Coronavirus Delaware: Police Authorized To Pull Over Out-Of-State Drivers During Pandemic
DOVER, Del. (CBS) -- Police in Delaware have been given the authority to pull over out-of-state drivers during the coronavirus pandemic. Delaware State Police say Gov. John Carney's state of emergency declaration "authorizes any Delaware law enforcement officer to stop a vehicle driving within the state simply because it is displaying out-of-state tags."
Once pulled over, state police say the officer will ask questions about the driver's travel, who will then be told that "they are required by law to self-quarantine for 14 days while in Delaware, or immediately return to their home state."
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The order does not apply to out-of-state drivers on I-95, I-295, or I-495. Out-of-state drivers are allowed to pass through Delaware while traveling to another state.
"Now is not the time to visit Delaware. As a state and a nation, we are facing a serious situation that is getting worse each day. Our goal is to limit a surge in COVID-19 cases that would overwhelm our hospital system. Per the order, we must control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our Delaware communities coming in from other states. We'll get through this – but everyone needs to do their part," Delaware State Police said in a release.
Motorists entering Delaware to work for an essential business, care for a family member or for health care reasons are also exempt.
