Minnesota
Minnesota Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do
Minnesota classifies leaving the scene of an accident as a misdemeanor or felony under Minn. Stat. 169.09, depending on harm caused. Property damage carries up to 90 days in jail; collisions causing death carry up to 3 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Hurt in a hit-and-run? If the driver who hit you fled or had no insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured-motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may pay your injury claim. Estimate what it could be worth with our free Minnesota Car Accident Settlement Calculator.
Last verified: March 2026. This guide reflects current Minnesota Statutes Section 169.09 and related provisions. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
Quick Summary of Minnesota Hit and Run Laws
Minnesota addresses leaving the scene of an accident under Section 169.09 of the Minnesota Statutes. The law requires all drivers involved in a collision to immediately stop, reasonably investigate what was struck, and provide specific information to the other party.
Penalties range from a misdemeanor for property damage (up to 90 days in jail) to a felony for collisions resulting in death (up to 3 years in prison and a $5,000 fine). Drivers who cause an accident and leave the scene may also face criminal vehicular operation charges under Section 609.2113, which carry significantly harsher penalties.
What Minnesota Law Requires After a Collision
Minnesota Statutes Section 169.09, Subdivision 1 establishes the core duty for all drivers:
"The driver of any motor vehicle involved in a collision shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the collision, or as close to the scene as possible, and reasonably investigate what was struck."
This duty applies to all collisions, whether they involve other vehicles, pedestrians, property, or fixed objects.
Required Information Exchange
After stopping, you must provide the following information to the other party (Subdivision 2):
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your mailing or email address
- Your vehicle registration number
You must also show your driver's license to a peace officer upon request.
Insurance Information
If you do not provide your insurer information at the scene, you must provide it within 72 hours of the collision.
Duty to Render Aid
If any person involved in the collision needs medical attention, you must provide reasonable assistance, including arranging transportation to a medical facility if needed.
Striking an Unattended Vehicle
If you hit a parked or unattended vehicle and cannot locate the owner, Minnesota law requires you to leave a written note in a conspicuous place on the vehicle. The note must contain your name, address, and vehicle registration number. You must also report the incident to a peace officer.
Reporting Requirements
Under Subdivision 7, if a collision results in death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must report it to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety within 10 days. At the scene, you should notify local police "by the quickest means" if the collision results in injury or death.
Misdemeanor Hit and Run Offenses
Leaving the scene of a collision is a misdemeanor in Minnesota when the accident does not result in substantial bodily harm or death.
Property Damage Only
If the collision involves only property damage and you leave without fulfilling your legal obligations, you face:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Or both
Failure to Leave Information on Unattended Vehicle
Striking a parked vehicle and leaving without providing your contact information is also a misdemeanor with the same penalties.
Damage to Highway Fixtures
If you damage guardrails, signs, or other fixtures adjacent to a highway and fail to notify the responsible authority, you face misdemeanor charges.
Collision Involving Bodily Injury (Not Great Bodily Harm)
If you leave the scene of a collision that results in bodily injury (but not "great bodily harm" or death), you face enhanced misdemeanor penalties under Subdivision 14(a)(1):
- Up to 1 year in prison
- A fine of up to $3,000
- Or both
Failure to Notify Police of Injury or Death
Failing to notify police "by the quickest means" when an accident involves injury or death is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- A fine of up to $3,000
- Or both
Felony Hit and Run Offenses
Hit and run becomes a felony in Minnesota when the collision results in great bodily harm or death.
Great Bodily Harm (Subdivision 14(a)(2))
If the collision results in "great bodily harm" and you leave the scene, you face:
- Up to 2 years in prison
- A fine of up to $4,000
- Or both
Under Section 609.02, Subdivision 8, "great bodily harm" means bodily injury that creates a high probability of death, or that causes serious permanent disfigurement, or that causes a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
Death (Subdivision 14(a)(3))
If the collision results in the death of any person and you leave the scene, you face:
- Up to 3 years in prison
- A fine of up to $5,000
- Or both
A felony conviction in Minnesota results in permanent loss of your right to possess firearms, among other civil rights restrictions.
Criminal Vehicular Operation (Section 609.2113)
If you cause an accident and leave the scene in violation of Section 169.09, you may face additional charges under Minnesota's Criminal Vehicular Operation statute. These charges apply when the leaving of the scene is one of the factors contributing to the harm. Penalties vary by severity:
- Bodily harm: Up to 364 days in prison, $3,000 fine
- Substantial bodily harm: Up to 3 years in prison, $10,000 fine
- Great bodily harm: Up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine
- Death: Up to 10 years in prison (under Section 609.2112)
These charges are in addition to, not instead of, the basic leaving-the-scene charges.
Minnesota Hit and Run Penalties Summary
| Offense | Classification | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property damage or unattended vehicle | Misdemeanor | 90 days | $1,000 |
| Bodily injury (not great bodily harm) | Misdemeanor | 1 year | $3,000 |
| Failure to notify police of injury/death | Gross Misdemeanor | 1 year | $3,000 |
| Great bodily harm | Felony | 2 years | $4,000 |
| Death | Felony | 3 years | $5,000 |
| Criminal vehicular operation (great bodily harm) | Felony | 5 years | $10,000 |
| Criminal vehicular operation (death) | Felony | 10 years | $10,000 |
License Revocation
The court will revoke or suspend your driver's license upon conviction for leaving the scene of an accident. The Commissioner of Public Safety may also suspend your license for willfully failing to file a required accident report.
Minnesota Crash Statistics
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and NHTSA data:
2024 Data:
- Total traffic fatalities: At least 479 deaths, a 12% increase from 2023
- Speed-related fatal crashes: Approximately 121 crashes
- Alcohol-related fatalities: 102 deaths
- Unbelted fatalities: 99 deaths attributed to lack of seat belt use
- Distracted driving fatalities: 27 deaths
- Seat belt usage rate: 94.7% (statewide observational study)
- Economic cost of all crashes: $4.66 billion
2023 Data:
- Total traffic fatalities: Approximately 428 deaths
- Death rate per 100,000 population: 7.5 (below the national average of 12.2)
The state's "Toward Zero Deaths" initiative aims to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities through education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical services.
How Fault Is Determined in Minnesota
No-Fault Insurance System
Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state. After an accident, your own insurance pays for your medical expenses and lost wages under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the collision. PIP coverage is mandatory in Minnesota.
However, for accidents resulting in serious injury or significant damages, victims can step outside the no-fault system and pursue claims against the at-fault driver.
Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Under Minnesota Statutes Section 604.01, Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule:
- You may recover damages only if your share of fault does not exceed 50%.
- If you are 51% or more responsible for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation.
- Your percentage of fault reduces your recovery proportionally.
Example: If you suffer $100,000 in damages but are found 30% at fault, you would recover $70,000.
Statute of Limitations for Civil Claims
- Personal injury claims: 2 years from the date of injury
- Wrongful death claims: 3 years from the date of death
- Property damage claims: 6 years
Insurance Implications of a Hit and Run
A hit and run conviction in Minnesota creates lasting insurance consequences:
- Premium increases: A leaving-the-scene conviction is classified as a major traffic violation and will trigger significant premium increases.
- Policy cancellation: Your insurer may refuse to renew your coverage.
- 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 that exceed your PIP benefits.
- Subrogation: Your insurer may pursue the hit and run driver to recover amounts paid on your claim.
Minnesota requires all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance, including $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, $10,000 in property damage liability, and PIP coverage.
Affirmative Defense: Emergency Medical Care
Minnesota law provides a specific affirmative defense for drivers who leave the scene to provide emergency medical care. Under Section 169.09, it is a defense to prosecution if:
- The driver left the scene to take a person suffering immediately demonstrable bodily injury to receive emergency medical care.
- The driver gave notice to law enforcement as required by the statute as soon as reasonably feasible after the emergency medical care was undertaken.
This defense applies to violations of Subdivisions 1, 2, and 6 of the statute.
Other Possible Defenses
Depending on the circumstances, these additional defenses may apply:
- Lack of knowledge: You were genuinely unaware that a collision occurred. This is more credible in low-speed or minor-contact situations.
- Fear for safety: You reasonably believed that remaining at the scene would endanger your safety.
- Mistaken identity: You were not the driver, or the vehicle was stolen.
- No injury or damage: The collision did not actually result in any injury or property damage.
- Emergency circumstances: You left to seek immediate medical attention for yourself and reported to police promptly.
What to Do After a Collision in Minnesota
Follow these steps to comply with the law and protect your rights:
- Stop immediately at the scene or as close to the scene as safely possible.
- Investigate what was struck. This is a specific requirement under Minnesota law.
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Exchange information with all other parties: name, date of birth, address, and registration number.
- Show your driver's license to any peace officer who requests it.
- Provide insurance information at the scene or within 72 hours.
- Render reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured.
- Notify police immediately if anyone is injured or killed.
- File a written report with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety within 10 days if the accident involved death, injury, or property damage over $1,000.
- Do not admit fault at the scene. Let investigators make that determination.
Related Resources
Official Sources:
- Minnesota Statutes Section 169.09 (Collisions)
- Minnesota Statutes Section 609.2113 (Criminal Vehicular Operation)
- Minnesota Statutes Section 609.02 (Definitions)
- Minnesota Statutes Section 604.01 (Comparative Fault)
- Minnesota DPS Traffic Safety Reports
Other Minnesota Laws:
- Minnesota Recording Laws
- Minnesota Car Seat Laws
- Minnesota Statute of Limitations
- Minnesota Whistleblower Laws
More Minnesota Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to report an accident in Minnesota?
You must report accidents resulting in death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety within 10 days. At the scene, you should notify local police by the quickest means if the collision results in injury or death.
Can I be charged with hit and run if the accident was not my fault?
Yes. Minnesota law requires all drivers involved in a collision to stop and fulfill their legal obligations, regardless of who caused the accident. Fault is a separate matter determined later by investigators, insurers, or the courts.
What if I hit someone's mailbox, fence, or other property?
You must take reasonable steps to locate and notify the property owner, provide your name, address, and license plate number, and report the incident to police. Leaving without doing so is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Will my license be suspended for a hit and run conviction?
Yes. Upon conviction for leaving the scene of an accident, the court will revoke or suspend your driving privileges. The length of suspension depends on the severity of the offense and any prior convictions. The Commissioner may also suspend your license for failing to file a required accident report.
What is the difference between leaving the scene charges and criminal vehicular operation charges?
Leaving the scene charges under Section 169.09 apply to any driver who flees an accident. Criminal vehicular operation charges under Section 609.2113 apply when the driver caused the accident and the act of leaving the scene contributed to the harm. Criminal vehicular operation carries much harsher penalties, including up to 10 years in prison for cases involving death.
Injured in Minnesota? 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 Minnesota personal-injury attorney. Most work on contingency, so there is no upfront cost.
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 169: TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
§ 169.09COLLISIONSIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Driver to stop for collision; injury or death. The driver of any motor vehicle involved in a collision shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the collision, or as close to the scene as possible, and reasonably investigate what was struck. If the driver knows or has reason to know the collision resulted in injury to or death of another, the driver in every event shall remain at the scene of the collision until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of this section as to the giving of information. The stop must be made without unnecessarily obstructing traffic. Subd. 2. Driver to stop for collision; attended vehicle. The driver of any motor vehicle involved in a collision shall immediately stop the motor vehicle at the scene of the collision, or as close to the collision as possible, and reasonably investigate what was struck. If the driver knows or has reason to know the collision involves damage to a vehicle driven or attended by another, the driver in every event shall remain at the scene of the collision until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of this section as to the giving of information.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 44 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Storvick (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1988, 428 N.W.2d 55)“…offense of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, Minn.Stat. § 169.09, subds. 1 and 14(a) (1986), and gave hi…”
- State v. Al-Naseer (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2007, 734 N.W.2d 679)“…accident involving an unattended vehicle. See Minn.Stat. § 169.09, subd. 4 (2006). We conclude that the m…”
- Meyer v. Nwokedi (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2010, 777 N.W.2d 218)“…ich caps vicarious liability for rental-vehicle owners, and Minn.Stat. § 169.09, subd. 5a (2008), which, in relevant pa…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Minnesota Car Accident Laws: No-Fault, PIP, and Your Claim, How to Get a Police Report in Minnesota (2026 Guide)
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 604: CIVIL LIABILITY
§ 604.01COMPARATIVE FAULT; EFFECTIn forcecited in 7 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Scope of application. Contributory fault does not bar recovery in an action by any person or the person's legal representative to recover damages for fault resulting in death, in injury to person or property, or in economic loss, if the contributory fault was not greater than the fault of the person against whom recovery is sought, but any damages allowed must be diminished in proportion to the amount of fault attributable to the person recovering. The court may, and when requested by any party shall, direct the jury to find separate special verdicts determining the amount of damages and the percentage of fault attributable to each party and the court shall then reduce the amount of damages in proportion to the amount of fault attributable to the person recovering. Subd. 1a. Fault. "Fault" includes acts or omissions that are in any measure negligent or reckless toward the person or property of the actor or others, or that subject a person to strict tort liability.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-10 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 141 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Minnesota courts map Sec. 604.01 claim by claim: Florenzano v. Olson (1986) held its comparative responsibility principles reach negligent misrepresentation but not intentional fraud, and Lesmeister v. Dilly (1983) read it as not meant to apply generally to contract cases, though unreasonable failure to mitigate is apportionable fault.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Florenzano v. Olson (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1986, 387 N.W.2d 168)✓An insurance agent told a couple the wife should withdraw entirely from Social Security, and she later lost disability benefits; the court treated the claim as negligent misrepresentation and held comparative responsibility applies, so her 62.5 percent fault barred recovery.
- Lesmeister v. Dilly (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1983, 330 N.W.2d 95)✓A farmer's grain building was delivered late and leaked, spoiling stored corn; the court held the dispute was contractual, so fault could not be apportioned on those claims, but treated his unreasonable failure to mitigate as statutory fault, cutting damages 42.11 percent.
- Moorhead Economic Development Authority v. Anda (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2010, 789 N.W.2d 860)✓A city authority condemned Anda's property, found fuel oil contamination, and billed him for the cleanup; the court held refusing a comparative fault instruction was error, since evidence suggested the developer unreasonably failed to mitigate, and ordered a new damages trial.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in Minnesota (2026): Deadlines & Caps, Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Laws (2026): Deadlines, Truck Accident Laws in Minnesota (2026): Deadlines & Liability
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 609: CRIMINAL CODE
§ 609.02DEFINITIONSIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Crime. "Crime" means conduct which is prohibited by statute and for which the actor may be sentenced to imprisonment, with or without a fine. Subd. 2. Felony. "Felony" means a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment for one year or more may be imposed. Subd. 2a. [Repealed, 1999 c 194 s 11] Subd. 3. Misdemeanor. "Misdemeanor" means a crime for which a sentence of not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both, may be imposed. Subd. 4. Gross misdemeanor. "Gross misdemeanor" means any crime which is not a felony or misdemeanor. The maximum fine which may be imposed for a gross misdemeanor is $3,000. Subd. 4a. Petty misdemeanor. "Petty misdemeanor" means a petty offense which is prohibited by statute, which does not constitute a crime and for which a sentence of a fine of not more than $300 may be imposed. Subd. 5. Conviction. "Conviction" means any of the following accepted and recorded by the court: (1) a plea of guilty; or (2) a verdict of guilty by a jury or a finding of guilty by the court. Subd. 6. Dangerous weapon.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 539 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Stewart (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2019, 923 N.W.2d 668)“…he intentionally inflicted great bodily harm upon B.G.D. Minn. Stat. §§ 609.02 , subd. 10(2), .221, subd. 1 (2014). S…”
- State v. Fleck (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2012, 810 N.W.2d 303)“…itted two forms of assault to the jurors: (1) assault-fear, Minn.Stat. § 609.02, subd. 10(1) (2010) (prohibiting an act…”
- State v. Vance (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2007, 734 N.W.2d 650)“…iction of or attempt to inflict bodily harm upon another. Minn.Stat. § 609.02, subd. 10 (2004). 4 The statute furthe…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Minnesota Recording Laws (2026): One-Party Consent Rules, Minnesota Eviction Law Changes Take Effect August 1, 2026 Under HF 3809, Minnesota Traffic Camera Ticket Laws: The 2025-2029 Pilot Program Explained
§ 609.2112CRIMINAL VEHICULAR HOMICIDEIn force
Subdivision 1. Criminal vehicular homicide. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person is guilty of criminal vehicular homicide and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both, if the person causes the death of a human being not constituting murder or manslaughter as a result of operating a motor vehicle: (1) in a grossly negligent manner; (2) in a negligent manner while under the influence of: (i) alcohol; (ii) a controlled substance; (iii) cannabis flower, a cannabis product, a lower-potency hemp edible, a hemp-derived consumer product, artificially derived cannabinoids, or tetrahydrocannabinols; or (iv) any combination of those elements; (3) while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more; (4) while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, as measured within two hours of the time of driving; (5) in a negligent manner while under the influence of an intoxicating substance and the person knows or has reason to know that the substance has the capacity to cause impairment; (6) in a negligent manner while any amount of a controlled substance listed in Schedule I or II, or its metabolite,…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 9 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Minnesota, Respondent, vs. Henry Lee Brown, Appellant (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2025)“…criminal vehicular homicide statute for leaving the scene, Minn. Stat. § 609.2112, subd. 1(a)(7) (2024), 1 requires the…”
- State v. Boecker (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2017, 893 N.W.2d 348)“…lty to be imposed based on the level of harm caused. See Minn. Stat. §§ 609.2112 , subd. l(2)-(6); 609.2113 subd. l(2)-(…”
- State v. Hunn (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2018, 911 N.W.2d 816)“…son has violated the criminal vehicular homicide statutes- Minn. Stat. §§ 609.2112 -.2114 (2016) and Minn. Stat. § 609…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 609.2113CRIMINAL VEHICULAR OPERATION; BODILY HARMIn force
Subdivision 1. Great bodily harm. A person is guilty of criminal vehicular operation resulting in great bodily harm and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, if the person causes great bodily harm to another not constituting attempted murder or assault as a result of operating a motor vehicle: (1) in a grossly negligent manner; (2) in a negligent manner while under the influence of: (i) alcohol; (ii) a controlled substance; (iii) cannabis flower, a cannabis product, a lower-potency hemp edible, a hemp-derived consumer product, artificially derived cannabinoids, or tetrahydrocannabinols; or (iv) any combination of those elements; (3) while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more; (4) while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, as measured within two hours of the time of driving; (5) in a negligent manner while under the influence of an intoxicating substance and the person knows or has reason to know that the substance has the capacity to cause impairment; (6) in a negligent manner while any amount of a controlled substance listed in Schedule I or II, or its metabolite, other than…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 11 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Minnesota v. Debra Lee Fawcett (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2016, 884 N.W.2d 380)“…ature renumbered section 609.21, subd. 1 (2012), to include Minn.Stat. § 609.2113, subd. 2(2). Act of Apr. 30, 2014, ch.…”
- State of Minnesota v. Samantha Dana Schroeder (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2024)“…pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular operation pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 609.2113,…”
- State of Minnesota, Respondent/Cross-Appellant v. Bonnie Ann Lindquist, Appellant/Cross-Respondent. (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2015, 869 N.W.2d 863)“…2014, ch. 180, § 9, 2014 Minn. Laws 281, 288 (codified at Minn. Stat. § 609.2113 (2014)).…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
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Sources and References
- Minnesota Statutes Section 169.09 (Collisions)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minnesota Statutes Section 609.2113 (Criminal Vehicular Operation)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minnesota Statutes Section 609.02 (Definitions)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minnesota Statutes Section 604.01 (Comparative Fault)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minnesota Statutes Section 609.2112 (Criminal Vehicular Homicide)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minnesota DPS Office of Traffic Safety Reports and Data(dps.mn.gov).gov
- IIHS Fatality Facts 2023: State by State(iihs.org)
- NHTSA 2024 Traffic Fatality Estimates(nhtsa.gov).gov