It is a criminal offense (crime) for the operator of a motor vehicle involved in an accident to leave the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is commonly known as hit-and-run, and may be charged as one of a few criminal offenses—and as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the state’s statutes.

For example, it is a crime to leave the scene of an accident involving another vehicle when there is damage to an occupied vehicle. The operators of the vehicles in such an accident must stop and exchange relevant information, such as name, address, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and insurance information.

If the operator of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident with an unoccupied parked vehicle, the operator generally must stop and find the owner of the vehicle that was hit, or leave a note with the operator’s name, address, telephone number or e-mail address, and insurance company and policy number.

Similarly, if the operator of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident with unattended property, the operator must stop and make a reasonable effort to find the owner of the property and leave the operator’s name, address, telephone number or e-mail address, and insurance company and policy number.

And if the operator of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident that involves bodily injury or death, the operator must stop and, if able, render aid to any injured persons. The failure to do so is a felony offense in many states, and may be punished by jail or prison time, fines, and the revocation of driving privileges.

Hit-and-run and failure-to-stop-and-render-aid laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—usually in the vehicle code, transportation code, or penal or criminal code.

In California, hit-and-run is a serious criminal offense. Under California Vehicle Code sections 20001 and 20002, drivers involved in an accident must stop at the scene. If the accident results in property damage, such as hitting an occupied or unoccupied vehicle, the driver must provide their contact information and, if requested, show their driver's license to the other party involved. If the owner of the damaged property is not present, the driver must leave a note with their information and report the accident to the police. In accidents causing injury or death, the driver must stop, provide aid to the injured, and wait for emergency services. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in misdemeanor charges for property damage or felony charges for injury or death. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of driving privileges.