Delaware Truck Driver Phone Law
You carry the federal hand-held ban into Delaware (49 CFR 392.82), so holding a phone is a scored violation at any inspection even where the state penalty is only civil. State law also bars all drivers from using a handheld device while the vehicle is in motion (21 Del. C. §4176C), primary enforcement: a $100 civil penalty first, then $200 to $300 for a repeat within two years. No license points are assessed, but the ban still stands.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Delaware’s rule for all drivers
You carry the federal hand-held ban into Delaware (49 CFR 392.82), so holding a phone is a scored violation at any inspection even where the state penalty is only civil. State law also bars all drivers from using a handheld device while the vehicle is in motion (21 Del. C. §4176C), primary enforcement: a $100 civil penalty first, then $200 to $300 for a repeat within two years. No license points are assessed, but the ban still stands.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Texting banned for all drivers, primary enforcement (21 Del. C. §4176C).
- Fine: $100 civil penalty first offense; $200 to $300 for a repeat within 2 years. No motor-vehicle points assessed.
- Points: No motor-vehicle points assessed by statute (21 Del. C. §4176C). Federally, a 392.82 conviction is still a CSA serious violation: 2 in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
Delaware Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Delaware?
What is the phone fine in Delaware?
Is texting while driving illegal in Delaware?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c041/sc09/index.html. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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