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 Utah, leaving the scene of an accident, also known as hit-and-run, is a criminal offense that can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the incident. Under Utah Code § 41-6a-401, the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in damage to another occupied vehicle is required to immediately stop at the scene, provide personal and insurance information, and render aid if necessary. If the accident involves an unoccupied vehicle or other property, the operator must make an effort to locate the owner or leave the necessary contact and insurance information in a conspicuous place. In cases where an accident results in bodily injury or death, the operator is mandated to stop and provide reasonable assistance, including notifying emergency services. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to serious consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and revocation of driving privileges, with the penalties increasing significantly if the accident involves injury or death.