Last verified: January 2026. This page reflects current RCW 46.52.010 through 46.52.020 and applicable penalty classifications.
Table of Contents
Overview of Washington Hit and Run Laws
Under RCW 46.52.020, drivers involved in accidents must stop immediately, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance to injured persons. Washington law distinguishes between accidents involving injury/death and those involving only property damage. Penalties range from a simple misdemeanor for unattended vehicle collisions to a Class B felony for accidents resulting in death.
Quick Summary:
- Unattended vehicle: Simple misdemeanor (up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine)
- Attended vehicle (property damage only): Gross misdemeanor (up to 364 days jail, $5,000 fine)
- Injury: Class C felony (up to 5 years prison, $10,000 fine)
- Death: Class B felony (up to 10 years prison, $20,000 fine)
- Striking a deceased person’s body: Gross misdemeanor
- First-time offenders may qualify for the Felony Diversion Program
- Washington is an at-fault state with pure comparative fault
- Report accidents involving death, injury, or property damage over $1,000 within 4 days
Primary Statute Reference: RCW 46.52.020
Driver Duties After an Accident
RCW 46.52.020 establishes specific obligations for drivers involved in accidents. You must:
- Stop immediately at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic
- Remain at the scene until you have fulfilled all statutory requirements
- Provide information including your name, address, insurance company, policy number, and vehicle license number to the injured person, vehicle occupants, or property owner
- Show your driver’s license upon request
- Render reasonable assistance to any injured person, including arranging transportation to a medical facility if necessary
Subsection (2) requires you to move your vehicle off the roadway, freeway main lanes, shoulders, and medians to a safe location (exit ramp, frontage road, or cross street) if the accident involves only property damage. Moving the vehicle does not affect fault determination.
Important exception: The law does not apply to persons incapacitated by the accident to the extent they are physically incapable of complying.
Unattended Vehicle or Property
Under RCW 46.52.010, if you strike an unattended vehicle or property, you must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner. If unsuccessful, attach a note in a conspicuous place containing your name and address. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor.
Reporting Requirements
Under Washington law, you must report any accident resulting in death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 within four days. If no one at the scene is capable of receiving your information and no police officer is present, report the accident to the nearest police authority immediately after fulfilling other requirements.
When Hit and Run Is a Misdemeanor
Under Washington law, leaving the scene is a misdemeanor in the following circumstances:
- Simple misdemeanor: Hitting an unattended vehicle or property without leaving required information (up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine)
- Gross misdemeanor: Leaving the scene of an accident involving only damage to an attended vehicle or property (up to 364 days jail, $5,000 fine)
- Gross misdemeanor: Leaving the scene after striking the body of a deceased person (up to 364 days jail, $5,000 fine)
When Hit and Run Is a Felony
Under RCW 46.52.020(4), leaving the scene becomes a felony when the accident involves injury or death:
- Class C felony: Accident resulting in injury (up to 5 years prison, $10,000 fine)
- Class B felony: Accident resulting in death (up to 10 years prison, $20,000 fine)
Penalties are determined according to RCW Chapter 9A.20.
Evading Police
Under RCW 46.61.024, evading or attempting to evade police is a Class C felony. One affirmative defense exists: if a reasonable person would not believe the stop signal came from a police officer and continued driving was reasonable under the circumstances. Conviction results in mandatory license revocation.
Vehicular Homicide
Under RCW 46.61.520, vehicular homicide occurs when death results within three years as a proximate result of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. Vehicular homicide is a Class A felony, punishable by up to life imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.
Washington Felony Diversion Program
Washington offers a felony diversion program that allows first-time offenders to avoid a criminal record. Key points:
- Available only to first-time offenders
- Participation is voluntary
- The program ensures full restitution for victims
- Upon successful completion, charges are dismissed
- Prosecutors have discretion over eligibility
Ineligible offenses:
- Vehicular assault or homicide
- DUI-related hit and run
- Eluding or attempting to elude police
- Persons with pending felony charges in any state
Decisions denying entry may be appealed to the Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney’s office.
Penalties Summary
| Offense | Classification | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Unattended vehicle (no note) | Simple Misdemeanor | 90 days jail, $1,000 fine |
| Attended vehicle/property damage | Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days jail, $5,000 fine |
| Striking body of deceased | Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days jail, $5,000 fine |
| Injury | Class C Felony | 5 years prison, $10,000 fine |
| Death | Class B Felony | 10 years prison, $20,000 fine |
| Vehicular homicide (DUI) | Class A Felony | Life imprisonment, $50,000 fine |
| Evading police | Class C Felony | 5 years prison, license revoked |
Additional consequences: Under RCW 46.52.020(6), the Department of Licensing will revoke your driving privileges upon conviction for any hit-and-run offense involving an attended vehicle.
Washington Crash Statistics
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC):
- 731 traffic fatalities occurred in Washington in 2024, a 9.6% decrease from 809 in 2023
- 2023 marked a 33-year high for traffic deaths in Washington
- The 2024 decrease represents the first decline in five years
- Hit-and-run incidents remain a concern, particularly in urban areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane
Despite the 2024 improvement, traffic fatalities remain significantly higher than a decade ago, prompting continued enforcement and safety campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington a no-fault state?
No. Washington is an at-fault (tort) state with a pure comparative fault rule. This means the at-fault party pays damages, and victims can collect compensation even if they are partially responsible for the accident. Recovery is reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault.
What if I was physically unable to comply with the law?
Washington law specifically exempts persons “injured or incapacitated by such accident to the extent of being physically incapable of complying.” If you lost consciousness or suffered injuries requiring immediate medical attention, this may be a valid defense.
How does the diversion program work?
The felony diversion program allows first-time offenders to complete a supervised program instead of facing criminal prosecution. Upon successful completion, charges are dismissed and no criminal record results. The victim receives full restitution. Participation is voluntary and subject to prosecutor approval.
How long do I have to report an accident?
You must report accidents involving death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 within four days. However, you should notify police immediately if the accident involves injury or death.
What is the statute of limitations for civil claims?
In Washington, you have three years to file a personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage claim.