Washington Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do
Overview of Washington Hit and Run Laws
Last verified: March 2026. This page reflects current RCW 46.52.010, RCW 46.52.020, and applicable penalty classifications under RCW 9A.20.021.
Washington State takes hit-and-run offenses seriously. Under RCW 46.52.020, every driver involved in an accident must stop immediately, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured.
The law draws a clear line between accidents that cause only property damage and those involving injury or death. Penalties range from a simple misdemeanor for striking an unattended vehicle all the way to a Class B felony for leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Washington is an at-fault (tort) state that follows a pure comparative fault rule. The driver responsible for the accident pays damages, and injured victims can recover compensation even if they share some blame. Recovery is reduced by the victim's percentage of fault.
Driver Duties After an Accident
RCW 46.52.020 spells out specific obligations every driver must follow after an accident. You must:
- Stop immediately at the scene or as close to it as safely possible without blocking traffic.
- Remain at the scene until you have met every requirement the statute lists.
- Provide your information to the other driver, passengers, or property owner. This includes your name, address, insurance company, policy number, and vehicle license plate number.
- Show your driver's license if anyone at the scene asks to see it.
- Help injured persons by arranging transportation to a hospital or medical facility when needed.
If the accident involves only property damage, subsection (2) of the statute requires you to move your vehicle off the roadway, freeway lanes, shoulders, and medians to a safe location such as an exit ramp or cross street. Moving your vehicle does not affect fault determination.
Important exception: The law does not apply to drivers who are injured or incapacitated by the accident to the point that they are physically unable to comply.
Striking an Unattended Vehicle or Property
Under RCW 46.52.010, if you hit an unattended vehicle or other property, you must make a reasonable effort to find the owner. If you cannot locate the owner, you must leave a written note in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or property. The note must include your name and address. Failing to do so is a misdemeanor.
Reporting Requirements
Under RCW 46.52.030, you must file a written accident report within four days if the accident involves:
- Death or bodily injury of any person
- Property damage of $1,000 or more to any one person's property
File the report with the chief of police if the accident happened inside city limits, or with the county sheriff or Washington State Patrol if it happened outside city limits. If no one at the scene can receive your information and no police officer is present, report the accident to the nearest police authority right away.
When Hit and Run Is a Misdemeanor
Washington law classifies hit and run as a misdemeanor in two situations:
| Situation | Classification | Maximum Jail Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Striking an unattended vehicle or property without leaving a note | Simple Misdemeanor | 90 days | $1,000 |
| Leaving the scene of an attended vehicle accident with property damage only | Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days | $5,000 |
| Leaving the scene after striking the body of a deceased person | Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days | $5,000 |
A simple misdemeanor applies when you hit an unattended car or mailbox and drive away without leaving your information. The penalties are up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine under RCW 9A.20.021.
A gross misdemeanor applies when you leave the scene of an accident involving an occupied or attended vehicle where only property was damaged. Penalties increase to up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. The same classification applies if you leave the scene after striking the body of a deceased person.
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:
| Situation | Classification | Maximum Prison Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident resulting in injury | Class C Felony | 5 years | $10,000 |
| Accident resulting in death | Class B Felony | 10 years | $20,000 |
These penalties are set by RCW 9A.20.021, which establishes maximum sentences for felony classifications in Washington.
A felony hit-and-run conviction also triggers mandatory license revocation by the Washington Department of Licensing. Under RCW 46.20.285, the revocation period is at least one year. After the revocation period ends, you must file proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) for three years before your license can be reinstated.
Evading Police
Under RCW 46.61.024, attempting to evade or elude a police officer is a separate Class C felony. Conviction results in mandatory license revocation. One affirmative defense exists: if a reasonable person would not have believed the signal came from a police officer and the decision to keep driving was reasonable under the circumstances.
Vehicular Homicide
Under RCW 46.61.520, vehicular homicide occurs when death results within three years as a proximate result of driving a vehicle under any of these three circumstances:
- While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (as defined by RCW 46.61.502)
- In a reckless manner (operating a vehicle in a rash or heedless manner, indifferent to the consequences)
- With disregard for the safety of others
Vehicular homicide is a Class A felony punishable by up to life imprisonment and a $50,000 fine. For convictions involving DUI, an additional two years are added to the sentence for each prior DUI-related offense.
License Revocation and Administrative Consequences
Beyond criminal penalties, a hit-and-run conviction carries administrative consequences through the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL):
- Mandatory license revocation for any hit-and-run conviction involving an attended vehicle
- Minimum revocation period of one year under RCW 46.20.285
- SR-22 insurance requirement for three years after your license is eligible for reinstatement
- Driving while license revoked during the revocation period is a separate criminal offense under RCW 46.20.342
The DOL revocation is separate from any court-imposed penalties. Even if you avoid jail time, your driving privileges will still be revoked.
Statute of Limitations
Washington sets different time limits for prosecutors to file hit-and-run charges depending on the severity of the offense. Under RCW 9A.04.080:
| Offense Level | Time Limit to File Charges |
|---|---|
| Simple Misdemeanor (unattended vehicle) | 1 year from date of incident |
| Gross Misdemeanor (attended vehicle, property damage) | 2 years from date of incident |
| Class C Felony (injury) | 3 years from date of incident |
| Class B Felony (death) | No limit if death results |
The statute of limitations is paused during any period when the accused is not usually and publicly a resident of Washington State.
For civil claims, injured victims have three years to file a personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage lawsuit in Washington.
Washington Felony Diversion Program
Washington offers a felony diversion program for first-time hit-and-run offenders. Key details:
- Available only to first-time offenders with no pending felony charges in any state
- Participation is voluntary and subject to prosecutor approval
- The program requires full restitution to victims
- Upon successful completion, charges are dismissed and no criminal record results
- Decisions denying entry may be appealed to the Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Offenses that disqualify you from the diversion program:
- Vehicular assault or vehicular homicide
- DUI-related hit and run
- Eluding or attempting to elude police
- Having pending felony charges in any state
Insurance Implications for Hit-and-Run Victims
If you are the victim of a hit and run in Washington and the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you still have options for recovering compensation.
Under RCW 48.22.030, Washington requires all auto liability insurance policies to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage unless you specifically reject it in writing. UM coverage applies when an at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be found, which is the typical hit-and-run scenario.
To file a UM claim after a hit and run, you must:
- Report the accident to law enforcement within 72 hours
- Provide evidence corroborating the accident beyond your own testimony alone
- Notify your insurance company promptly
Washington also requires insurers to offer underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. If the hit-and-run driver is later identified but carries insufficient insurance, UIM coverage can make up the difference.
Complete Penalties Summary
| Offense | Classification | Max Jail/Prison | Max Fine | License Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unattended vehicle (no note) | Simple Misdemeanor | 90 days | $1,000 | None |
| Attended vehicle (property damage) | Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days | $5,000 | Revoked 1+ year |
| Striking body of deceased person | Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days | $5,000 | Revoked 1+ year |
| Injury accident | Class C Felony | 5 years | $10,000 | Revoked 1+ year |
| Death accident | Class B Felony | 10 years | $20,000 | Revoked 1+ year |
| Vehicular homicide (DUI/reckless) | Class A Felony | Life | $50,000 | Revoked |
| Evading police | Class C Felony | 5 years | $10,000 | Revoked |
Additional consequence: All hit-and-run convictions involving attended vehicles require SR-22 proof of financial responsibility for three years after license reinstatement eligibility.
Washington Crash Statistics
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC):
- 731 traffic fatalities occurred in Washington in 2024, a 10% decrease from 809 fatalities in 2023.
- 2023 marked a 33-year high for traffic deaths in Washington, the most since 1990.
- 348 fatalities (48%) in 2024 involved driver impairment by alcohol or drugs.
- 247 fatalities (34%) in 2024 involved excessive speed.
- King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima Counties together accounted for more than half of all fatal crashes statewide.
The 2024 decrease represented the first decline in five years. Despite the improvement, traffic fatalities remain significantly higher than a decade ago. Hit-and-run incidents continue to be a concern in urban areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane.
More Washington Laws
- Washington Statute of Limitations
- Washington Lemon Laws
- Washington Whistleblower Laws
- Washington Dog Bite Laws
- Washington Recording Laws
- Washington Child Support Laws
- Washington Car Seat Laws
- Washington Sexting Laws
Related Washington Laws
Sources and References
- RCW 46.52.020: Duty in case of personal injury or death or damage to attended vehicle or other property(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 46.52.010: Duty on striking unattended car or other property(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 46.52.030: Accident reports(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 9A.20.021: Maximum sentences for crimes committed July 1, 1984, and after(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 46.20.285: Offenses requiring revocation(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 9A.04.080: Limitation of actions(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 46.61.520: Vehicular homicide(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 46.61.024: Attempting to elude a police vehicle(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 48.22.030: Underinsured, hit-and-run, phantom vehicle coverage(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- RCW 46.20.342: Driving while license invalidated(app.leg.wa.gov).gov
- Washington DOL: Hit and run of an occupied vehicle(dol.wa.gov).gov
- WTSC: Preliminary Traffic Fatality Numbers for 2024(wtsc.wa.gov).gov