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HB 471

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 RELATING TO REGULATION AND CONTROL OF OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Cooke and 3 co-sponsors

HB 471 would regulate OHVs in Delaware, establishing safety, registration, operation rules, and enforcement to improve safety and compliance.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 471

Summary of HB 471 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

HB 471 seeks to amend Title 21 of the Delaware Code to regulate and control off-highway vehicles (OHVs). The bill appears aimed at clarifying regulatory authority, safety requirements, and enforcement related to OHVs operating on public roads or other applicable settings within the state. The overall objective is to enhance safety, environmental compliance, and orderly use of OHVs.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by bill title and context)

  • Regulatory framework: The bill would modify existing provisions in Title 21 to establish or adjust rules governing the operation, registration, and supervision of OHVs in Delaware.
  • Operator requirements: Potentially introduces or updates requirements for OHV operators (e.g., licenses, safety training, age restrictions, or equipment standards such as helmets, lights, or audible signals).
  • Vehicle standards: May specify technical standards for OHVs, including emissions, noise limits, lighting, and safety equipment.
  • Road and location rules: Likely defines where OHVs may operate (on-road vs. off-road), permitted routes, and any restrictions near highways, residential areas, or sensitive lands.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Could establish enforcement mechanisms, penalties for violations, and the authority of law enforcement or county/municipal agencies to issue citations or confiscate vehicles.
  • Compliance and registration: Possible requirements for OHV registration, display of registration numbers, proof of ownership, or periodic inspections.
  • Local/state coordination: May address coordination between state agencies and local governments regarding OHV use and permitting.

Note: The available information emphasizes procedural history and sponsors rather than line-item text. The precise statutory language will define the exact duties, exceptions, and penalties.

Affected parties and impacts

  • OHV users and operators: Individuals who operate all-terrain or off-highway vehicles would be subject to new or updated rules governing operation, safety, and compliance.
  • Vehicle owners and registrants: If registration or fees are required, owners must comply to legally operate OHVs in Delaware.
  • Law enforcement and public safety agencies: Police, sheriffs, or public safety departments would enforce OHV regulations, with potential training and resource adjustments.
  • Local governments: Municipalities and counties may have roles in enforcement, permitting, or local ordinances aligned with state standards.
  • Businesses and recreation operators: Rental businesses, riding parks, and tour operators may need to adjust practices to meet new standards and permitting processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and assignment: HB 471 was introduced and assigned to the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in the House on June 10, 2026.
  • Committee action: The Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee reported the bill out with a recommendation “on its merits” on June 16, 2026, indicating the bill progressed to the House floor with committee support.
  • Next steps: If not otherwise constrained, the bill would move to the House for debate and potential floor vote, followed by passage to the Senate (and eventual enactment) subject to further readings, negotiations, and potential amendments.

Additional notes

  • The bill currently lists co-sponsors Frank Cooke and Kerri Harris, reflecting bipartisan sponsorship.
  • Specific numerical provisions (e.g., registration fees, penalties, effective dates) are not provided in the available summary and would be drawn from the bill’s statutory text upon full reading.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the exact statutory text once it’s available or provide a comparison to existing Delaware OHV regulations to highlight what would change.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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