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 Montana (MT), leaving the scene of an accident, also known as hit-and-run, is a criminal offense. Under Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 61-7-103, the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death has specific duties. If the accident involves another occupied vehicle, the operator must stop at the scene, provide personal identification, vehicle registration, and insurance information to the other party, and render aid if necessary. For accidents involving an unoccupied vehicle or other property, the operator must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or leave a note with contact and insurance information. In cases where the accident results in bodily injury or death, the operator is required to stop and render aid. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and revocation of driving privileges. The severity of the charge, whether misdemeanor or felony, depends on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of damage or injury caused.