new york vehicle and traffic law 600 2 leaving scene of an incid

In New York, it’s against the law to leave the scene of a motor vehicle accident without stopping and reporting it to authorities. Vehicle and Traffic Law 600.2 covers the requirements for staying at the scene of an incident and reporting it.

Failure to follow the law about staying at the scene of an accident can result in criminal charges. It’s important to understand the reporting requirements and criminal penalties under VTL 600.2. An experienced New York traffic ticket lawyer can help defend you if you’ve been accused of violating this law.

What Does New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 600.2 Require?

VTL 600.2 states that any driver who knows or should know that personal injury was caused in an incident involving their vehicle must:

• Stop at the scene of the incident
• Show their driver’s license and insurance ID card
• Provide their name, address, and license plate number
• Report the incident to the nearest police station or judicial officer if no police are present

The law requires taking these steps “before leaving the place where the said personal injury occurred.” Failing to do so violates VTL 600.2.

When Does VTL 600.2 Apply?

The requirements under 600.2 apply when:

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Legal Scenario: What Would You Do?

Scenario

You were involved in a minor fender-bender on a busy Manhattan street and, feeling panicked and pressured by honking traffic, you drove away without exchanging information with the other driver. The next day, you received a call from the police saying they have your license plate on camera and want you to come in for questioning.

What criminal charges could I face for leaving the scene of this accident under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 600.2?

Attorney's Answer

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600.2, leaving the scene of a property damage accident without stopping and providing your name, insurance information, and vehicle registration is a traffic infraction that can escalate to a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances. If anyone was injured in the collision — even if you were unaware at the time — you could face misdemeanor or felony charges under VTL § 600.2(a), which carries potential jail time of up to one year for a misdemeanor or up to seven years for a felony involving serious physical injury. Your best course of action right now is to retain a criminal defense attorney before speaking with police, as anything you say during questioning can be used against you. We may be able to negotiate a voluntary surrender and demonstrate mitigating factors, such as the lack of injuries and your willingness to cooperate, to pursue a reduced charge or dismissal.

This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.

• You were involved in a motor vehicle incident
• Personal injury resulted from the incident
• You knew or had reasonable cause to know someone was injured

It does not matter who was at fault for causing the accident itself. If you know or have reason to believe that any personal injury resulted, you must follow the reporting requirements.

Penalties for Violating VTL 600.2