Delaware permits testing of autonomous vehicles (AVs) but restricts commercial self-driving trucks over 26,000 lbs via Senate Bill 46, passed in the Senate in March 2025, which mandates a human safety operator on highways for testing, goods, or passenger transport. No comprehensive statewide AV deployment law exists beyond this; lighter AVs can operate under general vehicle rules, but heavy-duty commercial ones face this unique preemptive limit, positioning Delaware as potentially the only state banning driverless trucks.​
Autonomous Vehicle Regulations
SB 46 requires DelDOT to report on AV safety by 2030, potentially allowing future adjustments. Earlier studies encouraged AV readiness through infrastructure like V2I tech, but no broad permissions for fully driverless passenger cars or light vehicles have advanced. Federal alignment applies, with state DMV authority over unsafe vehicles.​
Drone Regulations
Delaware lacks specific 2025 mentions in recent AV-focused updates, deferring to FAA rules for recreational and commercial drones (e.g., registration, remote ID, under-400-ft altitude). State-level oversight focuses on privacy and local bans in sensitive areas like prisons; no new tech-specific drone laws noted, though general aviation integration continues.​
Key Limitations
Self-Driving Cars/Trucks: Testing OK for non-commercial/light AVs; commercial heavy trucks banned without human operator.​
Drones:Â Federally regulated; minimal state intervention.
Future Outlook: DelDOT monitoring via reports; emphasis on safety over innovation.​
Delaware prioritizes caution, curbing AVs more than drones amid ongoing federal evolution.
SOURCES
[1](https://bluedelaware.com/2025/06/10/sb-46-banning-self-driving-commerical-vehicles/)
[2](https://reason.org/backgrounder/delaware-senate-bill-46-would-ban-autonomous-vehicles/)
[3](https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail/141797)
[4](https://legis.delaware.gov/json/BillDetail/GeneratePdfDocument?legislationId=141797&legislationTypeId=1&docTypeId=2&legislationName=SB46)
[5](https://tech.co/logistics/which-states-are-self-driving-trucks-legal-guide)
