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Is leaving the scene of an accident a moving violation?

I’m an adult driver, but due to where I lived before, I’ve never owned a car until now. However, I want to make sure that I understand the law before I get behind the wheel. Is it a moving violation if I leave the scene of an accident?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congrats on becoming a first-time adult driver!
To answer your question, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious moving violation in most states. Also known as a hit and run accident, leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor that’s punishable in most states by up to one year in jail and a fine of around $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the incident.
Leaving the scene of an accident that results in a fatality or injury may also lead to felony charges, bigger fines, and more jail time.
If you’re ever involved in an accident, make sure that you pull over, get the information of the other driver, and call the police if necessary—whether you’re at fault or not.
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