Michigan Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do
Last verified: March 2026. This guide reflects current Michigan Compiled Laws Sections 257.617, 257.617a, 257.618, and 257.619. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
Quick Summary of Michigan Hit and Run Laws
Michigan addresses hit and run offenses through several sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code (Act 300 of 1949). The state creates a tiered penalty system based on the severity of the accident and whether the driver caused the collision.
- Property damage only: Misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail, $100 fine
- Personal injury (no serious impairment): Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine
- Serious impairment or death (not at fault): Felony, up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine
- At-fault fatal accident: Felony, up to 15 years in prison, $10,000 fine
- Reporting deadline: Immediately to police, written report within 3 days
- Insurance system: Michigan is a no-fault insurance state
Michigan Hit and Run Statutes
Michigan uses three primary statutes to address leaving the scene of an accident:
Section 257.617: Serious Impairment or Death
MCL 257.617 requires drivers involved in accidents on public or private property open to public travel to immediately stop and fulfill the requirements of Section 619. If a driver violates this duty and the accident results in serious impairment of body function or death, the driver faces felony charges.
The statute also creates a separate, more severe penalty when the driver caused the accident that resulted in a death.
Section 257.617a: Injury Accidents
MCL 257.617a covers accidents resulting in injury that does not rise to the level of "serious impairment of body function." Violations under this section are classified as misdemeanors.
Section 257.618: Vehicle Damage
MCL 257.618 addresses accidents that result in damage to an attended vehicle. Drivers must stop, exchange information, and report to police.
Section 257.619: Driver Duties
MCL 257.619 specifies the exact information that must be exchanged and the assistance that must be rendered after an accident.
Your Legal Obligations at the Scene
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 other party or a law enforcement officer, including your name, address, and vehicle registration number.
- Show your driver's license upon request.
- Render reasonable assistance to any person who needs medical attention, including arranging transportation to a hospital if necessary.
- Report the accident immediately to the nearest or most convenient law enforcement agency.
Exception for Personal Safety
Michigan law explicitly recognizes a safety 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 the nearest police agency. However, you must still fulfill the information exchange requirements of Section 619.
Unattended Vehicles
If you hit a parked or unattended vehicle and cannot locate the owner, you must leave a note in a conspicuous place on the vehicle containing your name, address, and license plate number. If the damage exceeds $1,000, you must also report the accident to police.
Misdemeanor Hit and Run Penalties
Property Damage (Section 257.618)
Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage to an attended vehicle is a misdemeanor punishable by:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- A fine of up to $100
- Or both
- License suspension for up to 30 days
Injury Not Resulting in Serious Impairment (Section 257.617a)
Leaving the scene of an accident that causes injury (but not serious impairment of body function or death) is a misdemeanor punishable by:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Or both
- License suspension for up to 1 year
Felony Hit and Run Penalties
Michigan creates two tiers of felony hit and run, depending on whether the driver caused the accident:
Serious Impairment or Death, Not At Fault (Section 257.617(2))
If you violate the duty to stop and the accident resulted in serious impairment of body function or death, but you did not cause the accident, you face:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- A fine of up to $5,000
- Or both
"Serious impairment of body function" means an impairment that substantially affects the person's ability to carry on normal life activities and is not something that is temporary.
At-Fault Fatal Accident (Section 257.617(3))
If you caused the accident and the accident resulted in the death of another person, the penalties increase dramatically:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Or both
This is one of the most severe hit and run penalties in the United States, reflecting Michigan's position that drivers who cause fatal crashes and flee deserve enhanced punishment.
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 | License Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property damage (attended vehicle) | Misdemeanor | 90 days | $100 | Up to 30 days suspension |
| Injury (not serious impairment) | Misdemeanor | 1 year | $1,000 | Up to 1 year suspension |
| Serious impairment or death (not at fault) | Felony | 5 years | $5,000 | Suspension required |
| At-fault fatal accident | Felony | 15 years | $10,000 | Revocation |
| DUI hit and run (death) | Felony | 15 years | $10,000 | Revocation |
License Suspension Rules
Section 257.319 requires the Secretary of State to suspend the operator's or chauffeur's license of anyone convicted of a hit and run offense. The length of suspension depends on the severity of the offense. Failure to stop at an injury accident results in suspension for up to 1 year.
Michigan Crash Statistics
According to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center and IIHS data:
2024 Data:
- Total motor vehicle deaths: 1,099 fatalities (up from 1,095 in 2023)
- Total crashes: 288,880 (up from 287,953 in 2023)
- Total injuries: 71,316 (up from 71,085 in 2023)
- Alcohol-involved crashes: 8,542 (down 3% from 2023), but alcohol-involved fatalities increased 3% to 307
- Drug-involved crashes: 2,315 (up 3% from 2023), drug-involved fatalities up 6% to 272
2023 Data:
- Death rate per 100,000 population: 10.9 (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)
How Fault Is Determined in Michigan
No-Fault Insurance System
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. Michigan's PIP coverage is among the most comprehensive in the nation.
Comparative Fault Rule for Lawsuits
For lawsuits that go beyond PIP coverage, Michigan follows a comparative fault rule under Section 600.2959:
- 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.
Never admit fault at the scene of an accident. Fault determination is the responsibility of investigators, insurance adjusters, and juries.
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.
Insurance Implications of a Hit and Run in Michigan
A hit and run conviction in Michigan creates significant insurance consequences:
- Points on driving record: A leaving-the-scene conviction adds points to your driving record, triggering premium increases.
- Policy cancellation risk: Insurers may refuse to renew your policy after a conviction.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: If you are the victim of a hit and run, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help pay for injuries and damage. Michigan law requires insurers to offer UM coverage.
- Mini-tort claims: Under Michigan's limited property damage system, you may file a "mini-tort" claim against the at-fault driver for up to $3,000 in vehicle damage.
Drug and Alcohol 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.
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." This defense is explicitly recognized in Section 257.617.
- No injury or damage: The collision did not result in any actual injury or property damage.
- Mistaken identity: You were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident.
- Stolen vehicle: The vehicle was taken without your knowledge or consent.
- Emergency circumstances: You left the scene to seek immediate medical attention and reported to police as soon as possible.
What to Do After an Accident in Michigan
Follow these steps to comply with Michigan law and protect your rights:
- Stop immediately at the scene without obstructing traffic.
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Exchange information with all other parties: name, address, registration number, and driver's license.
- Render reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured.
- Report to police immediately at the scene.
- Document the scene with photos and notes.
- File a written accident report within 3 days if required.
- Contact your insurance company promptly to file a PIP claim.
- Do not admit fault at the scene.
Related Michigan Laws
- Michigan Recording Laws
- Michigan Car Seat Laws
- Michigan Statute of Limitations
- Michigan Child Support Laws
- Michigan Sexting Laws
- Michigan Whistleblower Laws
Official References:
- MCL 257.617: Accident Resulting in Serious Impairment or Death
- MCL 257.617a: Accident Resulting in Injury
- MCL 257.618: Accidents Involving Vehicle Damage
- MCL 257.619: Duties of Driver
- MCL 257.319: License Suspension
More Michigan Laws
Sources and References
- MCL 257.617: Accident Resulting in Serious Impairment or Death(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 257.617a: Accident Resulting in Injury(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 257.618: Accidents Involving Vehicle Damage(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 257.619: Duties of Driver(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- MCL 257.319: License Suspension(legislature.mi.gov).gov
- Michigan State Police 2024 Statewide Traffic Crash Data Year End Report(michigan.gov).gov
- IIHS Fatality Facts 2023: State by State(iihs.org)
- NHTSA 2024 Traffic Fatality Estimates(nhtsa.gov).gov