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 Oregon, hit-and-run laws are codified under ORS 811.700 to 811.705, which outline the duties of drivers when involved in accidents. It is a criminal offense for a driver to leave the scene without fulfilling certain obligations. If the accident results in property damage, the driver must stop at the scene, provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver's license to the other party involved, and if requested, show their driver's license. In cases where the accident involves an unoccupied vehicle or other property, the driver must make an effort to locate the owner or leave a note with their contact and insurance information. More serious is a hit-and-run involving injury or death; under these circumstances, the driver is required to stop, provide the same information, and render aid to the injured. Failure to perform these duties can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, and may include the suspension or revocation of driving privileges depending on the severity of the offense.