VTL 601 · Article 601
Leaving the Scene of a Property-Damage Accident (VTL 601)
After striking a parked vehicle or other property, a driver must stop, locate the owner, and if that fails, leave written information and report to police. Leaving without doing so is charged even when the damage looks trivial.
Has your loved one been arrested or taken into police custody?
Text us immediately · (845) 290-2492What the prosecutor must prove
- You were involved in an accident causing damage to property.
- You did not stop and give the required information or report the accident.
Defenses that commonly apply
- You did not know an accident occurred.
- You stopped and made a reasonable attempt to locate the owner.
- The information was left or reported.
Penalties and collateral consequences
A Traffic infraction carries a maximum sentence of no jail for a first offense and a fine of up to Up to $300, plus a surcharge.
Where a person is injured, the same conduct is charged far more seriously under VTL 600. Never leave a scene involving injury.
Every case turns on its own facts. The information on this page is general, not legal advice.
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