NJ Police vigorously pursue individuals who leave the scene of a car accident without taking the required steps under the law. This ticket is frequently given along with 2 others: Failure to report an accident and careless driving.
The driver any a vehicle involved in an accident involving injury or property damage must remain at the scene and present their credentials to the person who was injured or whose property was damaged and to any police officer or witness at the scene. If no such person is available, you must notify the police immediately.
The penalties for violating this section of the Motor Vehicle law are severe. If there is an injury or death involved from the accident, leaving the scene can result in a fine of up to $5000 and be imprisoned for 180 days, 8 motor vehicle and insurance eligibility points plus a one-year driver's license suspension.
In the case of an accident not involving injury or death but only property damage, the penalties are still harsh. They include a fine of up to $400, 30 days jail, 2 points and a six month driver's license suspension for the first offense, and a one-year suspension for any subsequent offense.
