Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
Delaware law lets a placard holder (Delaware or another state) park in a metered space for at least 1 hour, and without a time limit in unmetered time-limited spaces. State law does not say placard holders park free beyond that.
- The person the placard was issued to must be the driver or a passenger when parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities.
- Placards do not allow parking where stopping or parking is prohibited to all vehicles, in rush-hour restricted areas under local ordinance, or where it would be a traffic hazard.
- Local meter rules may allow more than the state minimum.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: unclearVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“In a metered parking space for no less than 1 hour.” (21 Del. C. Sec. 2135(f) - Parking permits for persons with disabilities)
“For an unlimited period in an unmetered parking space or zone restricted as to the length of parking time permitted.” (21 Del. C. Sec. 2135(f) - Parking permits for persons with disabilities)
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
People with a permanent disability or a walking disability lasting 5+ weeks, certified by a licensed provider, can apply, as can anyone 80 or older and organizations that transport people with disabilities. Other states' placards get the same privileges.
- Permanent placards expire after 8 years; temporary ones last up to 180 days.
- The DMV may not charge a fee for issuing a placard.
- New Delaware residents with another state's placard who want a Delaware one must apply within 180 days.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“or a person who is age 80 or older, whether or not that person has a disability” (21 Del. C. Sec. 2135(a) - Parking permits for persons with disabilities)
“under this section or under a similar statute of any other state or country may park in parking spaces or zones as follows” (21 Del. C. Sec. 2135(f) - Parking permits for persons with disabilities)
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Time limits are posted on signs or meters and are set by the state DOT on state roads or by the city or town on local streets. Cities and towns set their own parking fine amounts.
- The state Department of Transportation may place signs restricting parking on any highway, with different limits for different times of day or weather.
- Incorporated cities and towns may set the civil penalty for each parking offense by ordinance.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The Department of Transportation may place signs prohibiting or restricting the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles on any highway” (21 Del. C. Sec. 4180(d) - Additional parking regulations)
“An incorporated city or town may, by ordinance, establish the amount of the civil penalty for each stopping, standing or parking offense.” (21 Del. C. Sec. 4181A(a)(2) - Voluntary assessment centers)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
DelDOT says Delaware does not declare snow emergencies; instead the Governor can set driving warnings or restrictions. Snow-route and street-cleaning parking rules are set by cities and towns, which we could not confirm.
- State law lets DOT set parking limits that differ for different weather conditions on state highways.
- Check your city or town for snow-route parking rules.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Technically, Delaware does not declare snow emergencies.” (DelDOT Snow FAQ)
“differing limits may be established for different times of the day, for different types of vehicles, for different weather conditions” (21 Del. C. Sec. 4180(d) - Additional parking regulations)
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
We could not find a statewide overnight rule. As an example, Wilmington issues Residential Parking Permits that exempt holders from time limits in their residential zones; other rules still apply.
- Example city: Wilmington. This is a residential permit program, not a general overnight parking permit.
- Permits are digital and checked with license plate recognition.
- All outstanding parking citations must be paid before a permit is issued.
- Other Delaware cities and towns have their own rules.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
State law bars parking on sidewalks, in front of driveways, in intersections and within 15 feet of a hydrant. Parking fines are civil penalties. For private-lot tows, towing is capped at $250 and storage at $50 a day (noncommercial).
- Misusing an accessible space carries a mandatory $250 fine for a first offense and $500 for a later one, and the car may be removed at the owner's cost.
- Private tow companies must accept major credit or debit cards or have an ATM, and may charge at most $50 for after-hours release.
- If a private tow broke the law, the owner may be reimbursed fees and actual damages.
- Cities and towns set their own fines for ordinary parking tickets.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“(4) Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant;” (21 Del. C. Sec. 4179(e) - Stopping, standing or parking)
“must receive a mandatory fine of $250 for a first offense, and for a subsequent like offense, a mandatory fine of $500” (21 Del. C. Sec. 4183(f) - Accessible parking spaces)
“may not be charged a towing fee in excess of $250 or a daily storage rate in excess of $50” (21 Del. C. Sec. 6907A(c) - Nonconsensual towing fees)
Ask about parking rules
COMING SOONSoon you will be able to ask a question and get an answer from these verified rules, with the source.
General information, not legal advice. Local signs and ordinances always apply.
