HA1TOHB471 • 2025

This House Amendment to House Bill No.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Harris
Last action: 2026-06-18
Official status: Passed 6/18/26
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The effective date is listed as empty in the official metadata.

Amendment Changing Penalties for Off-Highway Vehicle Violations

This amendment changes the fine for a second violation to $500 and adds a rule requiring permanent vehicle impoundment for a third qualifying offense.

What This Bill Does

Changes the word 'subsequent' to 'second' when describing offenses under this law.
Sets the penalty for a second offense at a $500 fine and vehicle impoundment for 60 days.
Adds a new penalty rule specifically for people who commit a third offense within 24 months of a prior conviction.

Who It Names or Affects

People convicted of violating off-highway vehicle laws under this chapter
Individuals who commit similar violations under state or local ordinances

Terms To Know

Impoundment: The government takes possession and holds a vehicle, preventing the owner from using it.
Permanent impoundment: A penalty where the vehicle is taken away forever and not returned to the owner.

Limits and Unknowns

The official text does not state when this law will officially take effect.
The specific details of what actions count as a violation are in House Bill No. 471, which is referenced but not fully included here.

Bill History

2026-06-18 Delaware General Assembly
Passed In House by Voice Vote
2026-06-17 Delaware General Assembly
Introduced and Placed With Bill

Official Summary Text

This House Amendment to House Bill No. 471 changes the penalty provision of this chapter. This amendment changes the fine for a second offense to $500 and adds a provision for a third offense with a penalty of permanent impoundment.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Harris & Rep. Cooke

Reps. Ortega, Osienski

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

HOUSE BILL NO. 471

AMEND House Bill No. 471 at line 27 by deleting “subsequent” as it appears therein and inserting in lieu thereof “

subsequent

second

”.

FURTHER AMEND House Bill No. 471 at lines 28 and 29 by deleting “$400 and impoundment for a mandatory minimum time period of 6 months,” as it appears therein and insert in lieu thereof “$400 and impoundment for a mandatory minimum time period of 6 months,

$500 and impoundment for a period of 60 days,

”.

FURTHER AMEND House Bill No. 471 after line 29 and before line 30 by inserting the following:

“

(3) For a third offense that occurs within 24 months of a prior conviction of this chapter or of a similar off-highway vehicle state or local law, statute, or ordinance, a fine of $500 and permanent impoundment.

”.

FURTHER AMEND House Bill No. 471 at line 30 by deleting “(3)” as it appears therein and inserting in lieu thereof “

(3)

(4)

“.

SYNOPSIS

This House Amendment to House Bill No. 471 changes the penalty provision of this chapter. This amendment changes the fine for a second offense to $500 and adds a provision for a third offense with a penalty of permanent impoundment.