Arizona Hit and Run Laws (2026 Guide)

Last verified: January 2026. This article reflects current Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 and recent court decisions.

📑 Table of Contents (click to expand)

Quick Summary

  • Property damage only: Class 1 misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine.
  • Injury without stopping: Class 5 or Class 6 felony depending on severity.
  • Death without stopping: Class 3 felony, up to 8.75 years in prison.
  • Failure to render aid: Separate Class 6 felony charge.
  • Autonomous vehicles: Arizona has specific provisions for fully autonomous vehicle accidents.
  • DUI hit and run: Multiple felony charges including potential second degree murder.

References:

ARS 28-662: Arizona’s Hit and Run Law Explained

Arizona Revised Statutes 28-662 requires that any driver involved in an accident resulting in vehicle damage must:

  • Immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible
  • Remain until fulfilling all requirements under ARS 28-663
  • Stop without obstructing traffic more than necessary

Your Obligations Under ARS 28-663

  • Provide your name, address, and vehicle registration to the other party, law enforcement, or anyone attending the victim.
  • Show your driver’s license upon request.
  • Render reasonable assistance to injured persons, including arranging transportation to medical facilities.

Autonomous Vehicle Provisions

Arizona law specifically addresses fully autonomous vehicles. If the vehicle is operating without a human driver, the requirements are satisfied when the vehicle:

  • Immediately stops at or near the scene
  • Remains stopped until ARS 28-663 requirements are met
  • Stops without obstructing traffic more than necessary

Penalties for Hit and Run in Arizona

Judge's gavel and car keys representing hit and run penalties

Property Damage Only (No Injuries)

  • Classification: Class 1 misdemeanor
  • Jail time: Up to 6 months
  • Fine: Up to $2,500
  • Additional penalties: Community service, restitution, license suspension, probation

Hitting a Parked Vehicle

  • Classification: Class 3 misdemeanor
  • Jail time: Up to 30 days
  • Fine: Up to $500

Accident Resulting in Injury

  • Classification: Class 5 felony (non-serious injury) or Class 6 felony (failure to render aid)
  • Prison time: 6 months to 2.5 years
  • Fine: Up to $150,000

Accident Resulting in Death

  • Classification: Class 3 felony
  • Prison time: 2.5 to 8.75 years (longer with prior felonies)
  • Fine: Up to $150,000

DUI Hit and Run

If intoxicated at the time of the accident, additional charges may include:

  • Second degree murder
  • Manslaughter
  • Driving under the influence
  • Reckless endangerment
  • Assault

A court may suspend the license of anyone convicted under ARS 28-662 for one year. If drug or alcohol use was a contributing factor, alcohol or drug screening may be required for license reinstatement.

Arizona Crash Statistics 2024

Arizona’s roads present significant safety challenges, particularly for pedestrians:

  • Total crashes: Over 122,000 crashes statewide in 2023, with numbers continuing to rise.
  • Pedestrian fatalities: 263 pedestrians died in car accidents in 2024, representing about 21% of all traffic fatalities.
  • Pedestrian crash severity: Approximately 40% of pedestrian crashes were fatal.
  • Five-year trend: 2024 marked a five-year high in pedestrian and cyclist crashes according to AZDOT.
  • Total traffic deaths: Over 1,200 traffic fatalities statewide in recent years.

Phoenix has responded to rising pedestrian deaths by updating jaywalking ordinances and increasing enforcement in high-risk areas.

Notable Arizona Hit and Run Cases

Lisa Mancuso Case (2024)

In February 2024, 43-year-old Lisa Mancuso was jogging on the shoulder of 7th Avenue and Cloud Road when she was struck by a pickup truck. The driver fled the scene. Notably, the suspect was identified as the son of a Phoenix police lieutenant. He later pleaded guilty to the charges in April 2025, demonstrating that law enforcement connections do not shield defendants from prosecution.

Tristan Loper Case (2025)

In December 2025, 29-year-old Tristan Loper was arrested weeks after a deadly hit and run on I-10 in west Phoenix. The case illustrated how investigators use highway surveillance systems and vehicle debris analysis to identify suspects even when they flee the immediate area.

19-Year-Old Impaired Driver (2024)

A 19-year-old man was arrested in Phoenix after a fatal hit and run. He admitted to officers that he was impaired at the time of the crash. This case demonstrates the severe consequences young drivers face when combining impaired driving with fleeing the scene.

What to Do After an Accident in Arizona

For Drivers

  • Stop immediately when safe to do so.
  • Call 911 if anyone is injured.
  • Render reasonable assistance to injured persons.
  • Exchange required information (name, address, registration, license).
  • Report the incident to law enforcement.
  • Contact an attorney before making detailed statements.
  • Notify your insurance company.

For Victims

  • Document everything: date, time, location, weather, traffic conditions.
  • Photograph the fleeing vehicle if possible.
  • Note the vehicle description, plate number, and driver appearance.
  • Find witnesses and collect their contact information.
  • Call police immediately.
  • Contact an attorney to understand your rights.
  • Contact your insurance company.

Important: Do not admit fault using statements like “I did not see the other vehicle” or “it was my fault.” Arizona is a pure comparative fault state, and your statements may reduce your recovery.

How Arizona Determines Fault

Arizona follows the pure comparative negligence rule. This means:

  • A jury calculates each party’s percentage of fault.
  • Your damages are reduced by your share of responsibility.
  • You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault.

Example: If you are 30% responsible for an accident and have $50,000 in damages, you can recover $35,000.

Legal Defenses for Hit and Run in Arizona

Fear for Safety

If you had reasonable fear of assault, violence, road rage, or robbery, this may justify leaving the scene. You must still report to law enforcement immediately.

Lack of Awareness

If you genuinely did not realize you struck someone or something, this may serve as a defense. Investigators will examine vehicle damage and surveillance footage to assess credibility.

No Intent to Injure

If the collision was purely accidental and you provided assistance, this distinguishes your case from intentional acts that warrant felony charges.

Can You Settle Out of Court?

Under ARS 13-3981, Arizona allows compromise of misdemeanor offenses. If the injured party acknowledges satisfaction before trial, the court may dismiss the prosecution upon payment of costs.

Limitations:

  • Only applies to misdemeanor offenses (not felonies)
  • Does not apply if the victim is a law enforcement officer
  • Does not apply to repeat offenders

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hit and run a felony in Arizona?

It depends on the outcome. Property damage only is a misdemeanor. Injury or death elevates the charge to a felony.

What if I hit a parked car in Arizona?

Under ARS 28-664, you must locate the owner or leave a written note with your name and address in a conspicuous place on the vehicle.

How long does Arizona have to press charges for hit and run?

Misdemeanors generally have a one-year statute of limitations. Felonies have seven years. For deaths, there may be no time limit.

Will I lose my license for a hit and run in Arizona?

Yes, the court may order a one-year suspension. If drugs or alcohol were involved, additional screening requirements apply.