Consequences of Conviction
A conviction for Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Property Damage) carries significant penalties that impact both your wallet and your driving record:
- Points: 5 points on your driving record (effective after 2/26/2026).
- Fine: $0 to $250.
- Surcharge: $88 (City Courts) or $93 (Town and Village Courts).
Practice Commentary: Required Information Exchange
This statute is designed to prevent a person from evading liability for negligently causing damage.
Section 600 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law
requires drivers to stop and exchange information whenever a driver has caused damage, or has cause to know that they have caused damage.
The mandatory information exchange requires providing your:
- Name and residence (including street and number);
- Insurance carrier and insurance identification information; and
- Driver's license number.
This information must be given to the party sustaining the damage or to the injured party if practical. In cases involving injury, this information must also be provided to a police officer. The police officer has a duty to request the information and assist the drivers in making this exchange.
Court Interpretation of Leaving the Scene under VTL § 600
When interpreting VTL § 600, New York courts have established several strict precedents regarding compliance:
- Reporting to a Police Station: Courts have found that a driver is still liable under VTL § 600 if they leave the scene immediately, even if they proceed directly to a police station to report the accident. People v. Schauffert, 277 A.D. 1042 (2d Dept 1950).
- Phone Reports: The report required under the statute may be made by telephone minutes after the accident. People v. Hampton, 22 Misc. 2d 432 (County Ct. 1960).
- Private Property: This statute applies even if the accident occurs in a private parking lot. People v. Bell, 21 Misc. 2d 578 (County Ct. 1960).
Related Requirement: The MV-104 Accident Report
The New York DMV requires that all persons involved in a
reportable accident
file a form MV-104. A reportable accident is an accident that causes damage of more than $1,000 to any one individual, including the driver. If there is any damage over $1,000, all drivers must file the MV-104. This form must be filed within 10 days of the accident.
If the accident involved a parked car, the driver must locate the owner or contact the police immediately.
If you have already filed accident reports, you may access PDF copies online here:
Accident Reports from NY DMV .
Charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident?
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious charge that can lead to steep fines and points on your license. Contact Azria Law Office today for a free case evaluation.
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