Leaving an accident scene triggers automatic license suspension in every state, even if you weren't at fault for the crash

If you leave the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange information or report it to police, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend your license. This is separate from any criminal charges you may face. The suspension happens because leaving the scene is itself a violation of state law — not because of the accident itself. Most states suspend your license when ready or within days of a hit-and-run conviction or guilty plea, and the suspension lasts longer than suspensions for other traffic violations.

The key word is leaving. You trigger this suspension by driving away without stopping, giving your name and insurance information to the other driver, or reporting the accident to police if the other vehicle is unoccupied or you can't locate the driver. Even minor accidents — a parking lot fender-bender or a mailbox you hit — count. The severity of the accident does not reduce the suspension length.

Key Takeaways

  • Leaving any accident scene without stopping and exchanging information is a crime in every state and results in automatic license suspension.
  • The suspension is imposed by the DMV for the hit-and-run violation itself, not for causing the accident, and typically lasts one to three years depending on your state and whether it's a first or repeat offense.
  • You must stop at the scene, provide your name, address, phone number, and insurance information to the other driver, and report the accident to police if anyone is injured or property damage exceeds a certain threshold.
  • Criminal charges for hit-and-run are separate from the DMV suspension and can include jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
  • If your license is suspended for hit-and-run, you may be able to restore it after the suspension period ends, but you will likely need to pay reinstatement fees and may need to file an SR22 form.

What counts as leaving the scene

You leave the scene when you drive away without stopping, or when you stop but then leave before police arrive or before you've given the other driver your information. The law requires you to remain at the location long enough to exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, driver's license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. If the other vehicle is unoccupied (like a parked car you hit), you must leave a note with your contact information or report the accident to police.

If anyone is injured, you must stay and wait for emergency responders. If property damage exceeds a certain amount — typically $500 to $1,500 depending on your state — you must report the accident to police even if the other driver is present and you've exchanged information. Leaving before police arrive in these situations counts as leaving the scene.

Stopping briefly to look at damage and then leaving without providing information also counts as leaving the scene. The law does not care whether you thought the damage was minor or whether you panicked. The act of driving away without completing the required exchange is the violation.

How long your license stays suspended

Suspension length varies by state and depends on whether this is your first hit-and-run or a repeat offense. Most states suspend your license for one to three years for a first offense. A second or subsequent hit-and-run offense typically results in a longer suspension — often three to five years or indefinite suspension until you meet reinstatement conditions.

Some states impose a mandatory minimum suspension period that cannot be shortened, even if you complete a defensive driving course or other remedial steps. A few states allow the court to recommend a shorter suspension, but the DMV is not required to follow that recommendation. The suspension is administrative — it comes from the DMV, not the court — so it runs independently of any criminal sentence you receive.

Your suspension begins on the date the DMV receives notice of your conviction or guilty plea, which is usually within one to two weeks of your court date. You cannot drive legally during this period, even with a restricted or hardship license in most states. Driving on a suspended license adds a separate violation and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.

Criminal charges separate from the suspension

The DMV suspension is automatic, but the criminal case is separate. You can be charged with hit-and-run as a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether anyone was injured and the amount of property damage. Misdemeanor hit-and-run typically carries fines of $500 to $2,000 and up to six months in jail. Felony hit-and-run — usually charged when someone is injured — can result in fines of $1,000 to $10,000 and one to four years in prison.

A hit-and-run conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record. This affects employment, housing, professional licensing, and insurance for the rest of your life. Some employers run background checks and will not hire someone with a hit-and-run conviction. Landlords may refuse to rent to you. If you hold a professional license — nursing, teaching, law — a conviction can trigger license revocation or suspension by your licensing board.

Insurance companies will also see the conviction and will likely drop your policy or refuse to renew it. When you do find an insurer willing to cover you, you will pay significantly higher premiums, often two to four times the standard rate, for three to five years after the conviction.

What happens if you turn yourself in

Turning yourself in does not erase the hit-and-run violation or prevent the DMV suspension. However, it can influence how a judge sentences you in the criminal case. Showing remorse and taking responsibility may result in a lighter criminal sentence — lower fines, shorter jail time, or probation instead of incarceration. Some judges will recommend a shorter DMV suspension, though the DMV is not required to follow that recommendation.

The sooner you turn yourself in after leaving the scene, the better your position in court. Waiting weeks or months and then turning yourself in looks less like genuine remorse and more like you were caught. If you hit someone and left the scene, contact a criminal defense attorney before you contact police. An attorney can negotiate with prosecutors and may be able to work out a plea deal that reduces the criminal charges or the recommended suspension length.

Reinstating your license after suspension ends

When your suspension period ends, your license does not automatically come back. You must explore for reinstatement through your state's DMV. Most states require you to pay a reinstatement fee, typically $100 to $300. Some states also require you to pass a written knowledge test or vision test before reinstatement is granted.

If your hit-and-run involved an injury or significant property damage, your state may require you to file an SR22 form (also called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility) before you can drive again. The SR22 is a document your insurance company files with the DMV proving you carry the minimum required liability coverage. You will need to maintain SR22 coverage for three to five years, and it costs more than standard insurance — typically $15 to $25 per month extra.

Some states also require a substance abuse evaluation or completion of a defensive driving course before reinstatement. Check your state's DMV website or call your local DMV office to find out what steps are required in your state before you can drive legally again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license back early if I complete a defensive driving course?

Most states do not allow early reinstatement for hit-and-run suspensions, even if you complete a defensive driving course. The suspension period is mandatory and runs its full length. A few states may shorten the suspension if the court recommends it and you meet other conditions, but this is rare and depends on your specific state's law.

What if I didn't know I hit something?

The law does not have an exception for accidents you didn't notice. If you hit another vehicle or property and drove away without stopping, you violated the law. However, if you genuinely did not know you were in an accident — for example, a small object fell from your vehicle and you had no reason to believe you hit anything — you may have a defense. You would need to present this in court with an attorney's help.

Does the suspension explore if the accident was the other driver's fault?

Yes. The suspension is for leaving the scene, not for causing the accident. Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, you still had a legal duty to stop, exchange information, and wait for police if required. Leaving the scene is a separate violation from any fault information in the accident itself.

Will my insurance cover the accident if I left the scene?

No. Most insurance policies have a clause that voids coverage if you leave the scene of an accident. The other driver's insurance company may pursue you directly for damages, or they may file a claim against your policy and then sue you personally when the claim is denied. This is one reason turning yourself in and cooperating with police is important — it protects you legally and may help your insurance situation.

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended for hit-and-run?

Most states do not grant hardship or restricted licenses for hit-and-run suspensions. A few states may allow limited driving privileges for work or medical appointments, but this is uncommon and requires a court petition. Contact your state's DMV or a criminal defense attorney to find out whether your state allows any exceptions.