Michigan Hit and Run Laws (2026 Guide)

Last verified: January 2026. This guide reflects current Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.617 through 257.619. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

📑 Table of Contents (click to expand)

Quick Summary

  • Governing statutes: Michigan Compiled Laws Sections 257.617, 257.618, and 257.619
  • Felony threshold: Serious impairment of body function or death
  • Maximum felony penalty: Up to 15 years in prison, $10,000 fine (at-fault fatal accidents)
  • Standard felony penalty: Up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine (serious injury/death, not at fault)
  • Misdemeanor penalty (injury): Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine
  • Misdemeanor penalty (property): Up to 90 days in jail, $100 fine
  • Reporting deadline: 3 days for reportable accidents
  • Fault system: Michigan follows “comparative fault” rules

Michigan Hit and Run Statutes

Michigan addresses hit and run offenses through several sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code (Act 300 of 1949):

Section 257.617: Accidents Resulting in Serious Impairment or Death

This statute requires drivers involved in accidents on public or private property open to public travel to immediately stop and either fulfill the requirements of Section 619 at the scene or report to the nearest police agency if remaining would result in further harm.

Section 257.618: Accidents Involving Vehicle Damage

This covers accidents resulting in damage to vehicles and requires drivers to stop, exchange information, and report to police.

Section 257.619: Duties of Driver

This section specifies exactly what information must be exchanged and what assistance must be rendered.

Under Michigan law (Section 257.619), if you know or have reason to believe you have been involved in an accident, you must:

  • Stop immediately at the scene without obstructing traffic more than necessary
  • Provide your information to the struck person, a passenger in the struck vehicle, or a law enforcement officer:
    • Your name and address
    • Your vehicle registration number
  • Exhibit your driver’s license upon request
  • Render reasonable assistance to anyone who needs it
  • Report the accident immediately to the nearest or most convenient law enforcement agency

Exception: If you have a “reasonable and honest belief that remaining at the scene will result in further harm,” you may leave to immediately report the accident to police. However, you must still fulfill the information exchange requirements.

Unattended vehicles: If you hit a parked vehicle and cannot locate the owner, you must leave a note in a conspicuous place containing your name, address, and license plate number, then report to police if damage exceeds $1,000.

Misdemeanor Hit and Run in Michigan

Injury (First Offense, Section 257.617a)

Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury (but not serious impairment or death) is a misdemeanor punishable by:

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • A fine of up to $1,000
  • Or both, plus license suspension for up to 1 year

Property Damage (Section 257.618)

Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, or failing to report a reportable accident, is a misdemeanor punishable by:

  • Up to 90 days in jail
  • A fine of up to $100
  • License suspension for up to 30 days (malicious destruction of property)

Felony Hit and Run in Michigan

Michigan law creates two tiers of felony hit and run based on fault:

Serious Impairment or Death (Not At Fault, Section 257.617(2))

If you violate the duty to stop after an accident resulting in serious impairment of body function or death, you face:

  • Up to 5 years in prison
  • A fine of up to $5,000
  • Or both

At-Fault Fatal Accident (Section 257.617(3))

If you caused the accident and the accident results in death, the penalties increase significantly:

  • Up to 15 years in prison
  • A fine of up to $10,000
  • Or both

DUI Hit and Run:

If you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of a fatal accident, you may face additional charges under Michigan’s DUI laws, which can carry up to 15 years in prison plus a $10,000 fine.

Michigan Hit and Run Penalties Summary

Offense Classification Maximum Incarceration Maximum Fine
Property damage / failure to report Misdemeanor 90 days $100
Injury (first offense) Misdemeanor 1 year $1,000
Serious impairment or death Felony 5 years $5,000
At-fault fatal accident Felony 15 years $10,000
DUI hit and run (death/serious injury) Felony 15 years $10,000

License suspension: Section 257.319 requires license suspension upon conviction for hit and run. Failure to stop at an injury accident results in suspension for up to 1 year. Malicious destruction of property results in suspension for up to 30 days.

Michigan Crash Statistics

According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2023:

  • Total motor vehicle deaths: 1,094 fatalities
  • Death rate: 10.9 per 100,000 population (below the national average of 12.2)
  • Deaths per 100 million miles traveled: 1.11
  • Pedestrian fatalities: 175 deaths (16% of all traffic deaths)
  • Motorcyclist fatalities: 180 deaths (16% of total)
  • Single-vehicle vs. multiple-vehicle: 49% single-vehicle, 51% multiple-vehicle
  • Alcohol involvement: Approximately 25% of fatally injured drivers had BAC of 0.08% or higher (based on limited reporting data)

How Fault Is Determined in Michigan

Michigan follows a “comparative fault” rule under Section 600.2959. This system affects how damages are calculated:

  • Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If your share of fault exceeds the combined fault of all other parties, you can only recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages); noneconomic damages (pain and suffering) are not available
  • A jury determines the percentage of fault for each party

No-Fault Insurance:

Michigan is a “no-fault” auto insurance state. After an accident, you file claims with your own insurance company under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses and wage loss, regardless of who caused the accident.

Important: Never admit fault at the scene. Fault determination is the responsibility of investigators, insurance adjusters, and juries. Your statements can be used against you in criminal and civil proceedings.

Possible Defenses to Hit and Run Charges

Depending on the circumstances, these defenses may be available:

  • Lack of knowledge: You did not know and had no reason to know that you were involved in an accident
  • Fear for safety: You had a “reasonable and honest belief that remaining at the scene will result in further harm” (explicitly recognized in Section 257.617)
  • No injury or damage: The victim suffered no actual injury or property damage
  • Mistaken identity: You were not the driver of the vehicle at the time
  • Vehicle stolen: The vehicle was taken without your knowledge or consent

Note on drug testing: Refusing a drug or alcohol test after an accident is a civil infraction in Michigan. Consult with an attorney about the best course of action in your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “reportable accident” in Michigan?

Any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to law enforcement. You must notify police immediately at the scene, then file a written report within 3 days.

What if I hit a parked car and cannot find the owner?

Leave a note with your name, address, and license plate number on the vehicle. If damage exceeds $1,000, also report to police. Leaving without doing so is a misdemeanor.

Can I be charged even if I was not at fault for the accident?

Yes. The duty to stop, render aid, and exchange information applies to all drivers involved, regardless of who caused the accident. However, penalties are higher for at-fault drivers in fatal accidents.

What is the statute of limitations for civil claims?

In Michigan, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury, wrongful death, or negligence lawsuit.

Will I lose my license if convicted?

Yes. Michigan law requires license suspension upon conviction for hit and run offenses. The length depends on the severity of the offense.

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