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 Rhode Island, it is indeed a criminal offense for the operator of a motor vehicle to leave the scene of an accident, commonly referred to as 'hit-and-run.' Under Rhode Island General Laws § 31-26-1 to § 31-26-3, the specific duties of drivers in the event of an accident vary depending on the circumstances. If the accident involves another occupied vehicle, the driver must stop and exchange information such as name, address, and insurance details. In the case of hitting an unoccupied vehicle or property, the driver must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or leave a note with their contact and insurance information. More severe consequences apply if the accident results in bodily injury or death; the driver is required to stop, provide aid, and report the incident to the authorities. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, with penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, and revocation of driving privileges depending on the severity of the incident and injuries involved.