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 North Carolina, hit-and-run is a serious criminal offense, and the law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop at the scene. If the accident results in only property damage, the driver must provide their contact and insurance information to the other party or leave a note if the other vehicle is unoccupied. This is typically a misdemeanor offense. However, if the accident involves injury or death, the driver is required to stop, provide the same information, and also render reasonable assistance to the injured. Failing to stop in such circumstances can result in felony charges, with penalties that may include imprisonment, fines, and revocation of driving privileges. The specific statutes governing these requirements are found in the North Carolina General Statutes, particularly in Chapter 20, which covers Motor Vehicles. The severity of the charge and the penalties imposed depend on the extent of the damage or injury caused by the accident.