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 Oklahoma, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a criminal offense known as hit-and-run. The severity of the charge, whether misdemeanor or felony, depends on the circumstances of the accident. Oklahoma law requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in vehicle damage to stop and exchange information such as names, addresses, vehicle details, and insurance information. If the accident involves an unoccupied vehicle or unattended property, the driver must attempt to locate the owner or leave a note with their contact and insurance details. In accidents resulting in bodily injury or death, the driver must stop, provide aid, and wait for law enforcement. Failing to stop in such cases can lead to felony charges, which carry serious penalties including imprisonment, fines, and revocation of driving privileges. These regulations are typically found in the state's vehicle or transportation codes and are enforced to ensure accountability and aid in the aftermath of traffic accidents.