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Arizona Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do

By Recording Law Editorial Team13 min read
Arizona Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hit and run a felony in Arizona?

It depends on the outcome. If only property damage occurred, leaving the scene is a Class 1 misdemeanor under ARS 28-662. If someone was injured or killed, it becomes a felony under ARS 28-661, ranging from a Class 5 felony (minor injury) to a Class 2 felony (at-fault driver causing death or serious injury).

What if I hit a parked car in Arizona?

Under ARS 28-664, you must either locate and notify the owner or leave a written note with your name and address in a conspicuous place on the vehicle. Failing to do so is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 4 months in jail and a $750 fine.

How long does Arizona have to press charges for hit and run?

For misdemeanor hit and run (property damage only), prosecutors have 1 year. For felony hit and run (injury or death), prosecutors have 7 years. If the charge involves homicide, there is no time limit. The clock pauses if the suspect cannot reasonably be found within Arizona.

Will I lose my license for a hit and run in Arizona?

For property damage only (ARS 28-662), the court may suspend your license for 1 year. For accidents involving serious injury (ARS 28-661), your license is revoked for 5 years. For fatal accidents, the revocation period is 10 years. Time spent in prison does not count toward the revocation period.

Does insurance cover hit and run accidents in Arizona?

If you are a victim, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Arizona does not require UM coverage, but all insurers must offer it. Without UM coverage, your options for financial recovery may be limited. You have 3 years to file a UM claim under ARS 12-555.

Injured in Arizona? Get a free case review from a personal-injury attorney

If someone else's negligence caused your injury, you may be owed compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Get a free, no-obligation review from a Arizona personal-injury attorney. Most work on contingency, so there is no upfront cost.

Sources and References

  1. ARS 28-661: Accidents Involving Death or Physical Injuries(azleg.gov).gov
  2. ARS 28-662: Accidents Involving Damage to Vehicle(azleg.gov).gov
  3. ARS 28-663: Duty to Give Information and Assistance(azleg.gov).gov
  4. ARS 28-664: Duty on Striking Unattended Vehicle(azleg.gov).gov
  5. ARS 28-665: Striking Fixtures on a Highway(azleg.gov).gov
  6. ARS 28-666: Notice of Vehicle Accident(azleg.gov).gov
  7. ARS 28-667: Written Accident Report(azleg.gov).gov
  8. ARS 13-107: Time Limitations (Statute of Limitations)(azleg.gov).gov
  9. ARS 13-702: First Time Felony Offenders; Sentencing(azleg.gov).gov
  10. ARS 13-3981: Compromise of Misdemeanor Offenses(azleg.gov).gov
  11. ARS 12-555: Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage; Claims; Time Limits(azleg.gov).gov
  12. ARS 20-259.01: Motor Vehicle Liability Policy; Uninsured Motorist Coverage(azleg.gov).gov
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