Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte
The aggressive driving course delaware drivers may need is the Behavior Modification course, a DMV-required course that applies at 12 calculated points, for reinstatement at 14 points or more, as an option at 25-29 mph over, and after an aggressive driving conviction. It is not the defensive driving course that carries the 3-point credit, and as a DMV-required course it does not earn the insurance reduction. Aggressive driving itself carries 6 points, and a first conviction brings a $100-$300 fine, 10-30 days in jail, or both.
Key Facts
- What it is: a DMV-required “behavior modification/attitudinal driving course.” See what the course is.
- When it is required: at 12 points, for reinstatement at 14 or more, and after an aggressive driving conviction. See who must take it.
- Speeding option: at 25-29 mph over, the course may replace a suspension. See serious speeding.
- Aggressive driving: 6 points, a fine or jail, and a required course. See aggressive driving.
- Not the voluntary course: no insurance reduction, and it is not the course that gives the 3-point credit. See the comparison.
What the Behavior Modification Course Is
The Behavior Modification course is a course the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires. Regulation 2208 calls it a “behavior modification/attitudinal driving course.” It is part of the DMV’s Problem Driver Program.
The aggressive driving law uses similar words. Under 21 Del. C. 4175A(d), a conviction requires “a course of instruction established by the Secretary.”
That course is meant “to address behavior modification or attitudinal driving.” It is not the defensive driving course approved under Regulation 2224.
Who Must Take the Aggressive Driving Course Delaware Requires
These cases can lead to this course:
- 12 calculated points within 24 months. The DMV requires the course within 90 days, or a 2-month suspension applies.
- Reinstatement at 14 points or more. You need the course completed within the previous 2 years to get your license back.
- Serious speeding at 25-29 mph over. The course may be taken instead of the suspension.
- An aggressive driving conviction. The law requires the course under 21 Del. C. 4175A(d).
The DMV Driver Improvement FAQ describes the same point steps. Our guide on how many points suspend a Delaware license lists every DMV action by point total.
The 12-Point Step
At 12 calculated points, the 90-day window starts after the DMV notice. If the course is not done in time, a mandatory 2-month suspension applies. The rule also lets a driver take the suspension instead.
Reinstatement at 14 Points or More
At 14 points, the suspension is mandatory and lasts 4 months. It grows by 2 months for every 2 more points, up to 12 months at 22 points.
At each step, you need the course from the previous 2 years to get your license back. An older one does not count.
The Serious Speeding Option
Regulation 2208, section 4.7, sets a 1-month suspension at 25 mph over. One more month is added for each additional 5 mph.
At 25-29 mph over, the course may be taken instead. The DMV Driver Improvement FAQ says the suspension is mandatory at 30 or more mph over.
How Points Reach the 12-Point Step
Points from moving violations within the 24-month window count toward 12. Under Regulation 2208, section 4.1, speeding is 2, 4, 5 or 5 points by mph over. Reckless driving, aggressive driving and passing a stopped school bus are 6 points each.
As an example, an aggressive driving conviction (6) plus two tickets for 10-14 mph over (4 each) total 14 points. That assumes each one still counts at full value. A 14-point total brings a mandatory 4-month suspension and the reinstatement course rule.
Aggressive Driving Delaware Law
Aggressive driving is its own offense under 21 Del. C. 4175A. The law defines it as “continuous conduct which violates 3 or more” of the sections it lists.
The penalties set by the law are:
- First offense: a fine of $100-$300, 10-30 days in jail, or both.
- Subsequent offense: the law adds a 30-day suspension.
- Every conviction: the required course “to address behavior modification or attitudinal driving.”
The DMV also adds 6 points under Regulation 2208, section 4.1. The DMV Point and Speed System page lists the same value.
How It Differs From Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a separate offense under 21 Del. C. 4175, and it also carries 6 points.
Our guide to reckless driving in Delaware covers its fines and the 90 mph rule.
Behavior Modification Course vs Defensive Driving Course
The two courses follow different rules. This short table shows the main gaps:
| Question | Behavior Modification course | Defensive driving course |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides you take it | The DMV or the law requires it | You choose to take it |
| 3-point credit | Not the course that gives it | Yes, for future violations in certain circumstances |
| Insurance reduction | No, under 18 Del. C. 2503(a)(6)d | Yes, if DMV-approved and taken voluntarily |
| Rule it comes from | Regulation 2208; 21 Del. C. 4175A(d) | Regulation 2224 |
The insurance statute leaves out courses the DMV requires for Title 21 violations. It also leaves out courses a court orders.
The voluntary course has its own limits too. The DMV says its 3-point credit “does not decrease your overall point values.” Our Delaware defensive driving course guide explains that course, and our guide on getting points off a Delaware license explains the credit.
What We Found on the Official Pages
On the official pages we checked on October 28, 2026, two details stood out.
First, Regulation 2208 lists aggressive driving at 6 points with a note that it “May result in additional actions including suspension.” The DMV Point and Speed System page lists the same 6 points without that note.
Second, the two sources name the course in different words. Regulation 2208 says “behavior modification/attitudinal driving course,” and the aggressive driving law says “behavior modification or attitudinal driving.”
Common Mistakes
- Treating the two courses as the same. The Behavior Modification course is DMV-required, and the defensive driving course is voluntary.
- Expecting an insurance reduction. Required courses are left out under 18 Del. C. 2503(a)(6)d.
- Missing the 90-day window. At 12 points, a 2-month suspension applies if the course is not done.
- Using an old course for reinstatement. At 14 points or more, it must be from the previous 2 years.
- Expecting the course option above 29 mph over. At 30 or more, the DMV FAQ says the suspension is mandatory.
How Requirements Can Vary
Delaware’s point system, defensive driving course rules and insurance discount come from state law and state regulations (Regulations 2208, 2224 and 607, and section 2503 of Title 18 of the Delaware Code) and apply statewide. How your ticket is handled is up to the court on your ticket. The fines in the Delaware Code do not include court costs and assessments, so the amount due is on your ticket.
Laws, regulations and DMV fees can change. Check your ticket, any DMV letter, the Delaware DMV website and the Delaware Code before you take a course or pay a ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Behavior Modification course the same as defensive driving?
No. The Behavior Modification course is required by the DMV or the law. The defensive driving course is the course tied to the 3-point credit, and taking it voluntarily is what counts for the insurance reduction.
When does the DMV require the course?
At 12 calculated points within 24 months, for reinstatement at 14 points or more, and as an option at 25-29 mph over. An aggressive driving conviction also requires it under 21 Del. C. 4175A(d).
How long do I have to finish it at 12 points?
You have 90 days after the DMV notice. If the course is not done in time, a 2-month suspension applies.
How many points is aggressive driving in Delaware?
Aggressive driving is 6 points under Regulation 2208. That is the same value as reckless driving and passing a stopped school bus.
Does the required course lower my insurance?
No. The insurance reduction is only for voluntary completion of a course approved by the Delaware DMV. A course the DMV requires for a Title 21 violation does not qualify.
Can a repeat aggressive driving conviction suspend my license?
Yes. Under 21 Del. C. 4175A, a subsequent offense also brings a 30-day suspension, and the required course applies too.
Conclusion
The Behavior Modification course is a separate, DMV-required course for drivers at 12 points, for reinstatement at 14 points or more, after an aggressive driving conviction, and as an option at 25-29 mph over. For your own case, read your DMV notice and contact the DMV or a Delaware attorney.
Drivers who want to learn about the voluntary course can see the Delaware defensive driving course at Driving Logic, which is coming soon. If you want a voluntary course now, choose one from the DMV’s approved list.
Related Articles
- Delaware Point System: How Driving Points Work
- Reckless Driving Delaware: Penalties, Fines and Points
- How Many Points to Suspend License in Delaware? What Happens
- Delaware Defensive Driving Course: Basic and Refresher Guide
Sources
- 2 DE Admin Code 2208 — Driver Improvement Problem Driver Program
- Delaware DMV — Driver Improvement FAQ
- Delaware DMV — Point and Speed System
Billy Forte is the owner of Driving Logic, an online driver education course provider serving drivers in several U.S. states.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Delaware course rules, point values, fines and penalties depend on your ticket, court, DMV notice and case facts, and they can change. Use official Delaware DMV, Delaware Code and court sources, and consult a qualified Delaware attorney for advice about your own case.