Hit and Run with Property Damage in Arizona: ARS 28-662 click for a free consultation

Posted on May 21, 2025 in Arizona Revised Statutes,Car Accident

Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 28-662 states what the law requires of drivers who are involved in an accident that results in damage to a vehicle. Those who do not comply with ARS 28-662 will be faced with a class 1 misdemeanor hit and run.

In this article, we consider a hit and run involving only property damage and how ARS 28-662 applies.

If you have been charged with a hit and run with property damage in Arizona, please call Rosenstein Law Group at (480) 248-7666 to contact an attorney for a free consultation.

What are Your General Legal Duties After a Car Accident?

In all car accident situations, at the scene of an accident ARS 28-663 requires drivers to do the following:

• You must give the driver of the other vehicle involved your name, address, and registration number of the vehicle you are driving.
• If the other driver or any other occupant of the other vehicle asks for it, you must show that person your driver’s license.
• If anyone sustains injuries from the accident, you must provide reasonable assistance to that injured person. This means, at the very least, calling 911 for help.

Failing to do any of these as required can result in you being charged with a hit-and-run. 

If you fail to exchange information, it is considered a class 1 misdemeanor hit and run. If you fail to render assistance for an injured party, it is a Class 6 felony offense.

What Must You Do if There Is Damage to an Occupied Vehicle?

If the accident you are involved in results in vehicle damage to an occupied vehicle, then in addition to the requirements above under ARS 28-662 you must also:

• Immediately stop at the accident scene, or as close as possible to where the accident occurs and immediately return to the accident scene. You must do this without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
• Remain at the accident scene until you have met all the applicable requirements under ARS 28-663 above.

If you do not comply with these requirements, you may be prosecuted for a class 1 misdemeanor hit-and-run.

What Must You Do if There Is Damage to an Unattended Vehicle?

If you collide with an unoccupied vehicle like a parked car, then under ARS 28-664 you must stop at the scene and take either of the following actions:

• Locate and notify the owner or operator of the other vehicle and provide your name and address to such person
• If you cannot locate the owner or operator of the other vehicle, then you must leave a written notice on that vehicle in a conspicuous place and provide your name and address on such notice.

If you do not comply with either of these requirements, then this is a class 1 misdemeanor hit-and-run offense.

What Must You Do if There Is Damage to Property Other Than Another Vehicle?

If you collide with public or private property other than a vehicle that is located legally on or adjacent to a highway, like a sign, fence, mailbox, etc. and damage results to that property, then under ARS 28-665 you must take the following actions before leaving the accident scene:

• Take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property.
• This notice must include the facts of the accident, your name and address, and the registration number of the vehicle you are driving.
• If you can locate the property owner or manager in person, and that person requests to see your driver’s license, then you must show your license to that person.

If you do not comply with these requirements, this is a class 1 misdemeanor hit-and-run offense.

Class 1 Misdemeanor Penalties for Hit and Run Accidents in Arizona

A class 1 misdemeanor crime in Arizona carries a fine of up to $2,500 and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail.

Have You Been Charged with Hit and Run in Arizona?

If you have been involved in an accident with another vehicle or other property, you should remain at the scene until you have exchanged information with the other party in compliance with Arizona law. Ideally, you should contact local police as well before departing the scene of the accident.

A hit-and-run Arizona charge involving property damage can have serious consequences.

In addition to a fine and possible jail time, a misdemeanor conviction on your criminal record for leaving the scene of an accident can make it harder for you to get a job, find a place to live, or obtain credit.

Do not wait to speak to a Rosenstein Law Group criminal defense attorney.

We have achieved many significant criminal motor vehicle accident defense victories, including case acquittals, dismissals, reduced charges, and probation instead of jail. We are passionate and dedicated and will work tirelessly to assist you so that one momentary bad decision does not destroy your future.

Call us at (480) 248-7666 any time to set up a free consultation with an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney.