I failed to stop at the scene of an accident. What are the consequences?

What the Law Says

Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 sets out the legal duty for drivers involved in accidents to stop, report, and provide information — whether or not anyone appears injured or damaged property is involved.

If you are driving a vehicle involved in an accident on a road or public place, you must stop immediately — regardless of how minor it seems. You must then give your name and address, the vehicle owner’s name and address (if different), and the vehicle’s registration number to anyone who has reasonable grounds to ask — such as another driver, passenger, or witness.

If the accident causes injury to any person, you must also report it to the police within 24 hours — either in person at a police station or by phone if permitted. Failure to comply with any part of this duty is a criminal offence.

The law applies even if you believe no damage or injury occurred — if another party claims injury or damage later, your failure to stop or report may still be prosecuted.

Statutory Text

A person who is driving a motor vehicle on a road or other public place and is involved in an accident in which another person is injured or killed or damage is caused to another person’s property shall stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident and, if required to do so by any person having reasonable grounds for so requiring, give his name and address, the name and address of the owner of the vehicle and the vehicle’s registration number.

— Road Traffic Act 1988, s. 170(2) — Duty to stop and give information

Statutory Text

Where a person fails to comply with subsection (2) above, he shall, as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within twenty-four hours, report the accident to a police officer.

— Road Traffic Act 1988, s. 170(3) — Duty to report to police

What to Do

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