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 New Mexico, leaving the scene of an accident, also known as hit-and-run, is a criminal offense. State law requires that the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in damage to another occupied vehicle must stop and exchange information such as names, addresses, vehicle details, and insurance information. If the accident involves an unoccupied parked vehicle or unattended property, the operator must attempt to locate the owner or leave a note with their contact and insurance information. In accidents resulting in bodily injury or death, the operator is mandated to stop and render aid. The severity of the offense can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances, such as the extent of property damage or whether there was bodily injury or death. Penalties for hit-and-run offenses in New Mexico may include fines, imprisonment, and revocation of driving privileges. These regulations are outlined in New Mexico's Motor Vehicle Code, specifically in sections dealing with accidents and duty to give information and render aid.