insurer to submit to arbitration, in the manner set forth hereinafter, any claims for losses or damages within the coverages required under paragraph (a)(2) of this section and for damages to a motor vehicle, including the insured motor vehicle, including loss of use of such vehicle, upon request of the party claiming to have suffered a loss or damages within the above-described coverages of paragraph (a)(2) of this section or to such a motor vehicle. Such request shall be in writing and mailed to the Insurance Commissioner. (1) All arbitration shall be administered by the Insurance Commissioner or the Insurance Commissioner’s nominee. (2) The Insurance Commissioner or the Insurance Commissioner’s nominee shall establish a panel of arbitrators consisting of attorneys authorized to practice law in the State and insurance adjusters licensed to act as such in the State. (3) The Insurance Commissioner, or the Insurance Commissioner’s nominee, shall select 3 individuals from the panel of arbitrators, at least 1 of whom shall be an attorney authorized to practice law in the State, to hear each request for arbitration. (4) The Insurance Commissioner, or the Insurance Commissioner’s nominee, shall promulgate all rules and regulations necessary to implement this arbitration program. (5) The right to require such arbitration shall be purely optional and neither party shall be held to have waived any of its rights by any act relating to arbitration and the losing party shall have a right to appeal de novo to the Superior Court if notice of such appeal is filed with that Court in the manner set forth by its rules within 30 days of the date of the decision being rendered. (6) The Insurance Commissioner shall establish a schedule of costs of arbitration; provided, however, the arbitrator’s fee shall not exceed $25 per arbitrator for any 1 arbitration. (7) The cost of arbitration shall be payable to the State Department of Insurance, and shall be maintained in a special fund identified as the “Arbitration Fund” which shall be administered by the Insurance Commissioner. These funds under no circumstances shall revert to the General Fund. All costs of arbitration including administrative expenses of the Insurance Department and the arbitrator’s fee shall be payable from this Fund. (8) The applicant may be reimbursed the cost of filing arbitration as a part of the award rendered by the arbitration panel. If an insurer should pay an applicant damages in advance of a hearing, they shall include with those damages the cost to the applicant of filing the arbitration. (9) This subsection shall also apply to self-insurers. (k) Every insurance company authorized to transact the business of motor vehicle liability insurance in this State shall file with the Insurance Commissioner as a condition of its continued transaction of such business within this State a form approved by the Insurance Commissioner stating that its motor vehicle liability policies, on Delaware registered vehicles wherever issued, shall be deemed to provide the insurance required by this section. A nonadmitted insurer may file such a form. ( l ) A motor vehicle registration shall not be issued or renewed for any vehicle not covered by a vehicle insurance policy meeting the requirements of this title. All insurers shall send to the Division of Motor Vehicles notice, in written or electronic form per the direction of the Division, of any cancellations or terminations of private passenger automobile insurance under § 3904(a)(1) of Title 18 for any private passenger automobile policies which are final and occur within the first 6 months after such policies are issued. The Insurance Commissioner may further change the timeframe for notification by regulation. All insurers shall send notice to the named insured when a motor vehicle insurance policy is canceled pursuant to the provisions of § 3905 or § 3920 of Title 18. (m) A motor vehicle owner shall, upon request of the Division of Motor Vehicles, offer proof of insurance in full force and effect as a condition of registration or continued registration of a motor vehicle. The Division of Motor Vehicles, upon proof from its records or other sufficient evidence that the required insurance has not been provided or maintained or has terminated or otherwise lapsed at any time, shall immediately suspend the registration of the uninsured vehicle. The registration shall remain suspended until: (1) The required insurance is obtained or replaced and the vehicle owner submits evidence of insurance on a form prescribed by the Division of Motor Vehicles and certified by the insurer or its agent; and (2) An uninsured motorist penalty fee is paid to the Division of Motor Vehicles. (n) (1) Except as provided in subsection (p) of this section, within 5 days of the notice of suspension from the Division of Motor Vehicles, the owner will surrender to the Division of Motor Vehicles the vehicle’s certificate of registration and the registration plate. (2) The Division of Motor Vehicles will promulgate rules and/or regulations to cover those circumstances in which there is an allegation of lost or stolen tags. (3) Each insurer shall report to the Division of Motor Vehicles, within 30 days on a form prescribed by the Division of Motor Vehicles, the name of any person or persons involved in an accident or filing a claim who is alleged to have been operating a Delaware registered motor vehicle without the insurance required under this chapter. At a minimum, the insurer shall provide the name, address and description of the vehicle alleged to be uninsured. Each insurer shall take reasonable care when reporting potential violations of this section, but in no case shall an insurer, provider or any of its employees or agents incur any liabilities for erroneous reports of a violation. (4) In addition to any other penalty provided for in the Delaware Motor Vehicle Law, if the required insurance for a vehicle terminates or otherwise lapses during its registration year, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall assess the owner of the vehicle with a penalty of $100 for each vehicle without the required insurance for a period of up to 30 days. When a penalty fee is assessed, beginning on the thirty-first day of the penalty period, the penalty fee shall increase by a rate of $5.00 for each subsequent day until the insurance is replaced, tags are surrendered to the Division of Motor Vehicles, or the registration expires, whichever occurs first. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall also charge a registration reinstatement fee of $50. When the Division of Motor Vehicles assesses a vehicle owner with a penalty under this subsection, the Division shall not reinstate a registration suspended under this section until the penalty is paid, and the owner has also paid a registration reinstatement fee of $50. (o) “Insurance identification card” shall mean a card issued by or on behalf of an insurance company or bonding company duly authorized to transact business in this State which states in such form as the Insurance Commissioner may prescribe or approve that such company has issued a vehicle insurance policy meeting the requirements of this title. If the insured and insurance company both consent, the insurance identification card may be produced in electronic format. Acceptable electronic formats include display of electronic images on a cellular phone or any other type of portable electronic device. The Insurance Commissioner shall require all insurance companies transacting business within this State to provide with each vehicle insurance policy an insurance identification card describing the vehicle covered. The insurance identification card shall be valid for a period not to exceed 6 months. Notwithstanding this limitation, an insurance identification card may be issued for a period of 12 months if premium has been paid for the 12-month period. If an owner shall have filed a financial security deposit, or shall have qualified as a self-insurer, the term “insurance identification card” shall mean a card issued by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner which evidences that such deposit has been filed or that such owner has so qualified. (p) (1) The insurance identification card issued for a vehicle required to be registered under this title shall at all times, when the vehicle is being operated upon a highway within this State, be in the possession of the operator thereof or carried in the vehicle and shall be produced upon the request of a police officer or any other party involved in an accident with the insured. If the operator of a motor vehicle is unable to produce an insurance identification card at the time of a traffic stop or an accident the operator shall be issued a summons to appear in court. If the operator is convicted under this subsection and has not provided proof of insurance in effect as of the date of conviction, the court shall, in addition to any other penalties imposed, notify the Division of Motor Vehicles of the lack of insurance. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall promptly suspend the vehicle’s registration pursuant to the provisions of subsection (m) of this section. a. Presentation of proof of insurance in electronic format shall not constitute consent for law enforcement or other state officials to access other contents of the cellular phone or other portable electronic device, and shall not expand or restrict authority to conduct a search or investigation. b. Law-enforcement officers and other state officials shall not be liable for any damage to a cellular phone or portable electronic device resulting from its use to present satisfactory proof of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. c. A police officer may require the operator to electronically forward the proof of insurance to a specified location provided by the officer. The electronic insurance information would then be viewed in a setting which is safe for the officer to verify that all the information is valid and accurate. (2) An operator shall not be convicted under this subsection if, prior to conviction, the operator shall produce to the court in which the offense is to be tried the insurance identification card or in lieu thereof other sufficient proof, including but not limited to an automobile, garage keeper’s or other commercial or personal insurance policy, showing that there was insurance in full force and effect at all pertinent times covering or which would cover the said motor vehicle or the operation of the said motor vehicle by the operator charged under this subsection. (3) Subject to paragraph (p)(2) of this section above, the Justice of the Peace Court may permit an operator charged under this subsection to provide proof of insurance to the Court by mail or facsimile transmission or other Court approved method in lieu of a personal appearance. Proof of insurance shall be as prescribed by the Court and shall be sent to the Court directly from the operator’s insurer or the insurer’s agent or broker. It shall be the responsibility of the operator to ensure that proof of insurance is received and accepted by the Court. When proof of insurance is accepted by the court by any means other than personal appearance, the Court may also accept a guilty plea in absentia for any accompanying charge for which a voluntary assessment is permitted under § 709(e) of this title. A guilty plea so accepted shall have the same force and effect as if the operator had made the plea in open court. The Justice of the Peace Court shall enact court rules to implement the handling of such cases by means other than personal appearance of the operator. (4) Where the individual is charged with violating this section, and at the time of the alleged offense, the individual was operating a vehicle owned or leased by the individual’s employer in the course and scope of the individual’s employment, the individual shall not be convicted of violating this section unless the individual knew or should have known that the employer’s vehicle failed to meet the requirement of this section. (q) (1) The Division of Motor Vehicles shall annually select for verification on a random sample basis not less than 10% of vehicle registrations subject to the insurance required by this section. This verification will be made through the insurers as reflected in the Division’s records. (2) Any vehicle owner identified by the Division as a possible uninsured shall submit proof of insurance within 30 days of the Division’s request for such proof, to the Division of Motor Vehicles on a form prescribed by the Division and certified by an insurer or agent. (3) The failure of a vehicle owner to submit the required proof under this section within a 30-day period shall be prima facie evidence that the vehicle is uninsured and the owner shall be subject to the penalties as prescribed in subsections ( l ) and (m) of this section. (4) With respect to any vehicle which has: a. Had its registration suspended by the Division of Motor Vehicles pursuant to subsection (m) of this section, b. Had transfer of custody of its license plate ordered by the Justice of the Peace Court pursuant to subsection (p) of this section, or c. Failed to produce proof of insurance in a timely fashion pursuant to this subsection (q) of this section, an officer of the Delaware State Police or member of the Department of Insurance’s Fraud Prevention Bureau (“the Fraud Bureau”) may confiscate the registration plate of that vehicle at any time absent affirmative proof that the vehicle is currently insured. Prior to any confiscation pursuant to this subsection, the registered owner of a vehicle shall receive notice at least 7 days prior to confiscation by regular and certified mail that such confiscation is to occur, and shall be provided a means to prove that the vehicle has current insurance prior to the indicated confiscation date. The Division of Motor Vehicles and the Justice of the Peace Court shall provide information to the Fraud Bureau and Delaware State Police sufficient to allow those organizations to enforce this subsection. Registration plates confiscated pursuant to this subsection shall be turned over to the Division of Motor Vehicles, which shall follow procedures established pursuant to and consistent with subsection (m) of this section for return of said plates. The Fraud Bureau shall provide its members with sufficient training to ensure safe enforcement of this subsection. (r) In the event of a suspension of a driver’s license pursuant to this section, the Department may issue an occupational license during a period of suspension upon application by the applicant upon a form prescribed by the Department and sworn to by the applicant; provided, that the applicant sets forth in said application that the suspension of such license has created an extreme hardship and that no prior occupational license has been issued within the preceding 12 months; provided, however, that no such occupational license shall be issued until the applicant demonstrates proof of liability insurance on all motor vehicles owned by such applicant or spouse. If the suspension of the driver’s license resulted from the arrest and conviction of a person stemming from an incident in which property damage or personal injury occurred, an occupational license shall not be issued, the other provisions of this subsection to the contrary notwithstanding. (s) (1) Whoever violates any subsection of this section shall be fined for the first offense not less than $1,500 nor more than $2,000 and shall have that person’s driving license and/or privileges suspended for 6 months. For each subsequent offense occurring within 3 years of a former offense, that person shall be fined not less than $3,000 nor more than $4,000 and shall have that person’s driver’s license and/or driving privilege suspended for 6 months. The minimum fine levied for a violation of subsection (a), (b), or (p) of this section may be suspended, in whole or in part, by the Court if evidence is presented that the defendant has secured insurance between the date of charge and the date of sentencing. (2) Failure of the owner or operator to produce an insurance identification card for insurance which is in full force and effect at the time of the offense shall be presumptive evidence that such person is operating such person’s vehicle without having insurance required by this title. (3) Notwithstanding the penalties specified above, anyone convicted of driving without minimum insurance as required in this section shall have such person’s privileges of driving suspended in this State until such time as such person has furnished proof of insurance to the Division of Motor Vehicles. (t) (1) The Division of Motor Vehicles shall periodically select for verification of the required insurance all vehicles owned, individually or jointly, by a person who has been previously convicted of violating the provisions of this subchapter. (2) The Division of Motor Vehicles may determine the accuracy of information relating to the proof of required insurance satisfying the provisions of this section. (u) (1) The Division of Motor Vehicles may require evidence that any motor vehicle registered in a person’s name, individually or jointly, is covered by the insurance required by this chapter, at a conference, hearing or interview: a. As a result of point accumulation on the owner’s motor vehicle driving record pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Division of Motor Vehicles; or b. To show cause why the person’s license should not be suspended or revoked pursuant to the laws of this State or the rules and regulations of the Division of Motor Vehicles. (2) The Division of Motor Vehicles may require evidence that any vehicle registered in a person’s name, individually or jointly, is covered by the insurance required by this chapter, at the time of reinstatement of driving privileges. (3) The evidence of insurance shall be on a form prescribed by the Division of Motor Vehicles and certified by an insurer or its agent. (4) Failure to submit the required proof under this section shall be prima facie evidence that any vehicle registered in that person’s name, either individually or jointly, is uninsured and the owner shall be subject to the penalties as prescribed in subsections ( l ) and (m) of this section. (v) (1) If a person has been issued an equipment inspection notice pursuant to § 2144 of this title, the person shall send within 30 days to the Division of Motor Vehicles the evidence of insurance or security required by this chapter on a form prescribed by the Division and certified by an insurer or agent. (2) A failure to submit the evidence required by paragraph (v)(1) of this section shall result in the suspension of the registration of the vehicle cited and the assessment of the uninsured motorist penalty fee under this section. (w) The Division of Motor Vehicle shall conduct a study or cause such study to be conducted to assess the feasibility and costs of establishing a direct computer link between the Division of Motor Vehicle’s registration files and the insurance companies’ data bases for the purposes of allowing the Division to conduct “real time” status reports of uninsured motorists. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall also conduct a study or cause such study to be conducted to analyze the ramifications of implementing an uninsured motorist program in the State similar to that of Virginia’s Uninsured Motorist Program. (x) Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of the Code, there shall be established a special fund of the State to be known as the D.M.V.T. Fund. The Secretary of Finance shall, commencing upon July 18, 1995, and commencing at the beginning of each fiscal year thereafter, cause to be deposited into the D.M.V.T. Fund amounts received as payments of fines and costs assessed by the Justice of the Peace Courts and/or the Court of Common Pleas under this section, until the amount deposited in said fiscal year shall equal $150,000. (y) The purpose of the D.M.V.T. Fund is to provide for the administrative costs associated with this Act. Any balance in the D.M.V.T. Fund as of the last day of the fiscal year in excess of $15,000 shall be deposited to the General Fund. The Secretary of Finance shall make deposits to the D.M.V.T. Fund as required under this section commencing after August 1, 1995. (z) The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles may adopt such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this title, as are necessary to enforce this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2118A Unlawful possession or manufacture of proof of insurance, penalties.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, manufacture, sell, distribute or circulate a fictitious insurance identification card or any fictitious proof of insurance. A fictitious insurance identification card shall be any document in written or electronic format not manufactured in compliance with § 2118(o) of this title. Fictitious proof of insurance shall be any document in written or electronic format not produced in compliance with § 2118(o) of this title. (b) It shall also be unlawful for any person to possess, manufacture, sell, distribute or circulate a blank insurance identification card. However, the following shall be exempt from this subsection: Office of the Insurance Commissioner, insurance companies or bonding companies or their employees or agents or employees of such agents in the discharge of their employment duties. (c) Any person convicted of a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be fined for the first offense not less than $500, nor more than $1500, or imprisoned not less than 30 days, nor more than 60 days, or both. For each subsequent violation, the person shall be fined not less than $1000, nor more than $2000, or be imprisoned not less than 60 days, nor more than 6 months, or both.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2118B Processing and payment of insurance benefits.

(a) The purpose of this section is to ensure reasonably prompt processing and payment of sums owed by insurers to their policyholders and other persons covered by their policies pursuant to § 2118 of this title, and to prevent the financial hardship and damage to personal credit ratings that can result from the unjustifiable delays of such payments. (b) When an insurer is notified in writing by the claimant that the claimant desires to file an initial claim for benefits pursuant to § 2118(a)(2) of this title, the insurer shall, no later than 10 days following the insurer’s receipt of said notification, provide that claimant with a form for filing such a claim. For purposes of this subsection an insurer shall be deemed to have provided a claimant with a form for filing a claim when the insurer deposits such a form in an envelope addressed to such claimant with the United States Postal Service and with postage affixed for first class (or better) delivery. If an insurer fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection, the insurer shall pay the claimant a sum equal to 1 percent of the amount due as of the date on which the claim was required to be provided for each day beyond the prescribed period for compliance, not to exceed $5,000. (c) When an insurer receives a written request for payment of a claim for benefits pursuant to § 2118(a)(2) of this title, the insurer shall promptly process the claim and shall, no later than 30 days following the insurer’s receipt of said written request for first-party insurance benefits and documentation that the treatment or expense is compensable pursuant to § 2118(a) of this title, make payment of the amount of claimed benefits that are due to the claimant or, if said claim is wholly or partly denied, provide the claimant with a written explanation of the reasons for such denial. If an insurer fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection, then the amount of unpaid benefits due from the insurer to the claimant shall be increased at the monthly rate of: (1) One and one-half percent from the thirty-first day through the sixtieth day; and (2) Two percent from the sixty-first day through the one hundred and twentieth day; and (3) Two and one-half percent after the one hundred and twenty-first day. (d) If an insurer fails to comply with subsection (b) or (c) of this section, the claimant may recover the amount due through a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction or through a Delaware Insurance Commissioner’s Arbitration Proceeding, consistent with § 2118(j)(1)-(9) of this title, at the option of the claimant. Any judgment entered for a claimant in a civil action or arbitration proceeding brought under this section shall include, in addition to the amount due and any additional amount provided for by subsections (b) and (c) of this section, an award for the costs of the action and the prosecution of the action, including reasonable attorney’s fees; provided, however, that the costs of the action and the prosecution of the action, including reasonable attorney’s fees shall only be awarded if it is found that the insurer acted in bad faith. The burden of proving that the insurer acted in bad faith shall be on the claimant. Any sums other than the original claim paid under this subsection shall not reduce the amount of coverage available under the insurance policy that is the basis for the claim. (e) If an action pursuant to subsection (d) of this section is not filed within 90 days of the date of denial or the date when benefits are due as provided for in subsection (c) of this section, the penalties prescribed in that subsection shall begin to run from the date of the filing of said action. (f) The remedies provided by this section are in addition to all other remedies available to the claimant under state and federal statutory or common law.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2119 Requirement of compliance for all commercial registrations by corporations and other legal entities.

(a) No vehicle shall be registered or reregistered as a “commercial” vehicle under this chapter until the Division of Motor Vehicles has verified a legal entity’s good standing with the Delaware Secretary of State and compliance with Title 30, including proof of a valid occupational or business license. (b) The Secretary of the Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Secretary of the Department of Finance shall promulgate such requirements of proof as they shall deem necessary for the administration and implementation of subsection (a) of this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2120 Waiver of registration and inspection of special mobile equipment.

The requirements for registration and inspection of special mobile equipment are waived.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2120A Registration of unique vehicles; fees; restrictions.

(a) The Division of Motor Vehicles may title and register a unique vehicle for operation on the roads of the State which does not meet the Division’s standards for inspection or emissions performance only when it is modified to meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) safety and equipment requirements and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC’s) emissions inspection requirements under 7 DE Admin. Code 1126 or 1131. which are in effect at the time of the initial application for titling or registering of the vehicle. A unique vehicle may be titled and registered with restrictions as determined by the Division to be in the best interest of highway safety. (b) The annual registration fee shall be the same fee as assessed to a vehicle or motor vehicle in a similar class and according to the fees in this chapter. (c) A unique vehicle shall be subject to an initial inspection in accordance with regulations as adopted by the Division of Motor Vehicles. (d) A unique vehicle may not be registered unless such vehicle is insured pursuant to §§ 2118 and 2902 of this title. (e) A unique unregistered vehicle title may be issued for proof of ownership only if the unique vehicle does not meet the Division of Motor Vehicles’ inspection requirements, FMVSS safety and equipment requirements, or DNREC’s emission standards. A unique unregistered vehicle title does not permit the operation of the unique unregistered motor vehicle on the roads of the State or any other state in any capacity other than as specified in subsection (f) of this section. (f) A unique unregistered vehicle titled pursuant to subsection (e) of this section shall be used only for participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, and similar uses (a “permitted use”). A unique vehicle participating in a permitted use must be insured as required by §§ 2118 and 2902 of this title. A unique vehicle may not be used for general transportation and may not be operated on the roads of this State at any time other than when traveling to or from a permitted use or actively participating in the permitted use. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may not assign a vehicle identification number (VIN) to a unique vehicle that was assigned a VIN by the vehicle manufacturer unless it meets the requirements as described in this title. A dealership or manufacturer may not assign a VIN to a unique vehicle unless the dealership or manufacturer are approved by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to assign VIN numbers, in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Part 565. (h) The owner of a unique vehicle modified to meet all requirements outlined in this section and Chapter 43 of this title must apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a unique blue and gold identification plate which shall be displayed on the front of such vehicle in addition to the standard vehicle registration plate. The Division of Motor Vehicles has the authority to issue any additional regulations, rules, policies or procedures necessary to implement this unique identification plate requirement. (i) The 1-time fee for the Unique vehicle identification plate described in subsection (h) of this section shall be $50. This fee shall be in addition to any vehicle document fee, title fee, or 1-time registration fee. Unique vehicle status shall be forfeited in the event of a transfer of ownership and the transferor shall surrender the special plate to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The purchaser of any previously titled or registered unique vehicle must reapply for a unique vehicle status at the time of any transfer. At the time of any post transfer titling or registration application, the unique vehicle must meet the FMVSS, DNREC and all other requirements at the time of the new titling and/or registration application as if the unique vehicle was being titled and or registered for the first time.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2120B Unique vehicle safety requirements.

The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate regulations, rules, policies, or procedures necessary to implement the requirements of § 2120A of this title. The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate additional regulations, rules, policies, and procedures which the Division determines are necessary to ensure that the titling, registration, and operation of a unique vehicle on the roads of the State do not pose a safety risk to the motoring public.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2121 Number and registration plates; provision for the issuance of special license plates to the owners of motor vehicles who operate amateur radio stations; special vanity plates.

(a) The Department shall furnish 1 number plate for each vehicle registered. The Department shall also furnish registration plates as hereinafter provided. Upon the termination of the lawful use of any such plates they shall be returned to the Department. (b) Each number plate shall have displayed thereon the registration number assigned to the vehicle, the name of this State, which may be abbreviated and in the case of motor farm trucks used exclusively by farmers in the operation of their farms and which have been registered for the reduced fee as provided by law, such plates for such farm motor trucks shall also display in large type the letter “F,” meaning for farm motor trucks only. In addition to the reduced registration fee to be paid for the registration of such motor farm trucks, the owner thereof shall also pay to the Department the cost of such special number plates for such trucks. In case of vehicles registered for a gross rate of more than 5,000 pounds, the number plate may also show the gross weight for which the vehicle is registered. Each number plate for each vehicle shall also show, in the manner determined by the Department and as hereinafter provided, the period of expiration thereof for which the vehicle has been registered and the required registration fee paid. Each number plate and the identifying letters and numerals thereon, except the registration period or expiration thereof, shall be of sufficient size to be plainly readable at a distance of 100 feet during daylight. Unless otherwise specified in this title, motor vehicles with a registered gross weight of 5,000 pounds or less may be assigned any type of number plate and motor vehicles with a registered gross weight of greater than 5,000 pounds but less than 10,000 pounds may be assigned any type of number plate except an “RV” plate. Motor vehicles, except for recreational vehicles, with a registered weight rating above 10,000 pounds will be assigned commercial or farm truck license plates. The number plate for a “motorcycle” or “moped” as each are defined by § 101 of this title, shall display thereon the letters “MC” for motorcycles and the letters “MP” for mopeds. The number plate for a “recreational vehicle” or “recreational trailer” as each are defined by § 101 of this title shall display thereon the letters “RV” for recreational motor vehicles and the letters “RT” for recreational trailers. The title registration number for mobile homes shall begin with the letters “MH” and park trailers with the letters “PT.” Each number plate and special plate may have displayed thereon, in addition to all other numbers or letters required by this subsection, the words “The First State.” (c) The number plates shall be of such design, size, material and color as the Department may determine and shall be so constructed that validation plates, to be furnished by the Department as provided in this section, may be conveniently attached or affixed thereto and, when necessary, detached and removed therefrom. (d) The Department shall furnish for each vehicle registered and upon the payment of the required fees a validation plate to be attached or affixed to the number plate as provided by subsection (c) of this section. Such validation plates shall be of such design, size, material and color and shall bear such legend or inscription as the Department may determine, showing the period or expiration date thereof. (e) There may also be attached to any number plate an additional removable plate of a size and design approved by the Department, which additional plate may show such other data as the Department may approve. No number plate shall have attached thereto any advertising matter, any fictitious numbers, signs, or symbols or any legend of any character not approved by the Department. (f) The Department shall issue for every passenger motor vehicle, rented without a driver, the number of plates of the same type as issued for private passenger vehicles. (g) Upon written application, the Department shall furnish to any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of the State and who holds a valid, unrevoked, and unexpired official amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission, a special license plate for a motor vehicle owned by such individual and on which the required registration fee has been paid. The special plate shall bear the official amateur radio station call letters as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission to said individual. The special plate shall supersede the regular numbered plate assigned to such motor vehicle during the time said individual holds a valid, unrevoked and unexpired official amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and while such motor vehicle is owned by such individual; provided that, at all times, the necessary registration fee has been paid for such motor vehicle. Upon making application for such special license plate the owner shall pay, in addition to the regular registration fee, the sum of $10 for such plate. Application shall be made on such form as shall be prescribed by the Department. The special license plate shall have imprinted thereon only the call letters of the licensee, the words, “Delaware,” “The First State” and the expiration date of the license plate. (h) This title notwithstanding, the Department, upon written application, shall furnish to any owner of a motor vehicle otherwise entitled to a license plate, who is a resident of this State, a special vanity license plate for each motor vehicle owned by such individual for which the required registration fee has been paid, which plate shall have displayed thereon: (1) Any single letter or combination of letters or combination of letters and numerals, not to exceed 7 in number. If the combination includes numerals, the numerals shall be displayed to the right of all letters on the plate. A hyphen shall be permitted and shall be counted as 1 letter. In its discretion, the Department may refuse any combination of letters, or letters and numerals. The Department may refuse 7 character combinations that do not allow adequate spacing between letters and/or numbers; (2) The word “Delaware”; (3) The words “The First State”; (4) The expiration date of the license plates; and (5) Gold letters on a blue background, except for license plates provided for in § 2123 of this title, in which case they shall be blue letters on a gold background. Upon making application for such special vanity license plates, the owner shall pay $40 annually for each plate in addition to the regular registration fee. Application shall be made on forms as prescribed by the Department. The Department shall issue such plates in the order in which the applications are received for any letter or combination thereof. Such license plates shall be the personal property of the owner so long as the owner shall comply with this section. No reasonable facsimile of any license plate as provided for in this chapter shall be displayed on the front of any motor vehicle registered in this State. The provisions of subsection (b) of this section relating to the display of the letters “P/C” for combination vehicles shall not be applicable to this subsection. (i) This title notwithstanding, the Department, upon written application, shall furnish to any owner of a motorcycle, otherwise entitled to a Delaware license plate, a special vanity license plate, provided the required registration fee has been paid for such motorcycle pursuant to § 2151(1) of this title. Such special plate shall have displayed thereon: (1) Any single letter or combination of letters or combinations of letters and numerals, not to exceed 5 in number. If the combination includes numerals, the numerals shall be displayed to the right of all letters on the plate. A hyphen shall be permitted and shall be counted as 1 letter. In its discretion, the Department may refuse any combination of letters, or letters and numerals; (2) The word “Delaware”; (3) The letters M/C; (4) The expiration date of the license plate; and (5) Gold letters on a blue background. Upon making application for such special vanity license plate, the owner shall pay $40 annually for each plate in addition to the regular registration fee. Application shall be made on forms as prescribed by the Department. The Department shall issue such plates in the order in which the applications are received for any letter or combination thereof. Such license plate shall be the personal property of the owner so long as the owner shall comply with this section. No reasonable facsimile of any license plate as provided for in this chapter shall be displayed on the front of any motorcycle registered in this State. (j) The number plates for recreational vehicles shall display thereon the letters “RV.” A $10 fee shall be assessed to change the certificate of title, registration and license plate for any vehicle already registered under another type of plate if the owner desires to change to a recreational vehicle tag. (k) Effective March 27, 1996, individual special vanity license plates shall not be recalled when the Department issues other categories of special group license plates with conflicting letters and numbers.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2121A Special license plates for members of Delaware firefighters, auxiliary, and volunteer ambulance or rescue companies within the Delaware Firefighter’s Association.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special Delaware firefighter number; provided however, the owner of the vehicle has official documentation which indicates such person is a bona fide member of or holds membership with a Delaware-based fire company, auxiliary of a fire company, or a volunteer ambulance or volunteer rescue company belonging to any county firefighter’s association or the Delaware State Firefighter’s Association of the State of Delaware. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity; or c. A van with a 3 / 4 -ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title is required for registration under this section; however, the original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administration fee. (c) The applicant must submit acceptable proof, as required by the Division, that such applicant is a member in good standing or is otherwise eligible for the issuance of such special plate. (d) [Repealed.] (e) The Department shall reserve sufficient license plates including appropriate letters and numbers consecutively beginning with the number 1 as are required for this section. (f) The Department, upon receipt of any official correspondence from the organization advising that the individual to which a special plate has been issued is no longer affiliated with such organization said special plate shall be forfeited and/or revoked immediately.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2122 Unauthorized use of or addition to plates.

(a) No person shall use or exhibit in a manner or at a time not authorized by this chapter, or by the rules and regulations of the Department with respect thereto, any number of registration plates or accessory plates, or display or use any unauthorized design, symbol, or legend on or attached to any such plates. (b) (1) Any police officer is authorized to make a stop for purposes of enforcing this section, upon reasonable and articulable suspicion that a violation of subsection (a) of this section has occurred. (2) A violation of subsection (a) of this section is a moving violation, subject to all of the following: a. Jurisdiction of a Justice of the Peace Court under § 703 of this title. b. Penalties under § 2116(a) of this title. (c) A violation of subsection (a) of this section is also grounds for failing an inspection under subchapter III of this chapter.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2123 Number plates for elective or constitutional officers of the State and for state and federal judges.

(a) Upon written application, the Department shall furnish, without charge, to any state elective or constitutional officer, including members of both branches of the General Assembly, to the members of the judiciary (including the Judges of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, resident in Delaware) and to the Representatives and Senators of the State in the Congress of the United States, a set of special plates for each motor vehicle owned by such person and on which the required registration fee has been paid, but not to exceed 2 sets of plates for each individual, which plates shall supersede, during such person’s term of office and while such motor vehicle is owned by such person, the regular number plates assigned to such motor vehicle if at all times the necessary registration fee or fees have been paid for such motor vehicle. (b) Each special plate furnished pursuant to this section shall have displayed thereon: (1) Initials of the individual, except that the plates furnished to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State may display the numerals 1, 2 and 3, respectively, in place of their initials; (2) Designation of the person’s office; (3) Word “Delaware”; (4) Words “The First State”; (5) “Coat of arms” of the State; (6) Expiration date of the license plate; and (7) Blue letters on a gold background. (c) It shall be lawful to display the state “coat of arms” on special plates furnished pursuant to this section, notwithstanding § 2306 of Title 29, and the written consent of the Secretary of State for such use shall not be required.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2124 Number plates for manufacturers, dealers, and transporters; transit plates for transporters and owners of special construction equipment.

(a) A manufacturer or dealer owning any vehicle of a type otherwise required to be registered under this title may operate or move the same upon the highways when such vehicle is used: (1) In the motor vehicle business of such manufacturer or dealer; or (2) For the personal pleasure of such manufacturer or dealer or the members of such person’s family, when operated by such manufacturer or dealer or an immediate member of such person’s family; or, when such manufacturer or dealer is a corporation, for the personal pleasure of not more than 3 officers thereof who are actively engaged in its business, or the members of their families, or for the personal pleasure of the regular employees of such manufacturer, dealer or corporation when operated by such employee; or (3) For testing such vehicles in the possession of such manufacturer or dealer; or (4) For demonstrating vehicles in the possession of such manufacturer or dealer. Such vehicles may be operated by a prospective purchaser, when licensed as an operator or permittee, without registering each such vehicle, upon condition that any such vehicle display thereon, in the manner prescribed by this chapter for regular number plates, a special plate or plates issued to such owner as provided by this section. (b) The Division of Motor Vehicles shall issue special plates, designated as “in transit” plates or “licensed transporter” plates, to transporters and owners of special construction equipment. All such vehicles moved or operated under this section must comply with Chapter 45 of this title. (1) In transit plates start with the prefix “CT,” signifying a construction tag under § 2154 of this title. In transit plates may be used to operate or move like vehicles or equipment upon the highways solely for the purpose of delivering or moving such vehicles or equipment to or from the location of any type of construction. (2) Licensed transporter plates start with the prefix “LT.” Licensed transporter plates may only be issued to approved Delaware licensed transporters who have met all licensing requirements under Chapter 33 of this title. A transporter plate may be used to operate or move an unregistered motor vehicle that is otherwise eligible for registration for operation on the roads of the State or for the delivery of a mobile home. A transporter plate may be used solely for the purpose of delivering such a vehicle or mobile home to or from a location for a purpose authorized by this title. A transporter plate may not be used on any motor vehicle or mobile home that is registered in any state. A transporter plate may not be used on any OHV. A transporter plate may not be used on any mobile equipment or motorized apparatus that is not eligible to be registered within the State. Transporter plates may not be used by anyone other than the approved Delaware licensed transporter, including a licensed Delaware motor vehicle dealer who must use dealer license plates issued to the motor vehicle dealer for moving motor vehicles in the dealer’s inventory. Transporter plates may not be used for purposes under paragraph (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), or subsection (i) of this section. (c) This section shall not apply to work or service vehicles owned by a manufacturer or dealer. (d) Every manufacturer, transporter or dealer shall keep a written record of the vehicles upon which such special plates are used and the time during which each set of plates is used on a particular vehicle, which record shall be open to inspection by any police officer or any officer or employee of the Department. (e) No manufacturer or transporter of or dealer in motor vehicles, trailers or semitrailers shall cause or permit any such vehicle owned by such person to be operated or moved upon a public highway without the same being registered in accordance with this title and without there being displayed thereon a number plate or plates and a registration plate or plates, as provided by this title, except as otherwise authorized by this section. (f) Any manufacturer or retail dealer as defined in Chapter 63 of this title may make application to the Department upon the appropriate form for a certificate and for 1 or more pairs of special plates or single special plates as are appropriate to various types of vehicles of the types subject to registration hereunder. The applicant shall also submit such proof of such applicant’s status as a bona fide manufacturer or retail dealer as may be required by the Department. Dealer license plates will be limited to retail dealerships based on the number of vehicles sold per year. Retail dealers selling 5 to 10 vehicles per year may obtain no more than 1 dealer plate; retail dealers selling 11-25 vehicles per year may obtain no more than 2 dealer plates; retail dealers selling 26-49 vehicles per year may obtain no more than 4 dealer plates; retail dealers selling 50-99 vehicles per year may obtain no more than 20 dealer plates; retail dealers selling 100 or more vehicles per year may obtain any number of dealer plates at the retail dealer’s discretion. Wholesale dealers selling 5 to 10 vehicles per year may obtain no more than 1 dealer plate; wholesale dealers selling 11-25 vehicles per year may obtain no more than 2 dealer plates; wholesale dealers selling 26-49 vehicles per year may obtain no more than 4 dealer plates; wholesale dealers selling 50 or more vehicles per year may obtain no more than 20 dealer plates. (g) Delaware licensed transporters that transport fewer than 10 vehicles or mobile homes per year may obtain no more than 3 transporter plates. Delaware licensed transporters that transfer 10 or more vehicles or mobile homes per year may obtain a maximum of 5 transporter plates. (h) The Department, upon approving any such application, shall issue to the applicant a certificate containing the applicant’s name and address and other appropriate information. (i) The Department, upon approving any such application, shall also issue special plates of a design, size, material and color determined by the Department. Each plate or pair of plates so issued, however, shall contain a number or symbol distinguishing the same from other plates issued under this chapter. (j) Notwithstanding this section, the Department upon approving an application filed by a licensed automotive recycler may issue 1 or more special plates as provided for in subsection (a) of this section. (k) Dealer plates may be transferred from 1 dealer to another by completing a seller’s affidavit to transfer a dealer tag or tags and submitting it with the appropriate fee. The seller’s affidavit shall include the seller’s and buyer’s names, the plate number and the date of the transfer. A dealer may not acquire more plates than they are otherwise permitted by subsection (f) of this section. ( l ) All special plates issued hereunder shall expire at midnight on December 31 of each year and may be extended for the ensuing year by the person to whom such plates were issued upon application to the Department and payment of the fees provided by this title.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2125 Ownership of plates.

Number and registration plates shall be the property of the State and shall be furnished by the Department for each registered motor vehicle without additional cost to the owner.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2126 Display of number plates; penalty.

(a) The number plate assigned to a motor vehicle shall at all times be attached to the rear of the motor vehicle, except truck tractors attached to trailers or semitrailers, whether coupled or uncoupled, shall display the number plate on the front of the vehicle in such a manner as to be easily identified. Such number plates shall meet the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. Special license plates may be displayed on the front or rear of the vehicle. The regular numbered plate assigned to the vehicle or a duplicate special license plate furnished under § 2121(h) of this title must be displayed on the vehicle rear when the special plate is displayed on the front of the vehicle. (b) Every number plate shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle to which it is assigned so as to prevent the plate from swinging and at a height not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of such plate, in a place and position to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible. (c) (1) No number plate, or any portion thereof, shall be covered with any tinted material, nor shall any other material be placed on or around a number plate which would conceal and/or obscure any information contained thereon, including the registration expiration sticker. Plate frames that do not conceal and/or obscure any information contained on the plate, including the registration expiration sticker, are not prohibited by this section. (2) Operation and/or use of a plate frame containing or including scrolling, strobe, and/or blinking lights around a license plate for any purpose, including but not limited to advertisement, to convey a message or communication is prohibited, except during a special organized event such as a parade or car show. (d) Whoever violates subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $50. Whoever violates subsection (c) of this section shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $200. (e) It shall be unlawful to sell, offer to sell, transfer, possess or use any kind of device, product, plate cover, or object, including any image altering device or spray, for the purpose of hindering, inhibiting, impeding, impairing, or preventing the photographing, recording or imaging of a license plate in connection with the enforcement of this motor vehicle code or any local or municipal traffic laws. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall, for the first offense, be fined not less than $50 nor more than $1,000. For each subsequent violation occurring within 3 years of the date of the original violation, the person shall be fined not less than $200 nor more than $2,000. (f) It shall be unlawful to sell any license plate cover or frame which would violate subsection (c) of this section if placed on a Delaware license plate unless the seller posts a sign in close proximity to the product which states clearly and conspicuously to the public that it is illegal to place the license plate cover or frame on Delaware license plates. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be fined not less than $50 and not more than $100 and shall pay restitution to the purchaser of the license plate cover or frame in the amount of 10 times the purchase price.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2127 Duplicate plates.

Whenever number or registration plates are lost, destroyed or so effaced as to no longer comply with the requirements of law, new plates shall be furnished by the Department upon receipt of satisfactory information and payment of the required fee.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2128 Status of plates upon transfer of title; conditions permitting reissuance of registration number.

(a) Upon the transfer of a vehicle or upon the expiration of registration for any other cause, the number plates assigned to a vehicle shall remain attached thereto. However, the transferor may have such registration plates and number plates transferred and assigned to another vehicle upon proper application in writing to the Department and upon payment to the Department of a fee of $20 in addition to all other fees required by law. (b) If a vehicle registration has been expired for 1 year or more, the registration number may be reissued by the Division of Motor Vehicles. (c) If a vehicle which was registered in Delaware is titled and registered in another jurisdiction, the Delaware title and registration is immediately canceled and the registration number may immediately be reissued by the Division of Motor Vehicles. (d) If a registered vehicle has been junked, salvaged or destroyed to an extent that it will not be registered again for highway use and if the Delaware certificate of title has been surrendered to the Division, the registration number may be reissued by the Division of Motor Vehicles. (e) If a registration number has been removed from a vehicle pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, and if the registration has expired, the registration number may be reissued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2129 Issuance of temporary registration plates with temporary permits; issuance to dealers and certified automotive repair technicians for reissuance.

(a) The Department may issue a temporary registration plate designed by the Department to an owner to whom it grants a temporary registration permit pursuant to § 2103 of this title. The dates of issuance and expiration and the make and serial number of the vehicle for which issued shall be stamped or marked with indelible ink in letters at least ¾ of an inch high upon any temporary plate so issued and a record of such information, together with the name of the owner, shall be retained by the Department. Motorcycle temporary plates may be stamped or marked in letters less than ¾ of an inch high. (b) The Department may also issue temporary registration plates to a dealer in motor vehicles, either new or used, who submits such proof as the Department requires of such status as a bona fide dealer, for reissuance to purchasers of unregistered motor vehicles. Such plates may be issued to a qualified dealer upon application for not less than 5 of such plates and payment of a fee of $20 for each plate. (c) The Department may also issue temporary registration plates to an automotive repair technician who is certified under 7 DE Admin. Code 1131 and submits such proof as the Department requires of such status as a bona fide certified repair technician, for reissuance to customer’s unregistered motor vehicles for the purpose of verifying repairs.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2130 Issuance of temporary plates by dealers and certified automotive repair technicians; information to be placed on plates; records to be maintained.

(a) A dealer may issue a temporary registration plate for a fee of not more than $20 for each plate to a purchaser of an unregistered motor vehicle who makes proper application to the Department for registration thereof upon an appropriate form and delivers such application, together with the required fee, to the dealer for transmission to the Department. (b) A dealer who issues a temporary registration plate shall mark or stamp thereon with indelible ink in letters at least 3 / 4 of an inch high the dates of issuance and expiration and the make and serial number of the vehicle for which issued and shall immediately transmit to the Department upon forms prescribed and furnished by the Department the aforesaid information and the name of the purchaser. Motorcycle temporary plates may be stamped or marked in letters less than 3 / 4 of an inch high. (c) Every dealer who receives temporary plates from the Department shall maintain at such dealer’s place of business a record of all such plates issued to such dealer and of all such plates issued by such dealer, with the dates of receipt and issuance, the name of the purchaser to whom issued, the make and serial number of the vehicle for which issued and such other information as the Department may require. Each such record shall be kept for a period of at least 3 years from the date of entry and shall be available for inspection by representatives of the Department or police officers during regular business hours. (d) A certified repair technician may issue a temporary registration plate for a fee of not more than $10 for each plate to a customer’s unregistered motor vehicle. (e) Liability insurance in the form of a shopkeeper’s or garage-keeper’s policy shall be in effect prior to the issuance of a temporary registration plate. (f) A certified repair technician who issues a temporary registration plate shall mark or stamp thereon with indelible ink in letters at least 3 / 4 of an inch high the dates of issuance and expiration and the make and serial number of the vehicle for which issued and shall immediately transmit to the Department upon forms prescribed and furnished by the Department the aforesaid information and the name of the business name that employs the certified repair technician. Motorcycle temporary plates may be stamped or marked in letters less than 3 / 4 of an inch high. (g) Every certified repair technician who receives temporary plates from the Department shall maintain at such certified repair technician’s place of business a record of all such plates issued to such certified repair technician and of all such plates issued by such certified repair technician, with the dates of receipt and issuance, the name of the customer to whom issued, the make and serial number of the vehicle for which issued and such other information as the Department may require. Each such record shall be kept for a period of at least 3 years from the date of entry and shall be available for inspection by representatives of the Department or police officers during regular business hours.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2131 Effect and duration of temporary registration plates; destruction upon expiration; use of temporary tag system.

(a) (1) A temporary registration plate properly issued to an owner or purchaser of a vehicle in accordance with § 2129 or § 2130 of this title shall be valid and shall entitle said owner or purchaser to operate the vehicle for which issued upon the public highways for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance or until the issuance of a permanent registration plate or until the cancellation or rescission of the contract of purchase, whichever occurs first. (2) A temporary registration plate properly issued by a certified repair technician to a customer’s expired vehicle for the purpose of verifying repairs in accordance with § 2129 or § 2130 of this title shall be valid and shall entitle said certified repair technician to operate the vehicle for which issued upon the public highways for a period of not more than 60 days from the date of issuance. (b) Upon the expiration of a temporary registration plate the holder thereof shall immediately destroy the same. (c) A temporary registration plate properly issued to an owner or purchaser of a vehicle under § 2129 or § 2130 of this title must use a temporary tag system, approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles, unless the Division of Motor Vehicles has determined that a motor vehicle dealer or other authorized temporary tag issuer is not permitted to use the temporary tag system, and must purchase plates from the Division of Motor Vehicles pursuant to § 2129(b) of this title.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2132 Regulations by Secretary of Transportation; power to suspend right to issue temporary plates.

The Secretary of Transportation shall have the power to make rules and regulations, not inconsistent with §§ 2129, 2130 and 2131 of this title, to carry out the provisions thereof relative to temporary registration plates, and the said Secretary shall have the specific power, after hearing, to suspend the right to issue temporary plates of any dealer who fails to comply with the requirements of said sections or of any regulation consistent therewith.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2133 Penalties; jurisdiction of justices of the peace.

(a) Any person who: (1) Knowingly inserts any false information upon the face of a temporary registration plate; or (2) Issues any temporary registration plate to a person or for a vehicle other than those permitted under this title; or (3) Operates any vehicle bearing a temporary registration plate which is invalid or expired shall be guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor, and shall for the first offense be fined not less than $25 nor more than $100. For each subsequent like offense, the person shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $200, or imprisoned not less than 10 nor more than 30 days, or both. (b) Justices of the peace shall have jurisdiction of offenses under this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2134 Special license plates for persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk; parking; penalties [For application of this section, see 85 Del. Laws, c. 253, § 23].

(a) The owner of a vehicle registered in Delaware and described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for the issuing to the vehicle a special license plate for persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk if a licensed physician, a physician associate who is supervised by a licensed physician, or an advanced practice nurse who is employed by or who has a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician, certifies that the applicant or a household member has 1 or more of the following disabilities that are permanent with no prognosis for improvement: (1) Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest; (2) Cannot walk safely without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair or other assistive device; (3) Is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the applicant’s or household member’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest; (4) Uses portable oxygen; (5) Has a cardiac condition to the extent that the applicant’s or household member’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association; or (6) Is severely limited in that person’s own ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition. (b) This section applies only to passenger cars, station wagons, pickup trucks, motorcycles, panel van trucks and other motor vehicles that are reasonably used by persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk and that have a gross registered weight which does not exceed 14,000 lbs. (c) A special license plate may be issued under this section only if the applicant submits proof satisfactory to the Department that the applicant or a household member has a disability that is permanent with no prognosis for improvement as described in paragraphs (a)(1)-(6) of this section. Satisfactory proof prior to issuance must include the signature of a licensed physician, a physician associate who is supervised by a licensed physician, a physician associate who has been granted independent practice authority, or an advanced practice nurse who is employed by or who has a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician, on a Department special disabled license plate or placard applicant form on which the physician, a physician associate who is supervised by a licensed physician, a physician associate who has been granted independent practice authority, or an advanced practice nurse who is employed by or who has a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician, certifies the applicant’s or household member’s permanent disability. Renewal of the registration for the vehicle to which the special license plate is assigned shall require the applicant to submit a written certification that the applicant continues to require the special license plate for the reason or reasons it was initially issued; a new certification is not required. The issuance of a special license plate does not preclude the issuance of 1 removable windshield placard pursuant to § § 2135 of this title. (d) The fee for the issuance or reissuance of a special license plate may not exceed the fee charged for the issuance or reissuance of a standard license plate for the same class of vehicle. (e) A special license plate issued pursuant to this section must display the internationally recognized wheelchair symbol of access in the same size as the numbers and/or letters on the plate. (f) (1) A person for whom a special license plate is issued under this section or under a similar statute of any other state or country may park in parking spaces or zones as follows: a. Restricted for use by persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk. b. For an unlimited period in an unmetered parking space or zone restricted as to the length of parking time permitted. c. In a metered parking space for no less than 1 hour. d. If a parking space is assigned to a specific person with a disability as that person’s residential or business parking space, that person may use the space without any time restriction. (2) A person who is driving a vehicle with a special license plate issued under this section or under a similar statute of any other state or country may not park in any of the following places: a. In a space or zone where stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited to all vehicles. b. In a space or zone which is reserved for other special types of vehicles. c. In a space or zone assigned to another person for the other person’s residential or business use. d. Where a local ordinance prohibits parking during heavy traffic periods in morning, afternoon, or evening rush hours. e. Where parking clearly would present a traffic hazard. (3) The person for whom a special license plate is issued under this section or under a similar statute of any other state or country must be the driver of or a passenger in the vehicle bearing the special plate whenever the vehicle parks in a parking space or zone restricted for use only by vehicles with a special license plate or placard for persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk. (g) (1) A person who intentionally presents false information to a licensed physician, a physician associate who is supervised by a licensed physician, a physician associate who has been granted independent practice authority, or an advanced practice nurse who is employed by or who has a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician, or to the Department in an attempt to obtain a special license plate under this section shall be guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor. For the first offense, the person shall receive a mandatory fine of $100. For each subsequent like offense, the person shall receive a mandatory fine of $200 or be imprisoned for not less than 10 nor more than 30 days, or both. Any other violation of this section is a violation. Justices of the peace have jurisdiction over violations of this section. (2) A summons may be attached to an unattended vehicle found in violation of any of the provisions of this section by any police officer or State Police Academy cadet authorized to issue a summons for a violation of this section. It is prima facie evidence that the person in whose name the unattended vehicle is registered is responsible for the violation. (h) The Department may adopt rules and regulations that are reasonable or necessary for the implementation of this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2135 Parking permits for persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk; parking; penalties.

(a) A person or a member of the person’s household who has a disability that is permanent with no prognosis for improvement as described in § 2134(a)(1)-(6) of this title or who has a physical disability which is not permanent but which substantially limits or impairs the person’s or household member’s ability to walk for no less than 5 weeks and which is so severe that the person or household member would endure a hardship or be subject to a risk of injury without a temporary parking permit for persons with disabilities, or a person who is age 80 or older, whether or not that person has a disability, or an organization that regularly in its course of business transports persons with disabilities may apply to the Department for a permanent or temporary parking permit, whichever is appropriate, on a form provided by the Department. The form must state: (1) That a permanent permit for a person with a disability, or for a person 80 or older, expires after 8 years, or for an organization that regularly in its course of business transports persons with disabilities expires after 3 years and a temporary permit for a person with a disability may not exceed 180 days; (2) That an individual licensed under Chapter 17 or 19 of Title 24 must certify a disability and indicate whether the applicant or household member needs a permanent parking permit or a temporary parking permit; (3) That an applicant 80 or older need only submit proof of age that is satisfactory to the Department; and (4) The possible penalties for intentionally and falsely representing that an applicant or household member is qualified to obtain a permanent or temporary parking permit. An applicant or a household member who is eligible for a special license plate pursuant to § 2134 of this title may also apply for 1 permanent parking permit under this section. A parking permit is issued in the form of a removable placard capable of hanging from or being attached to the front windshield rearview mirror of a vehicle. (b) A permanent or temporary parking permit may be issued under this section only if the applicant submits proof satisfactory to the Department that the applicant or household member has a disability that is permanent with no prognosis for improvement as described in § 2134(a)(1)-(6) of this title, or that the applicant or household member has a physical disability which is not permanent but which substantially limits or impairs the applicant’s or household member’s ability to walk for no less than 5 weeks and which is so severe that the applicant or household member would endure a hardship or be subject to a risk of injury without a temporary parking permit for persons with disabilities, or that the applicant or household member is 80 or older, or that the applicant is an organization that regularly in its course of business transports persons with disabilities. Satisfactory proof of a disability must include the signature of an individual licensed under Chapter 17 or 19 of Title 24 on a Department special license plate or placard application form indicating the applicant’s or household member’s disability. (c) The Department may not charge a fee for issuing or reissuing a parking placard. However, the Department shall charge a fee to offset the actual replacement cost of replacing a lost or damaged placard. (d) (1) A permanent permit issued under this section for a person who has a disability stated in § 2134(a) of this title, or for a person 80 or older, expires 8 years from the date of issue, or to an organization that regularly in its course of business transports persons with disabilities expires 3 years from the date of issue. However, another permanent permit may be issued upon reapplication. (2) A temporary permit issued under this section for an applicant who has a physical disability which is not permanent but which substantially limits or impairs the person’s ability to walk for no less than 180 days and that is so severe that the person would endure a hardship or be subject to a risk of injury without a temporary parking permit for persons with disabilities expires at the discretion of the Department, but may not exceed 180 days from the date of issue. However, another temporary permit may be issued upon reapplication. (3) There is no limit to the number of times that a person may reapply for a permanent or temporary parking permit issued under this section. However, for each reapplication for a temporary parking permit, the applicant must comply with the requirements for an initial application as set forth in subsection (a) of this section. A new certification is not required for applicants or applicants’ household members who have a permanent disability as described in § 2134(a)(1)-(6) of this title; however, the applicant shall submit a written certification that the applicant continues to require the parking permit for the reason or reasons it was initially issued. (e) A parking permit for a person with a disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk, or for a person 80 or over, or for an organization pursuant to subsection (i) of this section must be in the form of a removable windshield placard of a size and design determined by the Department. A permanent parking placard must be blue; a temporary parking placard must be red; an organization parking placard must be green. The information on the placard must be large enough to be read clearly from outside a motor vehicle when the placard is hanging from the vehicle’s front windshield rearview mirror, or if there is no front windshield rearview mirror, the placard must be displayed on the dashboard and be able to be read by a person outside of the vehicle. Both sides of the placard must contain the following:the words “State of Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles” and “Remove placard when vehicle is in motion,” the internationally recognized wheelchair symbol of access, an identification number, and the expiration date. The expiration date must appear in letters or numerals at least 1 inch tall. Only 1 placard may be issued initially to an applicant; however, upon written request, the Department shall issue 1 additional placard to an applicant who does not also have a special license plate issued pursuant to § 2134 of this title. (f) (1) A person or organization for whom a parking placard is issued under this section or under a similar statute of any other state or country may park in parking spaces or zones as follows: a. Restricted to use only by persons with disabilities. b. For an unlimited period in an unmetered parking space or zone restricted as to the length of parking time permitted. c. In a metered parking space for no less than 1 hour. d. If a parking space is assigned to a specific person with a disability as that person’s residential or business parking space, that person may use the space without any time restriction. (2) A person who is driving a vehicle with a parking placard issued under this section or under a similar statute of any other state or country may not park in any of the following places: a. In a space or zone where stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited to all vehicles. b. In a space or zone which is reserved for other special types of vehicles. c. In a space or zone assigned to another person for the other person’s residential or business use. d. Where a local ordinance prohibits parking during heavy traffic periods in morning, afternoon, or evening rush hours. e. Where parking clearly would present a traffic hazard. (3) a. The person for whom a red or blue parking placard is issued under this section or under a similar statute of any other state or country must be the driver of or a passenger in the vehicle displaying the parking placard whenever the vehicle parks in a parking space or zone restricted for use only by vehicles with a special license plate or parking placard for persons with disabilities. b. Individuals who become residents of Delaware, who have a valid placard issued by another state, who desire a permanent or temporary placard issued by the Department, shall apply within 180 days of taking up residence in the State and submit the documents required as outlined in subsection (b) of this title. (g) A placard issued under this section is for the exclusive and personal use of the person or organization for whom it is issued and may not be used by any other person or organization. (h) A parking placard must be returned to the Department: (1) When the person or organization for whom it was issued reapplies for a placard; (2) When the placard expires; (3) When the person or organization for whom it was issued no longer needs it, is no longer disabled, or no longer regularly in its course of business transports persons with disabilities; (4) Upon the death of the person for whom it was issued. (i) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Code to the contrary, the Department may, without the certification of an individual licensed under Chapter 17 or 19 of Title 24, issue a green parking placard upon application by an organization that regularly in its course of business transports persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk if the organization presents proof satisfactory to the Department that the organization regularly in its course of business transports persons with disabilities. A green parking placard may be used only when at least 1 person who is entitled to obtain a permanent or temporary parking placard pursuant to subsection (a) of this section is being transported and only when an employee or volunteer staff person of the organization is the driver of the vehicle. (j) (1) A person or organization who intentionally presents false information to an individual licensed under Chapter 17 or 19 of Title 24, or to the Department in an attempt to obtain a parking placard under this section shall be guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor. For the first offense, the person or organization shall receive a mandatory fine of $100. For each subsequent like offense, the person or organization shall receive a mandatory fine of $200 or be imprisoned for not less than 10 nor more than 30 days, or both. Any other violation of this section is a violation. Justices of the peace have jurisdiction over violations of this section. (2) A summons may be attached to an unattended vehicle found in violation of any of the provisions of this section by any police officer or State Police Academy cadet authorized to issue a summons for a violation of this section. It is prima facie evidence that the person or organization in whose name the unattended vehicle is registered is responsible for the violation. (k) The Department may adopt rules and regulations that are reasonable or necessary for the implementation of this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2136 Sale and manufacture of registration plates.

(a) No person shall sell or offer for sale any vehicle registration plate which is similar in design, shape, size and colors to any vehicle license plate considered valid for registration purposes. (b) No person shall manufacture vehicle registration plates which are similar in design, shape, size and colors to any vehicle license plate considered valid for registration purposes, unless authorized in writing by the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles. (c) This section shall not apply to registration plates issued prior to 1941 which are collectors’ items. (d) A violation of this section shall be an unclassified misdemeanor. Justice of the Peace Courts shall have jurisdiction over violations of this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2137 Special license plates for former prisoners of war.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special prisoner-of-war registration number. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued under this section only if: (1) The applicant states that the applicant is a former prisoner of war in any war, the Korean conflict, the Viet Nam conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil in which United States armed forces were formally engaged in battle; and (2) The United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant was a former prisoner of war in any war, the Korean conflict, the Viet Nam conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil in which United States armed forces were formally engaged in battle. (3) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued is deceased, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee. (d) [Repealed.] (e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “POW” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral 1 as are necessary to implement this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2138 Special license plates for veterans with disabilities.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special disabled veteran number. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) Special registration may be issued under this section only if: (1) The applicant states that: a. The applicant is a veteran with a disability of any war, the Korean conflict, the Viet Nam conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil in which United States armed forces were formally engaged in battle; or b. It has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs that the applicant meets the qualifications of being a veteran with a service-connected disability; and (2) a. The United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant sustained a disabling injury in any war, the Korean conflict, the Viet Nam conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil in which United States armed forces were formally engaged in battle; or b. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs certifies that the applicant meets the qualifications of being a veteran with a service-connected disability. (3) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued is deceased, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. (d) (1) Any applicant who applies for the assignment of a special plate under this section who also submits proof satisfactory to the Department that the applicant or a household member has a disability that would permit issuance of a special license plate under § 2134 of this title may be issued a special plate for veterans with disabilities that will be considered in all respects as a special license plate for persons with disabilities issued under § 2134 of this title. (2) A special license plate issued pursuant to this subsection must, in addition to the special disabled veteran number, display the internationally recognized wheelchair symbol of access on the plate. (3) The Department may adopt rules and regulations that are reasonable or necessary for the implementation of this subsection. (e) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title is required for registration under this section; however, the original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee. (f) The Department shall reserve sufficient license plates including the letters “DAV” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are required for this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139 Special license plates for veterans formerly missing-in-action.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special missing-in-action registration number. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued under this section only if: (1) The applicant states that the applicant is a veteran formerly missing-in-action in any war, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil in which United States armed forces were formally engaged in battle; and (2) The United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant was a veteran formerly missing-in-action in any war, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil in which United States armed forces were formally engaged in battle. (3) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued is deceased, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “MIA” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139A Special license plates for members of the Delaware National Guard and Reserves.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special Delaware National Guard or Reserves number; provided, however, the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates the owner is a bona fide member of the Delaware National Guard or Reserves. (b) This section shall apply only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with no more than a 3 / 4 -ton manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) Other than the annual registration fee required by this title, no fee shall be required for registration under this section; however, the original application shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates, including appropriate letters and numbered consecutively, beginning with the numeral “1”, as are required under this section. (e) Upon receipt of any official correspondence from the Delaware National Guard or Reserves advising that the individual to whom a special plate has been issued is no longer affiliated with the National Guard or Reserves such special plate shall be forfeited and/or revoked immediately. (f) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued is deceased, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139AA Special license plates for members of the Dover Air Force Base Chiefs Group.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Dover Air Force Base Chiefs Group registration. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; or (3) A van with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) A minimum of 25 applicants for this plate shall be required prior to issuance of the plate. (e) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (f) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “DCG” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are required for this section. (g) Upon notification from the Dover Air Force Base Chiefs Group that an individual is no longer an active member of that organization, the Department shall notify the license plate holder to surrender the license plate to the Department in 30 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139B Special license plates for recipients of the Purple Heart.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Purple Heart registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is the recipient of the Purple Heart medal. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil in which United States armed forces were formally engaged in battle. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “PH” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. In the event the surviving spouse remarries, the plate must be returned to the Department within 90 days. If no spouse exists at the time the Department receives information regarding the death of the individual to whom the special plate was issued, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139BB Special license plates for military veterans

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special military veterans registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States military. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States military. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $15 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued is deceased, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. (f) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “MV” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139C Special license plates for members of Ducks Unlimited.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in this subsection may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special Ducks Unlimited registration. This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued under this section only if: (1) The applicant states that the applicant is a member of the Delaware Chapter of Ducks Unlimited; and (2) The Delaware Chapter of Ducks Unlimited certifies that the applicant is an active member of that organization. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title is required for registration under this section; however, the original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Division of Motor Vehicle projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient license plates including the letters “D.U.” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are required for this section. (e) Upon notification from the Delaware Chapter of Ducks Unlimited that an individual is no longer an active member of that organization, the Department shall notify the license plate holder to surrender the license plate to the Department within 30 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139CC Special license plates veterans of World War II.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special World War II veteran registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess and present official documentation which indicates that the owner is a World War II veteran. (2) This section applies only to the following: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (c) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the phrase “WWII” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate. Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139D Special license plates for recipients of medals or commendations for valor.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special valor registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is the recipient of a medal or commendation for valor while serving in the United States Armed Forces, including, but not limited to, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Flying Cross, the Navy Cross, or a Letter of Commendation if awarded for valor under combat conditions. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, Operation Desert Storm or other military conflict on foreign soil in which United States armed forces were formally engaged in battle. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letter “V” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. In addition, any special license plate issued pursuant to this section shall include an insignia of the specific medal or commendation awarded to the applicant. (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139DD Special license plate to support pollinators.

(a) The owner of a vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles (“Division”) for a special “Support Pollinators” plate. The Division shall issue the plate if it receives at least 50 such applications. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle, including a truck or trailer, with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (“GVWR”) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle described in this paragraph (b)(2) may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A truck that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (“IRP”), individually, or as part of a combination of vehicles, as defined in § 101 of this title, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c) (1) On the initial application for a plate to be issued under this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. (2) The initial application fee under paragraph (c)(1) of this section is required for a person applying for a plate under this section, including a member of a nonprofit organization, even if the member is exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. (3) A replacement plate may be obtained on payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which must cover the cost of the plate. (d) The Division shall deposit the 1-time administrative fee collected under subsection (c) of this section into a special fund and use the fund to promote the sale of the plate and for administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division has covered the costs of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section must be applied under subsection (e) of this section. (e) The Division shall deposit with the Department the funds derived by the State from the portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee under subsections (c) and (d) of this section. The Department shall set aside the deposited funds. The Department shall use the set aside deposited funds for pollinator-related work, such as native species and milkweed plantings. (f) (1) A plate issued under this section must be of the colors and design as determined by the Division and the Department’s Environmental Studies Office. (2) The numbers or letters assigned by the Division must be the same as the plate assigned to an owner’s vehicle at the time of the application for the plate. (3) The Department’s Environmental Studies Office may drop the wording “The First State” and substitute “Support Pollinators, Plant Native Species”. (4) The Division may refuse any design which the Division believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The Division may adopt regulations to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139E Special license plates for retired military personnel of the United States Armed Forces.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special retired military registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that the owner has retired from the United States armed forces. (2) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant has been honorably discharged from the United States armed forces after having served an aggregate minimum of 20 years in 1 or more of the branches of the United States armed services. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. In addition, any special license plate issued pursuant to this section shall include the insignia of the seal of the branch of the armed services from which the applicant retired directly above the word “retired.” (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139EE Special license plates for retired state legislators.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a retired state legislator registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess and present official documentation which indicates that the owner is a retired state legislator. (2) This section applies only to the following: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (3) For purposes of this section, “retired state legislator” means an individual who served as a senator or representative in the Delaware General Assembly for at least 10 years. (b) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (c) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the phrase “retired state legislator” with the prefix “RSL” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139F Special animal welfare license plates.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (b) of this subsection may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special animal welfare registration. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) A truck or trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles have covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (f) of this section. (e) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Department of Health and Social Services. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The license plate may also include words, a slogan or an emblem indicating support for, or interest in, animal welfare. The Department of Health and Social Services may at its discretion drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof an animal welfare slogan. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (f) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited in the State Treasury and credited to the Spay/Neuter Fund in the Department of Health and Social Services. (g) [Repealed.] (h) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139G Special license plates for Korean War veterans.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Korean War veteran registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is a Korean War veteran. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of the Korean War. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “KW” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (f) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days. (g) At least 50 members of the organization must apply for the special plate authorized by this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139H Farmland preservation plates.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special “Farmland Preservation” registration plate. (b) This section applies to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck or trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside and deposited with the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation for its deposit in the Delaware Farmland Preservation Fund. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Farmland Preservation Contest Committee. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The committee may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof the wording “Preserve Our Farms”. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139I Special license plates for holders of Gold Star lapel buttons.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Gold Star family registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle qualifies under paragraph (a)(2) of this section. (2) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the applicant provides sufficient official documentation of being awarded a Gold Star lapel button by the United States Department of Defense in recognition of a close relative’s death while serving in the military. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “GS” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. In addition, any special license plate issued pursuant to this section shall include a gold star and the phrase “Gold Star Family”. (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139J Special license plates for veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “OIF” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this action. (f) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139K Special license plates for Vietnam War veterans.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Vietnam War veteran registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is a Vietnam War veteran. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of the Vietnam War. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section, provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued is deceased, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. (f) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “VV” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139L “Limited edition” special centennial license plates [Expired Dec. 31, 2009; issued plates indefinitely valid per 76 Del. Laws, c. 274, § 2].

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special centennial registration plate from October 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck or trailer that is not either required to be or voluntarily registered with the International Registration Plan; or (3) A recreational vehicle. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $100, which includes an administration fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for this centennial plate. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a $15 fee to the Division. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administrative costs. (e) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be the colors and design as determined by the Division of Motor Vehicles. The number and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The Division of Motor Vehicles may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof wording honoring the centennial. (f) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139M Law Enforcement Memorial license plate.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Law Enforcement Memorial registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess documentation: a. That indicates that such person is a “police officer” as defined in § 8401 of Title 11; b. That indicates that such person is an immediate family member of a “police officer” as defined in § 8401 of Title 11 who was killed in the line of duty; or c. From the Delaware Police Chiefs’ Council that it is appropriate for such person to receive a special Law Enforcement Memorial registration number. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck or van with a 3 / 4 -ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $35 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purposes of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (c) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Law Enforcement Memorial License Plate Committee created pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. The license plate may also include words, a slogan or an emblem supporting the Law Enforcement Memorial. The Committee may at its discretion drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in lieu thereof “Law Enforcement Memorial”. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (d) For purposes of this section, the “Law Enforcement Memorial License Plate Committee” shall consist of the following: (1) The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles or designee; (2) The Chairperson of the Delaware Police Chiefs’ Foundation or designee; (3) The Colonel of the Delaware State Police or designee; and (4) The Chairperson of the Delaware Police Chiefs’ Council or designee. (e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “LEM” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (f) The Delaware Police Chiefs’ Council shall have the authority to assign the license plate numbers at its discretion. (g) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued is no longer affiliated with such organization or has died, whichever is applicable, the Department shall write to such person or the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days. (h) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139N Special license plates for veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Operation Enduring Freedom veterans registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $15 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued is deceased, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. (f) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “OEF” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139O Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. special license plates.

(a) The owner of a motor vehicle which is a private passenger vehicle or a truck or trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. license plate. (b) Upon the initial application for a license plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division which shall cover the cost of the plate. (c) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund division projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) All license plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design requested by the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. No special numbers or letters will be authorized for these plates. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside for use by the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. (f) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139P Special license plates for Civil Air Patrol Delaware Wing.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Civil Air Patrol registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation from the Civil Air Patrol Delaware Wing and signed by the Delaware Wing commander that indicates that such owner is a member in good standing of the Civil Air Patrol and assigns the registration number to be issued by the Department. (2) This section applies to: a. A private passenger vehicle, or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $35 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (c) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “CAP” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information provided by the Civil Air Patrol Delaware Wing that a registrant is no longer a Civil Air Patrol member in good standing, the Department shall write to the registrant requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 30 days. (f) At least 25 members of the organization must apply for the special plate authorized by this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139Q Stop child abuse plates.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special “Stop Child Abuse” registration plate, provided that at least 100 such applications are received by the Division. (b) This section applies to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles have covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (f) of this section. (e) After making the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, the owner shall pay a $40 surcharge annually for each plate in addition to the regular registration fee. (f) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the initial fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section and the $40 surcharge under subsection (e) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be forwarded to the Delaware Community Foundation who, in turn, shall deposit them in the Protecting Delaware’s Children Fund. (g) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Child Protection Accountability Commission. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (h) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139R Special license plates honoring Delaware veterans [For application of this section, see 85 Del. Laws, c. 137, § 12].

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for assignment to that vehicle a special plate “Honoring Our Veterans”. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $20, which includes an administrative fee of $10, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The funds derived by this State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $20 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside and deposited with the Department of Veterans Affairs for its deposit in the Veterans Trust Fund. (e) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs. The license plate may also include words, a slogan or an emblem honoring Delaware veterans. The Commission may at its discretion drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in lieu thereof “Honoring Our Veterans”. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (f) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “HV” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139S Special license plates for members of the Cancer Support Community.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in this subsection may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special Cancer Support Community registration, provided that at least 100 such member applications are received by the Department. This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued under this section only if: (1) The individual applicant states that the applicant is a member of the Cancer Support Community; and (2) The Cancer Support Community certifies that the individual applicant is an active member of that organization. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title is required for registration under this section; however, the original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Division of Motor Vehicle projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) The Department shall reserve license plates including the letters “C.S.C.” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are required for this section. (e) Upon notification from the Delaware Chapter of the Cancer Support Community that an individual is no longer an active member of that organization, the Department shall notify the license plate holder to surrender the license plate to the Department within 30 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139T Special license plates for active members and retired active members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) living in Delaware.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special professional firefighter registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess and present official membership card/ID documentation which indicates that the owner is an active or retired active member of the International Association of Firefighters. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; or (3) A van with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient license plates and the letters “PF” and number consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (e) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139U Special license plates for professional paramedics and retired professional paramedics.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special professional paramedic registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess and present official documentation from the applicant’s county emergency medical services chief or from the state Office of Emergency Medical Services which indicates that the owner is a professional paramedic or a retired professional paramedic. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 –ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; or (3) A van with a 3 / 4 –ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) A minimum of 100 applicants for this plate shall be required prior to issuance of the plate. (e) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (f) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “NR” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (g) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139V Special license plates for recipients of the Bronze Star without valor.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special registration number, provided that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is the recipient of a Bronze Star without valor (without the “V” device) while serving in the United States Armed Forces. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; or (3) A van with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title is required for registration under this section; however, the original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (e) The Department shall reserve sufficient license plates with the letter “M” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are required for this section. (f) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139W Special license plates for the Delaware Equine Council.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special Delaware Equine Council registration plate. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck or trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less; or (3) A van with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) Upon the initial application for a license plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund division projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside for use by the Delaware Equine Council. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Board of Directors of the Delaware Equine Council. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. No special numbers or letters will be authorized for these plates. The Board of Directors of the Delaware Equine Council may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof “Delaware Equine Council.” The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139X Special license plates for veterans of Operation Desert Storm.

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Operation Desert Storm veterans registration number; provided however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess official documentation which indicates that such owner is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. (2) This section applies only to: a. A private passenger vehicle; b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; or c. A van with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided however, that an original application under this section be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “ODS” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (f) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued is deceased, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists at the time the Department receives information regarding the death of the individual to whom the special plate was issued, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139Y Special license plates for members of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in this subsection may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special National Wild Turkey Federation registration. This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued under this section only if: (1) The applicant states that the applicant is a member of the Delaware Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation; and (2) The Delaware Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation certifies that the applicant is an active member of that organization. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title is required for registration under this section; however, the original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee, which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purposes of administering this section and to fund Division of Motor Vehicle projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) The Department shall reserve sufficient license plates including the letters “WT” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are required for this section. (e) Upon notification from the Delaware Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation that an individual is no longer an active member of that organization, the Department shall notify the license plate holder to surrender the license plate to the Department within 30 days.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2139Z Special license plates for Keep Delaware Beautiful.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle of a special Keep Delaware Beautiful registration. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck or trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles have covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (f) of this section. (e) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by a committee of at least 3 persons including representation of both the Division of Motor Vehicles and Keep Delaware Beautiful. The size, composition, and operation of the committee shall be determined by, and at the discretion of, the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The license plate may also include words, a slogan or an emblem indicating support for, or interest in, the mission of Keep Delaware Beautiful. The committee may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof a slogan related to Keep Delaware Beautiful or its mission. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would be inappropriate or cause a public safety enforcement problem. (f) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be forwarded to a special fund account to be known as the Keep Delaware Beautiful License Fund to be used to support its mission to beautify the State and reduce litter. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140 Special registration plates for members of nonprofit organizations [For application of this section, see 85 Del. Laws, c. 40, § 15].

(a) The owner of a motor vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section who is a member of a nonprofit organization considered eligible by the Division of Motor Vehicles may apply to the Division for the assignment of a special registration plate for such vehicle. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A passenger vehicle; (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity; or (3) A van with a 3 / 4 -ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) The applicant must submit acceptable proof, as required by the Division, that the applicant is a member in good standing or is otherwise eligible for the issuance of such special plate. (d) No fee in addition to the regular annual registration fee required by this title is required. However, upon the initial application for a special plate issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time administrative fee of $10 shall be assessed. (e) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of administering this section, notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (f) The nonprofit organization must pay a 1-time setup fee of $200 to the Division to establish the special plate. (g) At least 200 applications for special plates must be received from a specific organization before the Division of Motor Vehicles will approve the issuance. However, the minimum number of 200 does not apply to any of the following: (1) Survivors of Pearl Harbor. (2) Members of university or high school alumni associations, provided that at least 25 applications for special plates must be received from members of a given university or high school alumni association before the Division of Motor Vehicles will approve the issuance of special plates for that particular university or high school alumni association. (3) Retired Delaware police officers. (4) Members of Delaware Nur Temple and the Service Alumni Association, provided that at least 100 applications for special plates must be received from members before the Division of Motor Vehicles will approve the issuance of the special plate. (5) Members of the Marine Corps League and Delaware Veterans of World War 2 Inc. provided that at least 100 applications for special plates must be received from members before the Division of Motor Vehicles will approve the issuance of the special plate. (6) Members of the Order of Eastern Star, Knights of Columbus, the Telephone Pioneers of America, Lions Club International, and the Senior Olympics, provided that at least 100 applications for special plates must be received from members of any of the said organizations before the Division of Motor Vehicles will approve the issuance of a special plate for that organization, except for the Telephone Pioneers of America who must have a minimum of 75 applications for special plates before the Division of Motor Vehicles will approve the issuance of a special plate for the organization. (7) Members of “Fraternal Order of Firemen Wilmington Retired Firefighters,” provided that at least 50 applications for special plates must be received from members of such organization before the Division of Motor Vehicles will approve the issuance of the special plate. (8) Members of the “USSVI, Mid-Atlantic Base,” the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc., organization, provided that at least 35 applications for special plates be received from members of such organization before the Division of Motor Vehicles will approve the issuance of the special plate. (9) Members of the “Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Delaware,” provided that at least 25 applications for special plates must be received from members of such organization before the Division of Motor Vehicles will approve the issuance of the special plate. (10) Members of “atTAcK addiction,” provided that at least 50 applications for special plates must be received from members of the organization before the Division of Motor Vehicles will approve the issuance of the special plate. (h) The numbers and letters assigned to these special plates must be such that they can be integrated with the Division’s computerized vehicle registration records. (i) The Division of Motor Vehicles may refuse to issue special registration plates when it is deemed not in the best interest of the State. (j) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued pursuant to paragraph (g)(1), (g)(5), or (g)(8) of this section is deceased, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. (k) The Department upon receipt of any official correspondence from the organization advising that the individual to which a special plate has been issued is no longer affiliated with such organization such special plate shall be forfeited and/or revoked immediately. ( l ) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140A Environmental license plates.

(a) The owner of a motor vehicle may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special environmental license plate. (b) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division which shall cover the cost of the plate. (c) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. (d) The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. No special numbers or letters will be authorized for these plates. The Division of Motor Vehicles may at its discretion drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof an environmental slogan. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside and divided equally between: (1) The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays; and (2) The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Incorporated. (f) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140B Special license plates for Delaware sport fishing license plates.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for the assignment to that vehicle 1 of 2 special Delaware sport fishing license plates either a freshwater design or a saltwater design registration. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a ¾-ton or smaller manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) Upon the initial application for either of these plates to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $95, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for administrative costs. (e) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by a committee of at least 3 persons including representation of the Division of Motor Vehicles, The Delaware Advisory Council of Recreational Fishing Funding and the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The size, composition, and operation of the committee shall be determined by, and at the discretion of, the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The license plate may also include words, a slogan or an emblem indicating support for, or interest in, the mission of promoting both saltwater and freshwater fishing in the State. The committee may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof a slogan related to recreational fishing. The committee may change the species design of fish on both the saltwater and freshwater license plate every 3 to 5 years as deemed needed by both the Delaware Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing Funding and the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would be inappropriate or cause a public safety enforcement problem. (f) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $95 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall be deposited in the State Treasury and credited to a special fund account to be known as the “Delaware Recreational Fishing Enhancement Fund” and transferred to The Division of Fish and Wildlife quarterly in a manner deemed appropriate by the State Treasurer. The funds shall be used by the Division of Fish and Wildlife with advisory recommendations by the Delaware Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing Funding in support of its mission to enhance the pleasure of recreational saltwater and freshwater fishing in the State. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140C Special license plates honoring women’s military service [For application of this section, see 85 Del. Laws, c. 137, § 12].

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for assignment to that vehicle of a special plate “Honoring Women’s Military Service,” if the owner of the vehicle is a woman who possesses sufficient documentation to establish that she served the United States Armed Forces or the Delaware National Guard, either as a civilian or as a servicemember. (b) This section applies to only the following: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (3) A van with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) Upon the initial application for a license plate to be issued under this section, a 1-time fee of $20, which includes an administrative fee of $10, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division of Motor Vehicles, to cover the cost of the replacement plate. (d) The Division of Motor Vehicles shall deposit with the State Treasurer the funds derived by this State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $20 that is not defined as an administrative fee under subsection (c) of this section. The deposited funds must be specifically set aside and deposited with the Department of Veterans Affairs for its deposit in the Veterans Trust Fund. (e) All plates issued under this section must be of the colors and design as determined by the Delaware Women’s Military Service Monument Committee. The plate may also include words, a slogan, or an emblem honoring Delaware women’s military services. The Committee may drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in lieu thereof “Delaware Women’s Military Monument”. The Division of Motor Vehicles may refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (f) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the letters “WMS” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (g) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate under this section was issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists, the Department shall write to the representative of that individual’s estate, requesting that the plate be returned to the Department within 90 days. (h) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140D Delaware State Fair Centennial limited edition special license plates.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for a Delaware State Fair Centennial special registration plate. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) A vehicle that is owned by a business and does not exceed the weight limit under paragraph (b)(3) of this section. (3) A truck or trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less, whether it is owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $100, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for this special plate. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a $15 fee to the Division. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for administrative costs. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $100 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall be deposited by the Department with the State Treasurer and shall be forwarded to a special fund account for the Delaware State Fair. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be the colors and design as determined by the Department in conjunction with representatives from the Delaware State Fair Board of Directors.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140E Special bicycle friendly license plates.

(a) The owner of a motor vehicle may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for the assignment to that vehicle of a special “Bicycle Friendly Delaware” registration plate. (b) Upon the initial application for the plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $40, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division of Motor Vehicles, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (c) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles have covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to the subsection (f) of this section. (d) After making the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, the owner shall pay a $25 surcharge annually for each plate in addition to the regular registration fee. (e) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by a committee of at least 3 persons including representation of both the Division of Motor Vehicles and Bike Delaware, Inc. The size, composition, and operation of the committee shall be determined by, and at the discretion of, the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles. The numbers or letters assigned will be the same as the current registration plate assigned to the vehicle. The plate may also include words, a slogan, an emblem or a design indicating support for, or interest in, bicycling or the mission of Bike Delaware. The Committee may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof either “Bicycle Friendly Delaware” or “Bicycle Friendly.” The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would be inappropriate or cause a public safety enforcement problem. (f) The funds derived from the State from that portion of the initial fee of $40 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsections (b) and (c) of this section and the $25 surcharge under subsection (d) shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer, and said funds shall be used to support Bike Delaware, Inc.’s mission to promote safe nonmotorized transportation for Delaware residents.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140F Special registration plates for members of a motorcycle club.

(a) An owner of a motorcycle may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles (“Division”) for a motorcycle club’s special registration plate for the motorcycle under this section if both of the following apply. (1) The owner has completed or, at the time of application, is enrolled in an experienced rider course offered by the Division or another entity under § 2726 of this title. If the owner is enrolled in the course at the time of application, the owner must provide verification of completion of the course to the motorcycle club to which the owner belongs. (2) The owner is a member in good standing with the motorcycle club represented by the special registration plate. (b) An owner of a motorcycle must provide the Division with acceptable proof that the owner is a member in good standing with the motorcycle club to receive the motorcycle club’s special registration plate. (c) The Division must receive at least 25 applications for a motorcycle club’s special registration plate before the Division may approve the issuance of the special registration plate, including from any of the following motorcycle clubs: (1) Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.) of Delaware, Inc. (2) Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Delaware. (3) Green Knights International Military Motorcycle Club. (4) Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. (5) Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club. (6) American Legion Riders Motorcycle Club. (7) Vietnam Legacy Veterans Motorcycle Club. (d) The numbers and letters assigned to special registration plates under this section must be such that the numbers and letters can be integrated with the Division’s computerized vehicle registration records. (e) The Division may refuse to issue a special registration plate when the Division deems it not in the best interest of the State. (f) (1) Upon the initial application for a special registration plate under this section, a 1-time fee of $20, which includes an administrative fee of $10, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. (2) The fee under paragraph (f)(1) of this section is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. (3) A replacement special registration plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which must cover the cost of the plate. (g) The Division shall deposit with the State Treasurer the nonadministrative portion of the fee under paragraph (f)(1) of this section. The State Treasurer must place the deposited funds in a special account. The Division must use the funds in deposited in the special account only for the expenses incurred in the administration of the motorcycle rider education program. (h) The Division shall revoke a special registration plate issued under this section if either of the following occur: (1) A motorcycle club provides the Division with official correspondence advising the Division that an owner of a motorcycle to which a special registration plate has been issued has not completed an experienced rider course within 6 months of the receipt of the special registration plate. (2) A motorcycle club provides the Division with official correspondence advising the Division that an owner of a motorcycle to which a special registration plate has been issued is no longer affiliated with the club. (i) The Department may promulgate rules and regulations to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140G Delaware State Education Association centennial limited edition special license plates.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for a Delaware State Education Association centennial special registration plate. (b) This section applies to any of the following: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufactures rated capacity. (3) A van with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time administrative fee of $15 is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a $15 fee to the Division. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for administrative costs. (e) Upon receipt of information by the Department that the individual to whom the special plate under this section was issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists, the Department shall write to the representative of that individual’s estate, requesting that the plate be returned to the Department within 90 days. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be the colors and design as determined by the Department in conjunction with representatives from the Delaware State Education Association Board of Directors.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140H Special registration plates supporting migratory shorebirds.

(a) An owner of a motor vehicle may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles (“Division”) for the assignment to that motor vehicle of a migratory shorebird special registration plate. (b) (1) On the initial application for a special registration plate under this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual fee required by this title. After making the initial application for a special registration plate under this section, an owner of a motor vehicle shall pay a $25 annual surcharge for each plate, in addition to the regular registration fee. (2) The 1-time fee and annual surcharge under paragraph (b)(1) of this section are required for all persons applying for a special registration plate under this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. (3) A replacement special registration plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which must cover the cost of the plate. (c) The Division shall deposit the moneys collected under paragraph (b)(1) of this section into a special fund for the purpose of promoting the sale of the special registration plate and administering this section. The Division shall apply the proceeds remaining after the Division has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section as provided under subsection (d) of this section. (d) The Division shall deposit with the State Treasurer the annual surcharge and the nonadministrative portion of the 1-time fee required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section. The State Treasurer shall direct the deposited funds to the Delaware Ornithological Society for use to support its mission. (e) (1) All special registration plates issued under this section must be of the colors and design as determined by the Delaware Ornithological Society and a member of the Division. (2) The numbers and letters assigned by the Division must be the same as the registration plate assigned to an owner’s motor vehicle at the time of the application for the special registration plate. The Division may not assign special numbers or letters for special registration plates issued under this section. (3) The Division may refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (f) The Division may promulgate rules and regulation to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140I Special registration plates supporting autism awareness and acceptance.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special “Autism Awareness and Acceptance” registration plate. (b) This section applies to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle, including a truck or trailer, with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle described in this paragraph may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A truck that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (IRP), individually, or as part of a combination of vehicles, as defined § 101 of this title, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside and deposited with the Autism Delaware, Inc. for its deposit in the Autism Awareness and Acceptance Fund. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Autism Delaware, Inc. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The committee may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof the wording “Autism Awareness” or “Autism Acceptance”. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140J Special registration plates for suicide prevention, awareness, and support.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special “Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Support” registration plate. The Division shall issue the plate once the required number of applications is received. (b) This section applies to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle, including a truck or trailer, with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle described in this paragraph may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A truck that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (IRP), individually, or as part of a combination of vehicles, as defined § 101 of this title, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Division of Motor Vehicles and the suicide prevention, awareness, and support organization. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The committee may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof the wording “Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Support” or “Suicide Prevention”. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140K Special license plate for atTAcK addiction.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special “atTAcK addiction” registration plate. (b) This section applies to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; (2) A truck with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; or (3) A van with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time administrative fee of $10 is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. The additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if the members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee set by the Division of Motor Vehicles to cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for administrative costs and promoting the sale of the plate. (e) The Division shall reserve sufficient license plates starting with the prefix “WE” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “2” as required for this section. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be the colors and design of blue/gold with the organization logo placed to the left side of the plate and Delaware listed at the top or bottom of the plate as determined by the Division of Motor Vehicles in conjunction with the atTAcK addiction organization. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140L Special license plates for Combat Infantry Badge holders [For application of this section, see 85 Del. Laws, c. 137, § 12].

(a) (1) The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may apply to the Department for assignment to that vehicle of a special Combat Infantry Badge registration number; provided, however, that the owner of the vehicle must possess and present official documentation which indicates that the owner is a Combat Infantry Badge holder. (2) This section applies only to the following: a. A private passenger vehicle; or b. A truck with a 3 / 4 -ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (b) Special registration may be issued by the Department under this section if the United States Department of Defense certifies that the applicant is a Combat Infantry Badge holder. The Division shall issue the plate once the required number of applications is received. (c) No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration under this section; provided, however, that an original application under this section shall be subject to a $10 administrative fee which shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section and to fund Department projects notwithstanding the provisions of Chapters 13 and 14 of Title 2 to the contrary. (d) Only 1 such plate shall be issued to an applicant. (e) The Department shall reserve sufficient special license plates including the prefix “CIB” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as are necessary to implement this section. (f) Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, Upon receipt by the Department of information that the individual to whom the special plate has been issued has died, the surviving spouse may transfer the plate to a vehicle owned by the spouse that meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as a valid registration plate. No fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for registration. If no spouse exists, the Department shall write to the representative of that person’s estate, requesting that such plate be returned to the Department within 90 days. (g) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be the colors and design as determined by the Department in conjunction with representatives from the Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (h) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140M Special registration plates supporting the Boy Scouts of America.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special “Boy Scouts of America” registration plate. (b) This section applies to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle, including a truck or trailer, with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle described in this paragraph may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A truck that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (IRP), individually, or as part of a combination of vehicles, pursuant to § 420 of this title, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside and deposited with Del-Mar-Va Council, Boy Scouts of America. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Boy Scouts of America. The numbers or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The committee may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof the wording “Boy Scouts of America”. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140N Special registration plates for the Delaware State Police.

(a) The Department of Safety and Homeland Security may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special Delaware State Police registration plate. (b) This section applies to the following vehicles owned by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and assigned to the Delaware State Police: (1) A “motorcycle” as defined in § 101 of this title. (2) A private passenger vehicle. (3) A truck or van with a 3 / 4 ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time administrative fee of $10 is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee set by the Division of Motor Vehicles to cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for administrative costs related to the issuance of the plate. (e) The Division shall reserve sufficient license plates starting with the prefix “ST” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “2” as required for this section. Any other valid license plates beginning with the prefix “ST” and already assigned are not subject to this section. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be the colors and design of the Delaware State Police as determined by the Division of Motor Vehicles in conjunction with the Delaware State Police. The registration plate issued pursuant to this section need not bear a specific registration sticker indicating the expiration date. Instead, the Superintendent of the State Police shall maintain accurate records which reflect the fleet vehicles assigned to a specialty license plate. Such records shall be provided to the Department upon request. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140O Special registration plates supporting Plastic Free Delaware.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special waste reduction registration plate. The Division shall issue the plate if it receives at least 200 of such applications. (b) This section applies to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle, including a truck or trailer, with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle described in this paragraph may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A truck that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (IRP), individually, or as part of a “combination of vehicles,” as defined § 101 of this title, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsection (c) and (d) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside and deposited to support education and outreach programs in Plastic Free Delaware’s Fund. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Division and Plastic Free Delaware, Inc. The numbers and letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The committee may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in lieu thereof the wording agreed upon with the organization. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140P Special registration plates supporting Whitetails Unlimited.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for a special “Whitetails Unlimited” registration plate. (b) This section applies only to: (1) A private passenger vehicle; or (2) A truck with a ¾-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time administrative fee of $10 is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. The additional fee is required for members of nonprofit organizations even if the members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee set by the Division of Motor Vehicles to cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for administrative costs and promoting the sale of the plate. (e) The Division shall reserve sufficient license plates starting with the prefix “WTU” and numbered consecutively beginning with the numeral “1” as required for this section. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be the colors and design of blue/gold with the organization logo placed to the left side of the plate and “Delaware” listed at the top or bottom of the plate as determined by the Division of Motor Vehicles in conjunction with Whitetails Unlimited. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section. A minimum of 200 applicants for this plate shall be required prior to issuance of the plate.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140Q Special registration plates supporting Delaware Greenwing Ducks Unlimited.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special Greenwing Ducks Unlimited registration plate. The Division shall issue the plate if it receives at least 200 of such applications. (b) This section applies to any of the following: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle, including a truck or trailer, with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle described in this paragraph may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A truck that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (IRP), individually, or as part of a “combination of vehicles,” as defined in § 101 of this title, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division of Motor Vehicles, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) After making the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, the owner shall pay a $35 annual surcharge for each plate in addition to the regular registration fee. (e) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (f) of this section. (f) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 and the $35 annual surcharge that are not defined as administrative fees pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside and deposited for the Greenwing Members of Delaware Ducks Unlimited deposit in the Greenwing Delaware Ducks Unlimited Fund. (g) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Greenwing Delaware Ducks Unlimited. The numbers and letters assigned to the license plate will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The committee may drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in its place “Greenwing Ducks Unlimited.” (h) The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140R Special registration plates supporting University of Delaware Athletics Community and Campus Recreation

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special Delaware Blue Hens registration plate. The Division shall issue the plate if it receives at least 200 of such applications. (b) This section applies to any of the following: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle, including a truck or trailer, with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle described in this paragraph may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A truck that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (IRP), individually, or as part of a “combination of vehicles,” as defined in § 101 of this title, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division of Motor Vehicles, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50, that are not defined as administrative fees pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside and deposited to Support the Delaware Blue Hens deposit in the University of Delaware Athletics Community and Campus Recreation Fund. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Division of Motor Vehicles and by University Athletics Community and Campus Recreation. The numbers and letters assigned to the license plate will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The committee may drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in its place “Support Delaware Blue Hens.” (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140S United Way of Delaware Pride Council special license plate.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles (“Division”) for a special United Way of Delaware Pride Council license plate. The Division shall issue the plate only if the Division receives at least 200 applications for the plate. (b) This section only applies to the following: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle or trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (“GVWR”) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle or trailer described in this paragraph (b)(2) may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A motor vehicle that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (“IRP”), individually, or as part of a combination of vehicles, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c)(1) On the initial application for a plate to be issued under this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. (2) The initial application fee under paragraph (c)(1) of this section is required for any person applying for the plate, including a member of a nonprofit organization, even if the member is exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. (3) A replacement plate may be obtained on payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which must cover the cost of the plate. (d) The Division shall deposit the 1-time administrative fee collected under subsection (c) of this section into a special fund and use the fund for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division has covered the costs of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section must be applied under subsection (e) of this section. (e) The funds derived by the State from the portion of the 1-time fee of $50 under subsection (c) of this section other than the funds spent by the Division under subsection (d) of this section must be deposited by the Division with the State Treasurer and must be specifically set aside in the United Way of Delaware Pride Council’s Fund for use by the United Way of Delaware Pride Council to support its mission to organize community resources to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth and adults in Delaware. (f) The design for all plates issued under this section must be submitted by the United Way of Delaware Pride Council for final color and design approval by the Division, and are subject to the following: (1) The wording, “The First State”, may be dropped and substituted with the wording “LGBTQ+ Pride”. (2) A plate may not be solely black and white in color. (3) The Division may refuse any design that it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The numbers, letters, or both, assigned will be the same as the license plate assigned to the owner’s vehicle at the time of the application for the plate. (h) The Division may promulgate regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140T William Penn High School special license plate.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles (“Division”) for a special William Penn High School license plate. The Division shall issue the plate only if it receives at least 200 applications for the plate. (b) This section only applies to the following: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle or trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (“GVWR”) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle or trailer described in this paragraph (b)(2) may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A motor vehicle that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (“IRP”), individually, or as part of a combination of vehicles, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c) (1) On the initial application for a plate to be issued under this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. (2) The initial application fee under paragraph (c)(1) of this section is required for any person applying for the plate, including a member of a nonprofit organization, even if the member is exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. (3) A replacement plate may be obtained on payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which must cover the cost of the plate. (d) The Division shall deposit the 1-time administrative fee collected under subsection (c) of this section into a special fund and use the fund for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division has covered the costs of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section must be applied under subsection (e) of this section. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $50 under subsection (c) of this section other than the funds spent by the Division under subsection (d) of this section must be deposited by the Division with the State Treasurer and must be specifically set aside in the scholarship fund for use by the William Penn Alumni Association Fund to support its mission to raise funding for scholarships and organize community events sponsored by the high school. (f) The design for all plates issued under this section must be submitted by the William Penn Alumni Association for final color and design approval by the Division, and are subject to the following: (1) The wording, “The First State” , may be dropped and substituted with the wording “William Penn High School.” (2) A plate may not be solely black and white in color. (3) The Division may refuse any design that it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The numbers, letters, or both, assigned will be the same as the license plate assigned to the owner’s vehicle at the time of the application for the plate. (h) The Division may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140U Delaware’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary special license plate [Expires Dec. 31, 2026, pursuant to 85 Del. Laws, c. 219, § 1].

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles (“Division”) for a special Delaware 250 license plate. The Division shall issue the plate only if the Division receives at least 200 applications for the plate. (b) This section only applies to the following: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle or trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (“GVWR”) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle or trailer described in this paragraph (b)(2) may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A motor vehicle that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (“IRP”), individually, or as part of a combination of vehicles, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c) (1) On the initial application for a plate to be issued under this section, a 1-time fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. (2) The initial application fee under paragraph (c)(1) of this section is required for any person applying for the plate, including a member of a nonprofit organization, even if the member is exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. (3) A replacement plate may be obtained on payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which must cover the cost of the plate. (d) The Division shall deposit the 1-time administrative fee collected under subsection (c) of this section into a special fund and use the fund for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division has covered the costs of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section must be applied under subsection (e) of this section. (e) (1) The funds derived by the State from the portion of the 1-time fee of $50 under subsection (c) of this section, other than the funds spent by the Division under subsection (d) of this section, must be deposited by the Division with the State Treasurer and must be specifically set aside in the name of Delaware 250 Fund for use by Delaware 250 in support of Delaware’s celebration of America’s 250 th anniversary. (2) Delaware 250 may determine how to spend the moneys in the Delaware 250 Fund, including which expenditures support Delaware’s celebration of America’s 250 th anniversary. (f) The design for all plates issued under this section must be submitted by Delaware 250 for final color and design approval by the Division, and are subject to the following: (1) The wording, “The First State”, may be dropped and substituted with the wording “Delaware 250”. (2) A plate may not be solely black and white in color. (3) The Division may refuse any design that it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The numbers, letters, or both, assigned will be the same as the license plate assigned to the owner’s vehicle at the time of the application for the plate. (h) The Division may promulgate regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140V Special license plates supporting Preservation Delaware, Inc.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles (“Division”) for a special Preservation Delaware, Inc. license plate. The Division shall issue the plate only if the Division receives at least 200 applications for the plate. (b) This section only applies to the following: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) A motor vehicle, including a truck or trailer, with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle or trailer described in this paragraph (b)(2) may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A motor vehicle that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (IRP), individually, or as part of a combination of vehicles, may not be issued a special license plate under this section. (c) (1) On the initial application for a special license plate to be issued under this section, a 1-time administrative fee of $50, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. (2) The initial application fee under paragraph (c)(1) of this section is required for a person applying for the plate, including a member of a non-profit organization, even if the member is exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. (3) A replacement plate may be obtained on payment of a fee set by the Division, which must cover the cost of the plate. (d) The Division shall deposit the 1-time administrative fee collected under subsection (c) of this section into a special fund and use the fund for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division has covered the costs of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section must be applied under subsection (e) of this section. (e) The funds derived by the State from the portion of the 1-time fee of $50 under subsection (c) of this section, other than the funds spent by the Division under subsection (d) of this section, must be deposited by the Division with the State Treasurer and must be specifically set aside in the Preservation Delaware, Inc. Fund for use by Preservation Delaware, Inc. (f) The design for all special license plates issued under this section must be submitted by Preservation Delaware, Inc. for final color and design approval by the Division, and are subject to the following: (1) The Division may drop the wording, “The First State,” and substitute in lieu thereof the wording agreed to with Preservation Delaware, Inc. (2) A plate may not be solely black and white in color. (3) The Division may refuse any design that the Division believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. (g) The numbers, letters, or both, assigned will be the same as the license plate assigned to the owner’s vehicle at the time of the application for the plate. (h) The Division may promulgate regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2140W Special registration plates supporting Delaware State University.

(a) The owner of any vehicle described in subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a special Delaware State University registration plate. The Division shall issue the plate if it receives at least 200 of such applications. (b) This section only applies to the following: (1) A private passenger vehicle. (2) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)b. of this section, a motor vehicle, including a truck or trailer, with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. a. The motor vehicle described in this paragraph may be owned by an individual or an artificial entity, including corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint-stock company. b. A truck that qualifies to register for the International Registration Plan (IRP), individually, or as part of a “combination of vehicles,” as defined § 101 of this title, may not be issued a special plate under this section. (c) Upon the initial application for a plate to be issued pursuant to this section, a 1-time fee of $65, which includes an administrative fee of $15, is required in addition to the annual registration fee required by this title. This additional fee is required for all persons applying for a special plate pursuant to this section, including members of nonprofit organizations, even if members are exempt from registration fees under § 2159 of this title. A replacement plate may be obtained upon payment of a fee to be set by the Division, which shall cover the cost of the plate. (d) The 1-time administrative fee collected pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be deposited into a special fund and used by the Division of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of promoting the sale of the plate and administering this section. Proceeds remaining after the Division of Motor Vehicles has covered the costs of promoting and administering this section shall be applied pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. (e) The funds derived by the State from that portion of the 1-time fee of $65 that is not defined as an administrative fee pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall be deposited by the Division of Motor Vehicles with the State Treasurer and shall be specifically set aside and deposited to support Delaware State University’s deposit in the Delaware State University Fund. (f) All registration plates issued pursuant to this section shall be of the colors and design as determined by the Division and Delaware State University. The numbers and/or letters assigned will be the same as the current license plate assigned to the vehicle. The committee may, at its discretion, drop the wording “The First State” and substitute in place thereof the wording Delaware State University. (g) The Division of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to refuse any design which it believes would cause a public safety enforcement problem. The Division of Motor Vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations as required to administer this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2141 Inspection places.

The Department shall provide and maintain 1 or more places in each county together with such facilities and such number of qualified inspectors as may be required for registration and inspection purposes.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2142 Purpose of inspections.

Inspection shall be for the purpose of determining whether a vehicle is in a safe and fit condition to be operated upon the highways of the State, and whether it is equipped in the manner provided by law.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2143 Inspection of motor vehicle before registration; exception; vehicles outside State.

(a) Before the Department registers, renews the registration of or reregisters a motor vehicle required to be registered under this title, such vehicle shall first be inspected by the Department and determined to be safe and fit for operation and found equipped according to law. The Department may waive all inspection requirements with respect to the registration of new motor vehicles and the initial registration or renewal of vehicles no older than 7 model years. Upon application, subject to approval by the Secretary, the Department may assign to a motor vehicle dealer the authority to perform safety and vehicle identification number (VIN) inspections on motor vehicles, 7 model years old or newer, as such inspections relate to the motor vehicle’s registration or reregistration, provided that the motor vehicle is owned by that motor vehicle dealer and such inspection occurs at a motor vehicle dealer facility. (b) Upon application, subject to approval by the Secretary, the Department may waive such inspection requirements with respect to the renewal of registration of a vehicle registered in this State which is not in this State at the time the inspection is required, provided that an out of state inspection, certified on forms prescribed by the Secretary, is submitted to the Department. It shall be the duty of the owner of any vehicle so inspected to submit such vehicle for inspection by the Department within 10 days after the date the vehicle is returned to this State. (c) Upon application, subject to the approval by the Secretary, the Department may waive such registration requirements with respect to new or used motor vehicles where a fleet account is involved. A fleet account shall consist of 10 or more vehicles. The inspection requirements may be waived provided there are adequate inspection and repair facilities at the fleet headquarters located in this State. Such fleet account waiver shall not apply to fleets of school buses which transport pupils of any public, parochial or private school of the State. For the purposes of this subsection only, any trailer which requires inspection shall qualify as a motor vehicle. (d) The Department shall waive the requirement for inspection for those small trailers with a gross weight of vehicle and load of 4,000 pounds or less, which are not required to be equipped with brakes. (e) The Department shall waive the requirement for inspection for fire trucks, fire engines, rescue trucks, ladder trucks, tank trucks, tank trailers and ambulances which are used by fire companies, and volunteer ambulance and rescue services in this State; provided, that at the time of the renewal of registrations for these vehicles, the principal officer of such company shall present a certification that each vehicle has been inspected by the officer or the officer’s designee and that it is safe to operate on the streets and highways and equipped according to law. The waiver shall not apply to passenger cars owned or used by fire companies. (f) The Department shall waive the requirement for inspection for all vehicles or motor vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan pursuant to Chapter 4 of this title. The Department may adopt rules and/or procedures to implement this subsection.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2144 Other inspections; procedure; duty of owner.

(a) At any time and notwithstanding the possession of current registration plates, as provided by this title, the Secretary, or any authorized agent of the Department or any police officer may, upon reasonable cause, require the owner or operator of a vehicle to stop and submit such vehicle and the equipment to such further inspection and test with reference thereto as may be appropriate. In the event such vehicle is found to be in an unsafe condition or lacking the required equipment or is not in proper repair and adjustment, the officer shall give a written notice to the driver and shall send a copy thereof to the Department. The notice shall require that such vehicle and its equipment be placed in safe condition and in proper repair and adjustment and/or that proper equipment be obtained, and that a certificate of inspection and approval for such vehicle be obtained within 5 days thereafter. (b) Every owner or driver upon receiving the notice prescribed in subsection (a) of this section shall comply therewith and shall, within the 5-day period, secure an endorsement upon such notice by an inspector of the Department that such vehicle is in safe condition and properly equipped and its equipment in proper repair and adjustment and shall then forward the notice to the Department. No person shall operate any such vehicle after receiving a notice with reference thereto as above provided, except as may be necessary to return such vehicle to the residence or the place of business of the owner or driver if within a distance of 20 miles or to a garage until the vehicle and its equipment has been placed in proper repair and adjustment and otherwise made to conform to the requirements of this title.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2145 School bus inspection.

All school buses which transport pupils of any public, parochial or private school of this State shall receive a special inspection twice yearly at such time and place as specified by Department regulations. At such inspection each school bus shall be inspected by the Department to determine if it is safe and fit for operation and properly equipped, and a special check shall be accomplished with respect to specific school bus safety features in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the Department.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2146 Regulation of vehicular flow through inspection places.

The Department shall adopt and enforce by July 1, 1969, such administrative rules and regulations as may be necessary to insure an even distribution of vehicular inspections at the inspection places in each county on a monthly basis.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2147 Reconstructed motor vehicles.

(a) Any motor vehicle that is more than 25 years old with a title brand of “reconstructed” that does not qualify to be registered as an antique motor vehicle under this chapter shall be exempt from emissions testing by the Division of Motor Vehicles. The vehicle must continue to meet and be inspected for safety and anti-tampering requirements for its model year. (b) A vehicle exempt from emissions testing as set forth in subsection (a) of this section shall only be used for participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, and similar uses, but in no event shall it be used for general transportation or 1,000 miles per year. (c) Vehicles exempted under subsection (a) of this section shall provide a self-certification that the vehicle had not traveled in excess of the mileage allowed under subsection (b) of this section. If this certification is not submitted or the vehicle had traveled in excess of the mileage allowed, the vehicle will be deemed no longer eligible for the exemption.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2151 Fee schedule; time of payment [For application of this section, see 85 Del. Laws, c. 40, § 15].

At the time of application for the registration of a motor vehicle and prior to the issuance of the current registration plates required by this title, there shall be paid to the Department registration fees according to the following schedule: (1) For the registration of any motorcycle, $15 per year. (2) For the registration of each motor vehicle commonly used for pleasure or for the chief purpose of carrying persons (except motor vehicles commonly known as passenger buses) and including station wagons, $40 per year. (3) For the registration of other motor vehicles, including those propelled by diesel engines, $40 per year if the gross load weight does not exceed 5,000 pounds, and an additional $18 per year for each 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof over and above 5,000 pounds. The gross load weight shall be the weight of the chassis, body, equipment and maximum allowable load as specified by the application. (4) Such vehicles as are authorized to operate or to be moved as provided by § 4504 of this title shall be registered in the same manner as other vehicles. The fee for such registration shall be at the same rate required for trucks and semitrailers. (5) For the registration of any recreational vehicle or recreational trailer, the fee shall be $40 per year if the gross load weight of the vehicle or trailer does not exceed 5,000 pounds, and in the event the gross load weight exceeds 5,000 pounds, $6.40 per year for each 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof over and above 5,000 pounds. The gross load weight shall be the weight of the chassis, body, equipment and maximum allowable load as specified by the application. (6) A fee of $20, in addition to the registration fee, shall be imposed at the time of renewal of registration of a motor vehicle or semitrailer if the Delaware registration has expired. This fee may not be imposed if the registration has expired over 12 months or if a permit has been purchased for the vehicle pursuant to § 2103 of this title. The fee may not be imposed if a transfer of ownership on the vehicle has taken place or if the motor vehicle or trailer has been inspected prior to the expiration of registration. (7) Of each of the motorcycle registration fees collected pursuant to paragraph (1) of this section the sum of $4.00 per year is appropriated to the Department of Transportation and shall be placed in a special account to be used only for the expenses incurred in the administration of the motorcycle rider education program and improved motorcycle licensing procedures. (8) For the registration of a motor farm truck owned and used exclusively by a farmer who derives at least $1,000 of the farmer’s annual income from the operation of the farmer’s farm and who owns or rents at least 10 acres which are actively used in the farming operation from which the farmer derives that income, the fee is $40 per year if the gross load weight does not exceed 5,000 pounds, and an additional $3.80 per year for each 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof over and above 5,000 pounds. The gross load weight is as calculated in paragraph (3) of this section, but in no case shall the required fee for motor vehicles, except trailers, under this paragraph be less than $40 per year. (9) For the registration of a farm motor vehicle, farm vehicle, or farm trailer owned and used exclusively by a farmer who derives at least $1,000 of the farmer’s annual income from the operation of the farmer’s farm and the farmer owns or rents at least 10 acres which are actively used in the farming operation from which the farmer derives that income, and are operated or towed within a 20-mile radius of a farm owned or managed by the owner of the vehicle or trailer, there is a 1-time fee of $10. (10) For the registration of trailers with a gross weight of 1,000 pounds or less the fee is $15 per year; if a trailer’s gross load weight exceeds 1,000 pounds there shall be an additional fee of $5.00 per year for each 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof over and above the 1,000 pounds up to a maximum of 2,000 pounds. The fee for the registration of trailers with a gross weight exceeding 2,000 pounds is as provided in paragraph (3) of this section. (11) The Secretary of the Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture shall promulgate regulations as necessary for the administration and implementation of this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2151A Alternative fuel registration fees [For application of this section, see 85 Del. Laws, c. 40, § 15].

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2152 Optional provision for tractor trailer units.

(a) The owner of every pickup truck, truck or truck tractor which is used to pull a semitrailer may elect to have the total gross load weight of the pickup truck, truck or truck tractor and semitrailer assessed against the pickup truck, truck or truck tractor and to pay the fees set forth in § 2151(3) of this title by filing with the Department an election form as provided by the Secretary. (b) Upon election to have the total gross load weight assessed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, an owner may have not more than 3 semitrailers, as designated by the owner, registered upon the payment of a $40 per year fee for each designated semitrailer. No other fee for registration of the semitrailer shall be required. (c) The Secretary shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2153 Fee for manufacturers’, transporters’, automotive recyclers’ and dealers’ plates.

Manufacturers, transporters, automotive recyclers and dealers who qualify under this chapter for special number plates shall pay to the Department for each calendar year $10 for each set of special plates. These special number plates may be issued for 1 or 2 years at a fee of $10 per plate for each year.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2154 Special number plates for towed stock cars and other motor vehicles.

(a) An owner of a stock car of the type used for racing may apply to the Department, upon appropriate forms provided by the Department, for a special plate which shall be displayed on the stock car when it is being towed upon the highways. (b) A person whose business involves towing motor vehicles upon the highways may apply to the Department, upon appropriate forms provided by the Department, for a special plate or plates, which shall be displayed on motor vehicle(s) when being towed upon the highways by such person in the course of such person’s business. (c) Special plates issued pursuant to this section shall not be displayed on trailers, construction vehicles or vehicles being operated under their own power. (d) Special plates issued pursuant to this section shall contain the words “towed vehicle” which shall distinguish them from other plates issued under this chapter. (e) Special plates issued pursuant to this section shall not be assigned to a particular vehicle and may be used by the applicant on any towed vehicle except those vehicles excluded under subsection (c) of this section. (f) The fee for each special plate issued pursuant to this section is $10 per year. The plate may be originally issued or renewed for 1 or 2 years, and shall expire at midnight on December 31 of the year of expiration. (g) [Repealed.]

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2155 Fees for half-year and quarter-year registration.

The registration fees for vehicles provided by this chapter shall be for a period of 12 months, but if the vehicle is registered or the registration renewed for a 6-month period, the applicant shall pay to the Department 1 / 2 of the annual registration fee and an additional fee of $1.00. If the registration is renewed for a 3-month period, the applicant shall pay to the Department 1 / 4 of the annual registration fee and an additional fee of $1.00. A renewal of a registration for a 3-month period shall be permitted only for a motor vehicle which has a gross registered weight of 18,000 pounds or more.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2156 Fee for convertible vehicles, station wagons and suburbans; gross load weight of buses.

(a) The registration fee for all convertible vehicles shall be ascertained upon the basis of the vehicle’s gross load weight. It shall be determined which is the greater, the gross load weight as a carrier of persons or the gross load weight as the carrier of property, and the greater gross load weight shall be the basis for calculating the required registration fees. The fee for all station wagons shall be the same as for vehicles used for pleasure as provided in § 2151 of this title. (b) The gross load weight of buses used for carrying persons shall be ascertained by multiplying the maximum number of persons the vehicle is provided to carry by 150 pounds and adding the result thereby obtained to the weight of the vehicle as specified in the application.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2157 Credit for registration fee on destroyed vehicle.

Whenever the Department is furnished with satisfactory evidence of the destruction of a motor vehicle, either complete or to such an extent as to render it impossible to operate such vehicle as a motor vehicle during the period for which it has been registered, and if the owner thereof desires to register another motor vehicle during the period for which such destroyed motor vehicle was registered, such owner shall be entitled to a credit on the new registration fee of the unexpired portion of the registration fee of the destroyed motor vehicle from the date of the new registration.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2158 Fee for duplicate certificate of registration, registration plate or validation sticker.

(a) The fee for a duplicate certificate of registration shall be $10. (b) The fee for a duplicate registration plate shall be $5.00. (c) The fee for a duplicate registration validation sticker shall be $5.00.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2159 Motor vehicles exempt from registration fees; plates for ambulances and fire and rescue trucks.

(a) The following motor vehicles shall be registered but shall be exempt from the payment of registration fees: (1) All motor vehicles of the State or any governmental agency thereof, including school buses owned by private contractors holding valid pupil transportation contracts with a school district or with the State Board of Education, or of any fire department, fire engine company, police department or any county or incorporated city or town thereof, used exclusively in the performance of the principal’s, official’s, employee’s or agent’s respective functions or duties; (2) All motor ambulances owned and used by any agency in this State for charitable purposes or for the benefit of any hospital or hospitals in this State; (3) All motor vehicles owned by any veteran’s organization and used by such organization in charitable or public welfare work; (4) All motor vehicles owned and used by the Delaware Civil Air Patrol (CAP) registered in this State and used by such organization for its respective functions or duties; (5) All motor vehicles owned by the American Red Cross and used by such organization in charitable or public welfare work; (6) All motor vehicles owned by the Salvation Army and used by such organization in charitable or public welfare work; (7) All motor vehicles owned by any organization exempt from tax under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code [26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)] and used by such organization in charitable or public welfare work; (8) All motor vehicles owned by a nonprofit educational foundation organized to promote instructional effectiveness and educational achievement. The Secretary shall furnish, without cost, certain number and registration plates for all such vehicles, of such design as will distinguish them from other plates for which fees are paid. Number and registration plates for certain motor vehicles of the fire departments and fire companies of this State shall have such design and bear such numbers, words and letters as are provided in subsection (b) of this section. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as exempting such vehicles from the requirement of inspection. (b) Number and registration plates furnished by the Secretary to fire departments and fire companies of this State for ambulances, fire trucks and rescue trucks shall have displayed thereon: (1) The capital letter “A” followed by the fire station or fire company number for ambulance plates; (2) The capital letter “FD” followed by the fire station or fire company number for fire truck plates; and (3) The capital letter “R” followed by the fire station or fire company number for rescue truck plates. In addition, such plates shall have displayed thereon the word “Delaware,” the words “THE FIRST STATE,” the expiration date of the plates, the vehicle number assigned to the vehicle by the fire company, department or other proper official or organization and red letters on white background.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2160 Optional 7-year registration plates for trailers.

(a) The owner of a fleet of trailers, meeting the requirements specified under § 2143(c) of this title, may elect to register such trailers for a 7-year period, by making application to the Department in accordance with this section. (b) The application shall be made on a form and contain information as prescribed by the Secretary. Upon payment of the required fees and upon meeting other requirements prescribed by the Secretary, there shall be issued, to each vehicle for which application has been made, a registration plate and validation sticker which shall be valid for 7 years, provided that all requirements of this section are complied with. (c) At the time application for registration or renewal of registration is made under this section, the applicant shall pay all fees required under this title for the first year of the 7-year plate. The applicant shall submit acceptable evidence of a surety bond in a form and with a surety approved by the Secretary and in an amount equal to the total registration fees required for all vehicles registered pursuant to this section to the applicant for the remaining 6 years. (d) The owner is required to pay all registration renewal fees for vehicles registered pursuant to this section on an annual basis prior to the expiration date of such registrations. (e) The Secretary may adopt rules and regulations necessary for the administration and enforcement of this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2160A Issuance of vehicle registration expiration notice upon request.

Upon request by a vehicle owner, the Department shall mail a vehicle registration expiration notice 40 days prior to the expiration of the registration for the vehicle. A minimum fee of $1.00 per notice to cover the cost of this service shall be paid to the Department at the time the request is made. The amount of the fee shall be revised annually by the Department pursuant to § 6531 of Title 29 to reflect the true cost of this service.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2161 Grounds for refusal to grant registration.

The Department shall not grant an application for the registration of a motor vehicle when: (1) The applicant is not entitled thereto under this title; (2) The applicant has neglected or refused to furnish the Department with the information required in the appropriate official form or to give reasonable additional information required by the Department; (3) Fees required therefor by law have not been paid; (4) The vehicle is in an unsafe and unfit condition to be operated upon the highways of this State and when it is not equipped in the manner provided by law.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2162 Rescission, cancellation or suspension of registration.

(a) The Department shall rescind, cancel or suspend the registration of a motor vehicle whenever the person to whom the registration card or registration or number plates therefor have been issued makes or permits to be made any unlawful use of the card or plates or permits the use thereof by a person not entitled thereto. (b) The Department shall rescind, cancel or suspend the registration of any motor vehicle if it is determined by the Department that such motor vehicle should not have been registered in this State or that the person to whom the registration card or registration or number plates therefor have been issued is not the owner of the vehicle or that such person has made or permitted to be made illegal use of the motor vehicle. (c) The Department shall rescind, cancel or suspend the registration of any motor vehicle and shall rescind, cancel, or suspend and shall take up the current registration plates of any motor vehicle which is determined by the Department at any time, upon inspection pursuant to this chapter, to be unsafe or unfit to be operated or to be not equipped as required by law. (d) The Department shall rescind, cancel or suspend the registration of a commercial motor vehicle if the commercial motor carrier responsible for its safety has been prohibited from operating by a federal agency.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2163 Appeal from decision of Department.

An appeal to the Superior Court of the county wherein the registrant resides may be taken from any decision of the Department refusing, rescinding, cancelling or suspending the registration of any motor vehicle.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2164 Registration and inspection of motor vehicles of disabled veterans.

Any motor vehicle owned by a veteran with a disability who shall ever have been eligible for certain benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq. or Public Law 538, 93rd Congress shall be registered, but shall be exempt from the payment of registration fees; provided that such exemption shall be limited to 1 automobile per eligible veteran at any 1 time. The Secretary shall furnish, without cost, number and registration plates for all such vehicles of such design as will distinguish them from other plates for which fees are paid. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as exempting such vehicles from the requirement of inspection.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2171 Operation of unregistered taxicab or limousine; exception.

No person shall drive or move, nor shall any person, being the owner of a taxicab or limousine, knowingly permit to be driven or moved upon any highway, any taxicab or limousine which is not registered as a taxicab or limousine and for which a certificate of title has not been issued or applied for, or for which current taxicab or limousine registration plates have not been issued, as provided in this title, or for which the appropriate fees have not been paid when and as required by this chapter, except that when application accompanied by the proper fee has been made for taxicab or limousine registration and certificate of title for a vehicle, it may be operated temporarily pending complete registration upon displaying a duplicate application duly verified or other evidence of such application, or otherwise under rules and regulations promulgated by the Department.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2172 Number plates.

(a) The Department shall furnish for each vehicle registered as a taxicab or limousine 1 number plate as hereinafter provided. Upon the termination of the lawful use of any such plates, they shall be returned to the Department. (b) The number plate shall have displayed thereon the taxicab or limousine registration number assigned to the vehicle and the name of this State, which may be abbreviated. Each number plate shall bear a distinctive word, letter or marking which shall be designated by the Department for the purpose of identifying taxicabs and limousines.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2173 Marking of taxicabs.

Every motor vehicle which is at any time used as a taxicab or which is intended to be used as a taxicab on any highway shall have painted thereupon in distinctive color and shall at all times bear the word “TAXI,” in letters having height of at least 4 inches and a width of at least 1 inch. The word “TAXI” shall appear on the front and rear of the body of the taxicab, and shall be so located that it shall be plainly visible from a height of 4 feet.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2174 Penalties.

Whoever violates this subchapter shall for the first offense be fined not less than $25 nor more than $100. For each subsequent like offense, such person shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $200, or imprisoned not less than 10 nor more than 30 days, or both.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2196 Special antique motor vehicle plates.

(a) Upon application, the Department may furnish to the owner of a registered antique motor vehicle a special antique motor vehicle plate to be displayed on such antique motor vehicle. This special plate shall be issued in addition to the plate already issued for such vehicle under this chapter. (b) The term “antique motor vehicle” includes every automobile, truck, motorcycle or other motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, manufactured more than 25 years prior to the current year, which has been maintained in or restored to a condition which is substantially in conformity with manufacturer’s specifications. A vehicle which has undergone substantial alterations from its original specifications and appearance, or has had its horsepower or dimensions changed, shall not be eligible for an antique license plate pursuant to this section. (c) Any antique motor vehicle, registered pursuant to this section, shall be used only for participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses, but in no event shall it be used for general transportation. (d) Such special antique motor vehicle license plate shall be issued for a fee of $25 and shall be valid without further payment of a renewal fee as long as the vehicle is in existence and is owned by the same person. This fee shall be in addition to the vehicle document fee, title fee or other fees required by this title. (e) In the event of a transfer of ownership of an antique motor vehicle registered with a special plate pursuant to this section, the transferor shall surrender the special plate to the Department.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2197 Street rods.

(a) If any modified antique motor vehicle manufactured more than 25 years prior to the current year, hereinafter referred to as a “street rod,” is duly registered in the State, the owner of such street rod may apply to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, on special application forms prescribed by the Secretary, for a special street rod motor vehicle plate, to be displayed on such street rod in lieu of the standard vehicle registration plate. (b) Any street rod, registered pursuant to this section, shall be used only for participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses, but in no event shall it be used for general transportation. (c) Upon receipt of an application for a special street rod motor vehicle plate on a form prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary shall issue to such applicant a special street rod motor vehicle plate on a permanent basis, and it shall bear the inscription “STREET ROD” with yellow letters on a blue background. In addition, such plates shall have displayed thereon the word “DELAWARE,” the words “THE FIRST STATE,” the expiration date of the plates and the vehicle number assigned to the vehicle by the Secretary. This special plate shall be issued for the applicant’s use only for such motor vehicle, and in the event of a transfer of title, the transferor shall surrender the special plate to the Secretary. (d) Upon approval of the application the Secretary shall assess the applicant an initial fee of $25, in addition to the registration fee levied under this chapter. The special plate shall be renewed upon payment of the registration fee levied under this chapter. (e) A “street rod” shall mean a vehicle, the body and frame of which were manufactured more than 25 years prior to the current year and which has been modified for safe road use, or a kit car which resembles that of an original vehicle manufactured more than 25 years prior to the current year and has also been modified for safe road use. For the purposes of this section “modified” means, but is not limited to, a substantial and material alteration, or replacement of the engine, drive-train, suspension or brake system or alteration of the body which may be chopped, channeled, sectioned, filled or otherwise changed dimensionally from the original manufactured body. (f) Street rod requirements: (1) Door latches. — Every street rod that is equipped with doors leading directly into a compartment that contains 1 or more seating accommodations shall be equipped with mechanically or electrically activated door latches which firmly and automatically secure the door when pushed closed and which allow each door to be opened from the inside by the activation of a convenient lever handle or other suitable device. (2) Glazing. — Every street rod shall be equipped with a laminated safety glass windshield that complies with the provisions appearing in the current ANSI Z26.1 Standard, AS1 or AS10. The windshield shall be in such a position that it affords continuous horizontal frontal protection to the driver and front seat occupants. The minimum vertical height of the windshield glass shall be not less than 7 inches, or as originally equipped by a recognized manufacturer. a. Side and rear glass. — These items are not required, but if they are present, they must comply with the provisions of current ANSI Z26.1 Standard. (AS1, AS2, AS4, AS6, AS10, or AS11.) b. Window tinting. — Shall be allowed only as permitted in Delaware Motor Vehicle Regulations, § 4313 of this title and [former] Division of Motor Vehicles Policy Regulation number 76 [see now 2 DE Admin. Code 2277]. (3) Hood latches. — A front opening hood should be equipped with a primary and a secondary latching system to hold in a closed position. (4) Hood. — a. Hoods on street rods shall be optional, but if the hood, top and/or sides are removed from the vehicle, the fan must be enclosed within a shroud of substantial rigid material to prohibit anyone from inadvertently being injured and to prevent the fan from flying up from the engine compartment should it become loose. b. Protrusions from engine compartment shall be no more than 6 inches above the highest point of the hood, or when the hood has been removed 6 inches above the highest point of the hood’s normal location. (5) Instrumentation & controls. — a. Speedometer. — Every street rod shall be equipped with an operating speedometer calibrated to indicate “miles per hour.” b. Odometer. — Every street rod shall be equipped with an operating odometer calibrated to indicate “total miles driven.” c. Steering wheel. — Every street rod shall be equipped with a circular steering wheel with an outside diameter of not less than 13 inches. (6) Rear view mirror. — Every street rod shall be equipped with 2 rear view mirrors, each providing a clear field of vision 200 feet to the rear. One shall be mounted on the inside of the vehicle in such a position that it affords the driver a clear view to the rear. The other shall be mounted on the outside of the vehicle on the driver’s side in such a position that it affords the driver a clear view to the rear. When an inside mirror does not give a clear view to the rear due to window tint or other obstructions, a right-hand outside mirror shall be required in lieu thereof. The mirror mounting shall provide for mirror adjustment by tilting in both horizontal and vertical directions. (7) Seat belts. — Every street rod shall be equipped with a safety belt system for each occupant of the vehicle. Any such safety belt system must at a minimum be a Type 1 (lap belt) and must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209 [49 C.F.R. § 571.209]. All safety belts systems shall be securely anchored to the body or frame. (8) Windshield wipers. — Every street rod shall be equipped with at least 1 windshield wiper installed in a position which effectively clears the windshield area directly in front of the driver. The operation of the windshield wiper shall be controlled by the driver from within the vehicle and shall be electrically or vacuum-operated. (9) Accelerator control system. — Every street rod shall be equipped with an accelerator control system that returns the engine throttle to an idle position when the driver removes the actuating force from the accelerator control. (10) Service brakes. — Every street rod shall be equipped with hydraulic brakes acting on all wheels. The service brakes, upon application, must meet all the requirements as specified in the Delaware Motor Vehicle Regulations, § 4303 of this title. (11) Parking brakes. — Shall meet all the requirements of the Delaware Motor Vehicle Regulations, § 4304 of this title. (12) Bumpers. — Shall be optional on street rods. (13) Exhaust systems. — Every street rod shall be equipped with an exhaust system that is free of leaks including the exhaust manifolds (including headers), the piping leading from the flange of the exhaust manifold(s) and the tail piping. Exhaust systems on street rods shall discharge the exhaust fumes at a location to the rear of the vehicle body or direct the exhaust fumes outward from the side of the vehicle body at a location rearward of any operable side windows. No part of the exhaust system shall pass through any area of the vehicle that is used as a passenger carrying compartment. Every street rod must be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Muffler cutouts or mufflers without internal baffle plates are prohibited. (14) Fenders. — Street rods shall not be required to have fenders on wheels. (15) Fuel systems. — Every street rod shall have all fuel system components, such as tank tubing, hoses, clamps, etc., securely fastened to the vehicle with fasteners designed for this purpose so as not to interfere with the vehicles’ operation and shall be leak proof. Fuel lines shall be positioned so as not to be in contact with high temperature surfaces or moving components. (16) Steering. — A street rod shall have no steering components extending below the wheel rims in their lowest position. The use of unconventional steering components such as chain drive, sprockets or electric solenoids shall be prohibited. The steering system shall remain unobstructed when turned from lock to lock. (17) Suspension. — A street rod shall be equipped with a damping device at each wheel. (18) Tires & wheels. — The tires and wheels on street rods shall comply with current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (D.O.T. approved). All tires must be grooved and have 3 / 32 ″ tread depth minimum. (19) Electrical system. — a. Lighting. — 1. Street rods shall have a minimum of 2 headlights. 2. All headlights must be equipped with 2-position dimmer switch which will lower and raise the candle power of the headlights. Rheostat type switch not allowed. 3. Vehicle must be equipped with taillight, brake lights and a license plate light which illuminates the license plate. 4. Two taillights and 2 brake lights required. Each light shall provide 6 square inches of luminous lens area unless a National Street Rod Association inspector verifies the lights are original equipment. 5. All replacement lenses shall be made of approved reflective material. 6. Street rods shall have turn signals, front and rear. Each turn signal shall provide 6 square inches of luminous lens area, unless a National Street Rod Association inspector verifies the turn signals are original equipment. b. Horn. — Every street rod shall be equipped with a horn that is electrically operated and that will emit a minimum sound level of 92 db(A) measured at a distance of 200 feet directly in front of the vehicle under clear weather conditions. The switch used to actuate the horn shall be easily accessible to the driver when operating the vehicle. (20) Automatic transmission lockout. — Street rods equipped with an automatic transmission shall have a neutral safety switch which allows the vehicle to start in either neutral and/or park only. (21) Emission. — Street rods shall be exempt from state and federal emission standards. (22) Except as required by this section, unless the presence of certain equipment was specifically required by a statute of this State as a condition of sale when the vehicle was manufactured, the presence of any specific equipment is not required for the operation of a vehicle registered under this section.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 2198 Inspection.

(a) A motor vehicle registered as an antique motor vehicle shall be exempt from annual inspection. A motor vehicle must pass an initial inspection prior to the motor vehicle being registered as an antique motor vehicle. Motor vehicles registered as antique motor vehicles shall be provided EXEMPT validating stickers in lieu of the usual expiration date stickers upon passing the initial inspection. (b) A motor vehicle registered as a street rod shall be exempt from annual inspection. A street rod must pass an initial inspection as prescribed in § 2197(f) of this title (street rod requirements), prior to the motor vehicle being registered as a street rod. (c) A vehicle registered as a unique vehicle, which includes a vehicle assigned a unique unregistered vehicle title, is exempt from annual inspection. A unique vehicle must pass an initial inspection prior to being registered as a unique vehicle. A vehicle registered as a unique vehicle shall be provided EXEMPT validating stickers in lieu of the usual expiration date stickers upon passing the initial inspection.

Source: DE Code (Official Site)URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c021/sc01/index.htmlFetched: 10/4/2026