HB 26: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO NUMBER PLATES.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

This Act makes it unlawful to possess, operate any motor vehicle with, purchase, install, manufacture, sell, offer to sell, or otherwise distribute a number plate flipping device. A “number plate flipping device” means a manual, electric, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle that does either of the following: a. Switch between two or more number plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the number plate displayed on the operator's vehicle; or b. Hide a number plate from view by turning the number plate so that the number plate registration number is not visible. The penalty for violation of this statute is for the first offense, a fine not less than $50 nor more than $200, imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days, or both. For each subsequent like offense, such person shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $300, be imprisoned not less than 90 days nor more than 6 months, or both. The Act also makes technical changes to existing code language to conform to the Legislative Drafting Manual. A reference to farm vehicles being exempt from registration is removed, because that exemption was removed from the Code in 2014. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 28 of Article IV of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to create a new crime within the jurisdiction of the Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, or Justice of the Peace Court.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10 · Republican 6

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. August 21, 2025Signed by Governor
2. June 26, 2025Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
3. April 17, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 7 Favorable
4. March 25, 2025Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate
5. March 25, 2025Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 2 ABSENT
6. March 18, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 4 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits
7. December 19, 2024Introduced and Assigned to Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in House