Leaving an accident scene can result in license suspension, but the outcome depends on the severity of the accident and whether anyone was injured

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 can suspend your license — sometimes when ready, sometimes only after a conviction. The suspension is separate from any criminal charges you may face. Most states treat leaving the scene as a moving violation that goes on your driving record, and the DMV uses that record to decide whether to suspend your driving privileges.

The key factor is whether the accident involved injury or significant property damage. In most states, leaving the scene of an accident where someone was injured is a criminal offense that almost always leads to suspension. Leaving the scene of a property-damage-only accident is typically a civil or traffic violation, and suspension is less automatic — though still possible depending on your state and the circumstances.

Key Takeaways

  • Leaving an accident scene where someone was injured is a criminal offense in all states and typically results in automatic license suspension.
  • Leaving a property-damage-only accident may result in suspension depending on your state and whether you were convicted of the violation.
  • Some states suspend your license before trial as an administrative penalty, while others suspend only after conviction.
  • The length of suspension ranges from a few months to several years, depending on whether anyone was hurt and whether you have prior violations.

How states handle suspension for hit-and-run accidents

Most states divide hit-and-run offenses into two categories: accidents involving injury and accidents involving property damage only. An accident "involving injury" typically means any injury to another person — not just serious injury. Even a minor injury can trigger the more severe penalties.

In states like California, Florida, and New York, leaving the scene of an accident where someone was injured is a felony or misdemeanor criminal charge, and the DMV suspends your license automatically once you are arrested or cited — you do not have to wait for a conviction. The suspension stays in place during the criminal case. In other states, suspension happens only after you are convicted of the offense.

For property-damage-only accidents, the process varies more widely. Some states treat it as a traffic violation similar to reckless driving, and suspension depends on whether you are convicted and whether you have other violations on your record. Other states do not suspend for property-damage-only hit-and-run unless you have a pattern of violations.

Suspension timelines and lengths

If your license is suspended for leaving an accident scene, the length depends on the severity of the offense and your driving history. For accidents involving injury, suspension typically lasts one to three years, though some states impose longer periods for repeat offenders. For property-damage-only accidents, suspension is usually shorter — often six months to one year — if it happens at all.

The timing of when suspension takes effect also varies. In administrative suspension states, your license may be suspended within days of arrest, before you go to court. In conviction-based states, suspension begins only after a judge or jury finds you guilty. This distinction matters because it affects how long you are without a license overall.

Some states allow you to request a hearing to contest the suspension before it takes effect, particularly if the suspension is administrative. Others require you to wait until after conviction to challenge it. Your state's DMV website or your attorney can tell you which process applies where you live.

What "leaving the scene" actually means legally

You do not have to drive away at high speed for it to count as leaving the scene. Legally, leaving the scene means failing to stop, failing to provide your name and contact information to the other driver or police, or failing to offer reasonable information to anyone injured. In some states, you must also remain at the scene for a reasonable amount of time — typically until police arrive or until you have exchanged information.

If you stopped, exchanged information with the other driver, and reported the accident to police or your insurance company, you did not leave the scene, even if you left before police arrived. The key is that you fulfilled your legal obligation to stop and identify yourself.

If you were involved in an accident but did not realize it — for example, you thought you hit a pothole rather than another vehicle — that is a defense in some states, but it requires evidence. If you suspected you hit something but left anyway, that is typically treated as leaving the scene.

How a hit-and-run conviction affects your driving record

A conviction for leaving the accident scene stays on your driving record permanently in most states, though some states allow it to be removed after 7 to 10 years. During the suspension period, you cannot legally drive. After the suspension ends, the conviction remains visible to insurance companies, and your rates will increase significantly — often by 50 to 100 percent or more.

The conviction also counts as a serious violation if you are stopped for another traffic offense during the suspension or shortly after. A second violation during this period can lead to extended suspension or revocation of your license.

If you are a commercial driver, a hit-and-run conviction can result in loss of your commercial license even if your regular license is only suspended. Some employers will not hire drivers with this conviction on their record.

Steps to take if you left an accident scene

If you left an accident scene and realize you should have stayed, contact a traffic attorney or criminal defense attorney in your state before police contact you. An attorney can advise you on whether to report the accident yourself, which can sometimes reduce charges or penalties. Reporting it yourself shows cooperation and may be viewed more favorably than waiting to be caught.

If police have already contacted you or you have been cited, do not discuss the accident with anyone except your attorney. Do not post about it on social media or discuss it with friends or family who might be called as witnesses. Anything you say can be used against you in both the criminal case and the DMV suspension hearing.

If your license has already been suspended, ask your attorney whether your state allows a hardship license or work permit that lets you drive to work or medical appointments during the suspension period. Some states grant these; others do not.

Reinstating your license after suspension

Once your suspension period ends, you must take steps to reinstate your license. In most states, you cannot straightforward start driving again — you must visit your DMV office, pay a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $300), and sometimes pass a written test or vision test. Some states require you to file proof of insurance before reinstatement.

If your suspension was for a criminal conviction, some states require you to complete a defensive driving course or attend a victim impact panel before reinstatement is allowed. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out what is required in your case.

If you were unable to pay a fine associated with the conviction, your license may not be reinstated until the fine is paid. If you cannot afford to pay it, ask the court about a payment plan or hardship waiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some states allow hardship licenses for work, school, or medical appointments, but others do not. It depends on your state and sometimes on the specific offense. Contact your state's DMV or ask your attorney whether you are may be able to access in your situation.

What if the other driver did not report the accident to police?

If no police report was filed, you may still face charges if the other driver reports it later or if you are identified through other means — security cameras, witnesses, or insurance claims. Leaving the scene is still a violation even if the other driver does not when ready report it.

Does leaving the scene affect my car insurance?

Yes. A hit-and-run conviction or citation will be reported to your insurance company, and your rates will increase. Your insurer may also deny a claim related to the accident if you did not report it promptly. Some insurers will cancel your policy after a hit-and-run conviction.

How long does a hit-and-run stay on my driving record?

In most states, a hit-and-run conviction stays on your record permanently, though some states allow removal after 7 to 10 years. The suspension itself is temporary, but the conviction record is much longer-lasting and affects your insurance rates and future driving privileges.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony hit-and-run?

Hit-and-run involving injury is usually a felony or misdemeanor depending on the severity of injury and your state's laws. Hit-and-run involving property damage only is typically a misdemeanor or traffic violation. Felony charges carry longer suspension periods and can result in jail time, while misdemeanor charges usually result in fines and shorter suspension.