Hit-and-Run / Fleeing the Scene of an Accident
Fleeing the scene of an accident without stopping to help or reporting it to the police — a criminal offence under Indian law.
Fine (1st)
₹10,000 fine
Imprisonment
Up to 6 months for failing to report; criminal liability if death/injury caused
What the Law Says
Fleeing an accident scene — commonly called "hit-and-run" — is a serious criminal offence under the Motor Vehicles Act. Section 134 places a legal duty on any driver involved in an accident to stop, render assistance to the injured, and report the incident to the nearest police station. Failure to do so is punishable independently of the accident itself. The 2019 amendment also created a dedicated Hit and Run Motor Accident compensation scheme (Secs. 161–162) providing ₹2,00,000 for death and ₹50,000 for grievous hurt caused by an unidentified vehicle.
"The driver of a motor vehicle... shall, on demand by a police officer, produce the document... and in case of an accident involving death or injury, shall report the accident at the nearest police station..." — Sec. 134, MV Act 1988. Hit and Run compensation: Sec. 161–162, as amended 2019.
Consequences
- Fine up to ₹10,000 for failure to stop/report
- Imprisonment up to 6 months for failure to report
- Criminal charges of culpable homicide or grievous hurt if victim dies or is seriously injured
- Driving licence suspension or cancellation
- Potential civil liability for full compensation to victim
- Insurance cover may be voided — personal liability for all damages
How to Avoid This Violation
- ✓Always stop after an accident, no matter how minor
- ✓Call 112 (emergency) immediately — you are legally required to
- ✓Render first aid if safe to do so — Good Samaritan protections apply to you too
- ✓Staying at the scene and cooperating is always better legally than fleeing
What to Do If Caught
- 1.Cooperate fully with police — attempting to hide facts compounds the offence
- 2.Engage a lawyer immediately — criminal charges may be involved
- 3.Notify your insurer of the accident as soon as possible
Key Facts
₹2,00,000
compensation for death in hit-and-run (Sec. 161)
₹50,000
compensation for grievous hurt in hit-and-run (Sec. 161)
Legal Reference
Sections 134 & 161–162, MV Act
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Sections 134, 161, 162; MV Amendment Act 2019
Information sourced from Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Sections 134, 161, 162; MV Amendment Act 2019. For awareness only — consult a legal professional for specific advice.