Alcohol, Drugs & Graduated Licensing
Impaired driving is a serious crime in Delaware, and new teen drivers earn full privileges in stages. Knowing these limits protects your license and everyone on the road.
Adult and under-21 limits
A driver 21 or older is legally impaired at 0.08 percent BAC, and drivers under 21 face a 0.02 percent zero-tolerance limit. Any amount of a controlled substance can also lead to an impaired-driving charge.
Graduated licensing
Delaware issues a Level 1 learner's permit at age 16 to drivers who meet driver-education requirements. New drivers must gain supervised experience before moving to a full license.
Level 1 restrictions
A Level 1 driver may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed adult 25 or older, and for the first six months may carry only one passenger, with family and supervised exceptions.