8/20/10-Gov. Jack Markell has signed into law a bill that creates a three-tier system that is intended to curb drivers when heavy snow falls in the state. Previously SB306, the new law takes effect Oct. 30.
Pursuit of the law during this year’s legislative session was prompted after a significant snowfall in February. Despite a driving ban issued by the governor many people took to the roads. Hundreds of vehicles were scattered along roadsides throughout the state after defying the travel ban. Until now, Delaware law limited punishment options to jail time.
The first tier of the new law simply discourages driving, but there won’t be a ban on heading down the road. No fines could be doled out for traveling through the wintry precipitation.
The next level puts in place a “driving restriction.” Driving would be prohibited except for essential personnel – snowplow operators, those necessary to maintain the core functions of government, health care workers and “those providing food and fuel.”
Policy will be established by the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security to determine other businesses to obtain waivers.
The final tier would be an all-out driving ban. Only essential personnel, such as first responders and snowplow operators, would be allowed to brave roadways.
Offenders of the second and third tiers would face up to $115 fines. Repeat offenders would need to pay up to $200 with the possibility of spending between 10 and 30 days in the clink.
Employers are forbidden from “any adverse employment action against an employee” refusing to violate the law and that hasn’t been given a waiver.

7/16/10-House lawmakers unanimously approved a bill that would create a three-tier system that is intended to curb drivers when heavy snow falls in the state. The bill now moves to Gov. Jack Markell. The Senate already voted 21-0 in favor of it.
Sponsored by Sen. Anthony DeLuca, D-Varlano, SB306 was prompted after a significant snowfall in February. Despite a driving ban issued by the governor many people took to the roads. Hundreds of vehicles were scattered along roadsides throughout the state after defying the travel ban. Currently, Delaware law limits punishment options to jail time.
The first tier of the bill would simply discourage driving, but there would be no ban on heading down the road. No fines would be doled out for traveling through the wintry precipitation.
The next level puts in place a “driving restriction.” Driving would be prohibited except for essential personnel – snowplow operators, those necessary to maintain the core functions of government, health care workers and “those providing food and fuel.”
Policy would be established by the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security to determine other businesses to obtain waivers.
The final tier would be an all-out driving ban. Only essential personnel, such as first responders and snowplow operators, would be allowed to brave roadways.
Offenders of the second and third tiers would face up to $115 fines. Repeat offenders would need to pay up to $200 with the possibility of spending between 10 and 30 days in the clink.
Employers would be forbidden from “any adverse employment action against an employee” refusing to violate the law and that hasn’t been given a waiver.
For bill status, call 302-577-8714.