Failing to stop / report

The definition of this offence is fairly complicated. In basic terms, where you:

• Are the driver of a mechanically propelled vehicle, and
• When driving your vehicle on a road or other public place an accident occurs, and
• That accident causes (i) injury to another person (ii) damage to another vehicle or roadside property or (iii) injury / damage to an animal

You have a duty to stop and also to provide the following details upon being reasonably required to give them:

• Your name and address
• The name and address of the owner of the vehicle
• The registration number of the vehicle

Unless the above information is provided, you also have a duty to report the accident at a police station or to a police constable as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case within 24 hours of the accident.
Penalty: The courts treat offences under this section very seriously. Disqualification from driving is discretionary. Between 5 and 10 penalty points can be imposed.

The court will also consider a fine (maximum £5,000.00), community penalty or custodial sentence (imprisonment).

Contact our motoring law team for further advice and assistance.