Delaware Laws and Incentives

Listed below are the summaries of all current Delaware laws, incentives, regulations, funding opportunities, and other initiatives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, advanced technologies, or air quality. You can go directly to summaries of:

• State Incentives (3)
• Utility/Private Incentives (2)
• Laws and Regulations (5)

State Incentives

Vehicle-to-Grid Energy Credit

Retail electricity customers with at least one grid-integrated electric vehicle (EV) may qualify to receive kilowatt-hour credits for energy discharged to the grid from the EV's battery at the same rate that the customer pays to charge the battery. A grid-integrated EV is defined as a battery-powered motor vehicle that has the ability for two-way power flow between the vehicle and the electric grid as well as communications hardware and software that allow for external control of battery charging and discharging. (Reference Delaware Code Title 26, Chapter 10, Section 1014g)

Idle Reduction Weight Exemption

Any motor vehicle equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state gross, axle, tandem, or bridge weight limits by up to 400 pounds to account for the weight of the technology. The additional weight may not exceed the actual weight of the idle reduction unit. To qualify for the exemption, the vehicle operator must also be able to prove the weight of the idle reduction technology and demonstrate that the technology is fully functional. (Reference Delaware Code Title 21, Chapter 45, Section 4503f)

Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption

Taxes imposed on alternative fuels used in official vehicles for the United States government or any Delaware state government agency, including volunteer fire and rescue companies, are waived. Alternative fuel retailers must obtain a fuel supplier's license from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and operators or owners of vehicles using alternative fuel must obtain either a special fuel user's license from DelDOT or pay the special fuel tax. (Reference Delaware Code Title 30, Chapter 51, Subchapter II)

Utility/Private Incentives

Propane Infrastructure Assistance and Fuel Rate Reduction - Boulden Propane

Boulden Propane provides fueling equipment and training at no cost to propane vehicle operators on a case-by-case basis. Boulden Propane also offers a $0.15 per gallon on-site fuel discount to fleets using propane to operate their vehicles.

Propane Infrastructure Assistance and Fuel Rate Reduction - SchagrinGAS

SchagrinGAS provides propane tanks, pumps, and meters at no cost to customers on a case-by-case basis. SchagrinGAS offers a discount on propane to fleets that use the fuel to operate their vehicles.

Laws and Regulations

Low Emission Vehicle Requirement

All Model Year (MY) 2007 and later heavy-duty vehicles sold, leased, or registered in the state must meet California vehicle emissions and compliance requirements, as set forth in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. MY2014 and later light- and medium-duty vehicles must also meet the California requirements, with certain exceptions, including the light- and medium-duty Zero Emission Vehicle sales requirements. (Reference Delaware Administrative Code Title 7, Sections 1140 and 1143).

State Agency Energy Plan

To improve air quality and reduce operating expenses from state vehicle use, all state agencies must reduce petroleum consumption by 25%, vehicle emissions by 25%, and vehicle miles traveled by 15% as compared to Fiscal Year 2008 levels by the end of 2012. This will be achieved through alternative fuel vehicle acquisition, alternative fuel use, and implementation of idle reduction measures. (Reference Executive Order 18, 2010)

Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

All new light-duty vehicles that Delaware state agencies, departments, and offices purchase must be hybrid electric, alternative fuel, fuel-efficient, or low emission vehicles, unless such a purchase compromises health, safety, or law enforcement needs. Additionally, the state must develop procedures for diesel fleet vehicles to use biodiesel fuel blends of the highest practical percent. (Reference Executive Order 18, 2010)

Low-Speed Vehicle Access to Roadways

A low-speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle, other than a truck, with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 2,500 pounds that is capable of operating at a speed of at least 20 miles per hour (mph) but not greater than 25 mph on a paved surface. A low-speed vehicle may not operate on roads with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph but may cross a highway that has a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph. The vehicle must comply with safety standards contained in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500, and meet state insurance, titling, and registration requirements. (Reference Delaware Code Title 21, Chapter 21, Subchapter I, Section 2113A)

Idle Reduction Requirement

On-road heavy-duty motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or greater may not idle for more than three consecutive minutes when the vehicle is stationary. Violators are subject to penalties of up to $500 for each offense. Heavy-duty vehicles subject to this regulation include long-haul and delivery trucks as well as transit and school buses. Emergency fire, rescue, and lifesaving vehicles are exempt. Other vehicle operating situations may also fall under the exemption section of the regulation. (Reference Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Regulation 1145)