California Vehicle Code §§ 20001 & 20002 Explained

Driving in California carries legal responsibilities that extend beyond avoiding accidents. One of the most important duties imposed by law is to stop and take specific actions after an accident.

Failing to do so is considered hit-and-run, a criminal offense that can lead to arrest, fines, probation, jail, and long-term consequences on your record.

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without identifying themselves or providing legally required assistance, regardless of who caused the collision.

Even accidents involving only property damage—such as a parked car, fence, or mailbox—can result in criminal charges if you leave without complying with the law.

Key Takeaways: California Hit-and-Run Law

• Hit-and-run is a criminal offense, not just a traffic ticket

• Injury is not required for a hit-and-run charge

• Leaving the scene can lead to jail time, fines, probation, and restitution

• The law focuses on what you did after the accident, not who caused it

• Prompt legal action can significantly reduce penalties

What Counts as a Hit-and-Run in California?

Under California law, a hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in an accident:

• Fails to stop at the scene, and

• Fails to provide identifying and insurance information, or

• Fails to provide reasonable assistance to an injured person

This applies whether the accident involved:

• Another vehicle

• A pedestrian or cyclist

• A parked car

• Private or public property

California's Two Hit-and-Run Statutes

California separates hit-and-run offenses into two main categories, depending on whether anyone was injured.

Felony Hit-and-Run — Vehicle Code § 20001

Vehicle Code § 20001 applies when an accident results in injury or death.

Legal Duties After an Injury Accident

The driver must:

• Immediately stop at the scene

• Provide name, address, and vehicle information

• Show driver's license upon request

• Provide reasonable assistance to injured persons

• Contact emergency services if necessary

Failing to do any of these constitutes felony hit-and-run.

Elements Prosecutors Must Prove

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove:

• You were driving and involved in an accident

• The accident caused injury or death

• You knew or reasonably should have known of the injury

• You willfully failed to stop

• You failed to provide information or assistance

Fault for the accident does not matter.

Penalties for Felony Hit-and-Run

VC 20001 is a wobbler, meaning it may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Misdemeanor Filing:

• Up to 1 year in county jail

• $1,000–$10,000 in fines

• Summary probation possible

Felony Filing:

• Up to 4 years in state prison

• $1,000–$10,000 in fines

• Formal felony probation is possible

Courts may order restitution for injuries caused by fleeing the scene.

Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run — Vehicle Code § 20002

Vehicle Code § 20002 applies when an accident causes property damage only.

This includes:

• Hitting a parked car

• Scraping another vehicle

• Damaging fences, signs, or mailboxes

Legal Duties in Property-Damage Accidents

You must:

• Stop immediately

• Locate the property owner and exchange information or

• Leave a written note with your contact information in a visible place

Failing to do so is a misdemeanor hit-and-run.

Penalties for Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run

• Up to 6 months in county jail

• Fines up to $1,000

• Summary probation in many cases

Civil compromise is no longer permitted in misdemeanor hit-and-run cases under current California law.

No Injury Is Required for a Hit-and-Run

Many drivers believe that hit-and-run only applies if someone is hurt. That is incorrect.

You can be charged for:

• Denting a parked car and leaving

• Backing into a mailbox without notifying the owner

• Side-swiping another car and driving away

If no damage occurred at all, leaving is not a crime—but damage thresholds are often disputed.

Related Criminal Charges

Hit-and-run cases often involve additional allegations, including:

• DUI – Vehicle Code § 23152

• DUI causing injury – Vehicle Code § 23153

• Vehicular manslaughter – Penal Code § 192(c)

• Driving without a license – VC § 12500(a)

• Driving on a suspended license – VC § 14601.1(a)

Prosecutors frequently file multiple charges stemming from the same incident.

What If You Already Left the Scene?

Leaving the scene is serious—but what you do next matters.

Steps That Can Help Mitigate Consequences

Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
Early legal intervention can prevent arrest, limit charges, and protect your rights.

Arrange a Controlled Surrender
Turning yourself in through counsel often reduces bail and sentencing exposure.

Preserve Evidence
Photos, surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, and witness statements can be critical.

Notify Your Insurance Company
Failure to report can lead to coverage denial later.

Demonstrate Accountability
Restitution and cooperation can positively influence prosecutors and judges.

Speak With a California Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are under investigation or facing hit-and-run charges, time is critical. Early legal guidance can make the difference between dismissal, reduced charges, or jail.

Hedding Law Firm represents clients throughout California in misdemeanor and felony hit-and-run cases.

Contact us today to discuss your case confidentially.