What Happens If You Leave the Scene of an Accident?

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident you are required to report it to the local police department. Failure to do so may subject you to harsh penalties. 

What are the penalties?

1^st Offense:

• Property Damage with out personal injury: $200.00- $400.00 fine, imprisonment up to 40 days, and a 6-month loss of license.
• Including personal injury: One year loss of license, a fine of not less than $2,500 nor more than $5,000, and/or imprisonment of up to 180 days.

2^nd Offense:

• Property Damage without personal injury: $400.00- $600.00, imprisonment of not less than 30-90 days, and a 1-year loss of license.     

          If you hire a skilled attorney you may be able to downgrade the summons to Failure to report an accident in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-130, which carries only a fine without loss of license or jail time. Under either of these statutes it is important to seek a civil reservation prior to entering your guilty plea.