New Jersey Hit and Run Laws: What You Need to Know

As of October 2025, the following information applies.

Being involved in an accident is distressing, but making the decision to leave the scene can turn a stressful situation into a serious legal nightmare. In New Jersey, what’s commonly known as a “hit and run” offense—formally termed “leaving the scene of an accident”—carries significant penalties that can impact your driving privileges, finances, and even your freedom. The fear and confusion in the moment are understandable, but understanding the law and your rights is the first step toward finding clarity and hope.

At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we understand the anxiety that comes with facing such charges. Our aim is to provide direct, empathetic guidance to help you navigate these complexities. We’re here to break down New Jersey’s hit and run laws, explain the potential consequences, and discuss how a strong defense can make all the difference.

Understanding New Jersey’s “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” Law

In New Jersey, the law is clear: if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, you have specific duties. N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 outlines these obligations, which primarily involve stopping, rendering aid if necessary, and exchanging information with other involved parties or reporting the incident to the police. Failure to do so can lead to a hit and run charge.

What exactly does “leaving the scene” mean? It means failing to fulfill these obligations before driving away. It doesn’t necessarily mean you intentionally tried to conceal your involvement. Sometimes, people panic, don’t realize an accident occurred, or believe the damage was minor. Blunt Truth: The law doesn’t always distinguish between intent and genuine oversight when it comes to the act of leaving the scene.

Mr. Sris, our founder and principal attorney, has always emphasized the seriousness of such charges. He shares, “My focus since founding the firm in 1997 has always been directed towards personally handling the most challenging and complex criminal and family law matters our clients face.” This dedication extends to ensuring clients understand the gravity of their situation and receive a robust defense.

Penalties for a Hit and Run in New Jersey

The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in New Jersey vary significantly depending on whether the accident resulted in property damage, bodily injury, or death. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, and the stakes can be incredibly high.

Property Damage Only

Even if no one was hurt, leaving the scene of an accident where only property damage occurred can lead to serious repercussions. For a first offense, you could face:

• A fine of $200-$400.
• Up to 30 days in jail.
• Suspension of your driver’s license for six months.
• Two points on your driving record.

Subsequent offenses carry even stiffer penalties, including higher fines, longer jail sentences, and an extended license suspension. The court will often consider the extent of the damage and prior offenses when determining the severity of the punishment.

Bodily Injury or Death

This is where things get much more serious. If a hit and run accident results in bodily injury or, tragically, death, the charges can escalate to a felony, with life-altering consequences. For a first offense involving injury, you could be looking at:

• A fine of $2,500-$5,000.
• Between 180 days and one year in jail (if injury is serious).
• License suspension of one year.
• Eight points on your driving record.

In cases involving death, the penalties are far more severe, potentially including lengthy state prison sentences and permanent loss of driving privileges. It’s vital to recognize that these aren’t just traffic tickets; they’re criminal charges that demand immediate and knowledgeable legal attention.

What to Do if You’re Involved in a New Jersey Hit and Run

The immediate aftermath of an accident can be chaotic, but your actions (or inactions) can profoundly impact your legal standing. If you’ve been involved in an accident, whether you believe it’s minor or severe, here’s a breakdown of what you should do:

1. Stop Immediately: Pull over safely at or near the scene of the accident.
2. Render Aid: If someone is injured, provide reasonable assistance and call 911.
3. Exchange Information: Share your name, address, and vehicle registration number with the other driver(s). If no one else is present, leave a note with this information in a conspicuous place.
4. Report to Police: For significant damage or injury, report the accident to the police immediately.
5. Do NOT Admit Fault: Avoid making any statements about who was at fault.
6. Seek Legal Counsel: Contact an attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. as soon as possible, especially if you have left the scene or are being investigated.

Blunt Truth: Many people don’t realize the severity of a hit and run charge until it’s too late. Taking these steps can protect you legally.

Facing Hit and Run Allegations: Defense Strategies

Even if you’re accused of a New Jersey hit and run, it doesn’t mean you’re without options. A knowledgeable defense attorney can explore various strategies tailored to the specifics of your case. Some common defense approaches include:

• Lack of Knowledge: Arguing that you genuinely didn’t know you were involved in an accident, perhaps due to a very minor impact, loud music, or another distraction.
• Mistaken Identity: If the only evidence is a vague description of a vehicle, your attorney can challenge the identification.
• No Damage or Injury: Demonstrating that there was no actual property damage or bodily injury, which could reduce the severity of the charges.
• Emergency Situation: Presenting evidence that you left the scene due to an emergency, such as needing immediate medical attention or fleeing a dangerous situation.
• Lack of Causation: Arguing that your actions (or leaving the scene) did not directly cause the injury or damage, but rather another factor was at play.
• Constitutional Violations: Challenging the legality of police stops, searches, or interrogations that led to your charges.

Mr. Sris understands the intricate details often involved in legal cases, stating, “I find my background in accounting and information management provides a unique advantage when handling the intricate financial and technological aspects inherent in many modern legal cases.” This analytical approach is crucial for dissecting evidence and building a comprehensive defense.

Why You Need Knowledgeable Legal Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

Facing a hit and run charge in New Jersey isn’t something you should attempt to handle alone. The legal system is complex, and the consequences are too significant to leave to chance. A seasoned attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings invaluable experience and guidance to your case:

• Understanding the Law: We have a deep understanding of New Jersey’s traffic and criminal statutes, including N.J.S.A. 39:4-129.
• Protecting Your Rights: We ensure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the investigation and legal process.
• Investigating the Incident: We’ll gather evidence, interview witnesses, review police reports, and reconstruct the scene to build the strongest possible defense.
• Negotiating with Prosecutors: We can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, like a plea bargain, when appropriate.
• Representing You in Court: If your case goes to trial, we will vigorously advocate on your behalf, presenting your defense compellingly.
• Minimizing Consequences: Our primary goal is to minimize the negative impact on your life, from fines and jail time to license suspensions and insurance rates.

Mr. Sris reflects on his broader commitment to the legal field, noting, “As someone deeply involved in the community, I believe it’s important to not only practice law but also to actively participate in shaping it, advocating for clients within the existing legal framework and contributing to a fairer system.” This commitment translates into dedicated representation for every client we serve.

Confidential Case Review: Take the First Step

If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a hit and run in New Jersey, the time to act is now. Delay can jeopardize your defense. We offer a confidential case review to discuss the specifics of your situation, understand your options, and outline a strategic path forward. Don’t let fear paralyze you; clarity and hope begin with a conversation.

Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. has locations in Flanders and other areas to serve clients across New Jersey and beyond. Our Flanders office is located at 230 Route 206, BLDG #3, Office #5, Flanders, NJ 07836. You can reach us for a confidential case review at +1-609-983-0003.

Past results do not predict future outcomes.