Who must wear a helmet in Delaware, the penalties for not wearing one, and the eye-protection rules every rider should know.
Delaware law requires every person operating or riding on a motorcycle to have an approved safety helmet in their possession and to wear approved eye protection. The helmet and eye protection must be approved by the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security through the Office of Highway Safety.
In addition, every person up to 19 years of age operating or riding on a motorcycle must wear an approved safety helmet. Delaware also requires all new motorcyclists under 18 years of age to complete the approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course.
Every motorcycle operator and passenger up to 19 years of age must wear an approved safety helmet. Riders 19 and older are not legally required to wear a helmet.
Regardless of age, every motorcycle operator and rider must carry an approved safety helmet in their possession. Every rider on a temporary motorcycle learner's permit must wear an approved safety helmet and eye protection while practicing.
Operating or riding a motorcycle without complying with Delaware's helmet-possession, helmet-wearing, and eye-protection requirements is a traffic offense. Confirm current fine amounts with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, and note that learner's-permit riders must wear a helmet and eye protection at all times.
Delaware requires every motorcycle operator and rider to wear eye protection approved by the Office of Highway Safety, at every age — this rule is broader than the helmet-wearing requirement.
The Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual recommends a plastic, shatter-resistant face shield, which protects your whole face; goggles protect only your eyes, and a windshield is not a substitute for either. Effective eye protection is free of scratches, gives a clear view to either side, and fastens securely. Do not wear tinted eye protection when little outside light is available.
A legal motorcycle helmet must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS 218 standard. Look for the "DOT" certification label on the back. Helmets that meet stricter Snell or ECE standards offer additional protection. Avoid novelty helmets — they are not legal head protection.
Source: Test details are confirmed on the official agency page. Both the 25-question count and the 80% passing score (20 correct) are confirmed on the official Delaware DMV page. The knowledge test contains questions from all sections of the Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual, and applicants 18 and older also take an eye test and a road-sign test. Delaware uses the Sixteenth Edition of the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual.