Hit and Run Laws in Minnesota (2026): Penalties Are No Joke
Most people think leaving a quick note on a windshield is enough. Wrong. In Minnesota, hit and run laws are way stricter than that. The penalties can seriously mess up your life. Let’s break down what you actually need to know.
Whether you bumped a parked car or were involved in a serious accident, Minnesota law has specific rules you must follow. Failing to follow them? You could face criminal charges, fines, and even jail time.
What Counts as a Hit and Run in Minnesota?
Here’s the deal. A hit and run happens when you’re involved in an accident and leave before taking the required steps. Minnesota Statute 169.09 spells out exactly what you need to do.
You must stop your vehicle immediately. You must check for injuries or damage. You must exchange information with the other driver. Simple as that, right?
Not quite. The law is specific about what information you need to share. You must provide your name, address, date of birth, and vehicle registration. If someone got hurt, you must help them get medical care.
Wondering if this applies to you? It applies to every accident. Even if you just scratched a parked car in a parking lot.
Basic Hit and Run Requirements
When You Hit Another Vehicle
Let’s say you hit another car while driving. Minnesota law requires you to stop at the scene or as close as safely possible. You can’t just keep driving.
You must exchange the following information with the other driver:
- Your full name
- Your address or email address
- Your vehicle registration plate number
- Your driver’s license information
If someone is injured, you must render reasonable assistance. This usually means calling 911 for an ambulance. You must also report the accident to local police if someone was injured or killed.
Honestly, this is the part most people mess up. They panic and leave without getting all the info.
When You Hit an Unoccupied Vehicle
Hit a parked car? You still need to follow the law. Stop your vehicle at the scene. Try to find the owner of the vehicle.
Can’t find the owner? You must leave a written note with your name and contact information. Put it somewhere visible on the car, like under the windshield wiper.
Many people assume this is enough. They find out the hard way. If your note blows away or gets lost, you could still face charges for leaving the scene.
When You Hit Property
Maybe you backed into a fence. Or clipped someone’s mailbox. Minnesota law covers these situations too.
You must stop at the scene. Try to locate the property owner and exchange information. If you can’t find the owner, you have 10 days to report the accident to local law enforcement.
Pretty straightforward.
The Penalties Hit Hard
Okay, pause. This part is important. The penalties for hit and run in Minnesota depend on what happened in the accident. They range from misdemeanor to felony charges.
Property Damage Only
If you leave the scene and nobody got hurt, that’s a misdemeanor. You could face up to 90 days in jail. You could pay a fine up to $1,000. Your license could get suspended.
Think that’s not a big deal? A misdemeanor stays on your criminal record permanently.
Accidents With Injuries
The charges get more serious when someone is injured. If the accident caused substantial bodily injury and you fled, that’s a gross misdemeanor.
You could face up to one year in jail. The fine jumps to $3,000. Your driving privileges will definitely be suspended.
Wait, it gets worse.
Great Bodily Harm
Great bodily harm means serious injury. Minnesota law defines it as an injury with a high risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or loss of an organ.
Leave the scene when someone suffered great bodily harm? That’s a felony. You could spend up to two years in prison. The fine can reach $4,000.
Think of it like this: less severe than murder, but way more serious than a traffic ticket.
Accidents Involving Death
This is the most serious charge. If someone died in the accident and you left the scene, you face a felony conviction.
The maximum sentence is three years in prison. The fine can reach $5,000. You’ll lose your license for a significant period.
These aren’t just numbers. Real people in Minnesota have faced these exact penalties.
Special Circumstances You Should Know
Minnesota law recognizes one important exception. You can leave the scene if you’re taking an injured person to get emergency medical care.
Hold on, this part is important. You must still notify law enforcement as soon as reasonably possible after getting the injured person to medical care. Otherwise, you could still face charges.
The 72-Hour Rule
Here’s something that confuses a lot of people. Let’s say you left the scene but want to make things right.
You have 72 hours to provide your insurance information to anyone involved in the collision. You can also provide it to a peace officer investigating the collision.
Does this get you off the hook? Not necessarily. But it might help your case.
Accident Reports
Minnesota law requires you to file an accident report in certain situations. If the accident caused injuries, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, you must file a report.
You have 10 days to submit the report to the Commissioner of Public Safety. Failing to file the report is a separate misdemeanor charge.
What Happens After You’re Charged
Many people don’t realize how serious these charges are. A hit and run conviction creates a permanent criminal record. This can affect your job prospects, housing applications, and insurance rates.
Your auto insurance will probably drop you. If they don’t, your rates will skyrocket. We’re talking about paying thousands more per year.
You might have to pay restitution. This means reimbursing the victim for damages, medical bills, or lost wages. The victim can also sue you in civil court for additional compensation.
The financial impact alone can be devastating.
How to Handle an Accident Properly
Stay with me here. Following these steps can save you from criminal charges.
Stop your vehicle immediately after an accident. Make sure it’s safe and not blocking traffic. Check if anyone is injured.
Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s better to be safe. Wait for the police to arrive.
Exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, contact info, insurance details, and license plate number. Give them the same information about yourself.
Take photos of the damage if it’s safe to do so. Document the scene from multiple angles. This helps with insurance claims later.
Don’t leave until the police tell you it’s okay. Seriously. Make sure you’ve fulfilled all your legal obligations before driving away.
Not sure what counts as fulfilling your obligations? Ask the officer at the scene.
What To Do If You’re the Victim
You’re not alone if you’ve been hit by someone who left the scene. Hit and run accidents happen more often than you think.
In 2020, Minnesota had over 7,000 hit and run accidents. That’s roughly 11% of all car accidents in the state.
Call 911 immediately. Give them as much information as possible about the other vehicle. License plate number, car color, make and model, any distinguishing features.
Try to find witnesses. Get their contact information. They might have seen details you missed.
Take photos of the damage to your vehicle. Document everything while it’s fresh in your mind.
File a claim with your insurance company. Minnesota is a no-fault state, so your Personal Injury Protection coverage should cover at least some of your expenses.
If the hit and run driver is never found, you can file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage. This helps cover damages beyond what PIP pays.
Understanding Minnesota’s No-Fault System
Confused about how insurance works after a hit and run? Let me break it down.
Minnesota uses a no-fault insurance system. This means your own insurance covers your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
Every Minnesota driver must carry Personal Injury Protection coverage. This covers you up to certain limits, even in a hit and run situation.
But PIP has limits. If your damages exceed those limits, you’ll need to pursue other options. You might file a claim against the at-fault driver if police track them down. Or you might use your uninsured motorist coverage if they don’t.
Common Mistakes People Make
Leaving a note isn’t always enough. You need to actually stop and try to exchange information directly. A note can blow away or get destroyed.
Some people think they can leave if the other driver isn’t around. Wrong. You must make reasonable efforts to find the owner or leave proper notice.
Others panic and drive off, planning to report it later. Bad idea. Leaving the scene is the crime, even if you report it afterward.
Don’t assume minor damage doesn’t count. Any accident involving property damage or injury requires you to follow these laws.
Why Do People Leave the Scene?
Honestly, the reasons vary. Some people are driving under the influence and know they’ll get a DWI charge. Others are driving without a license or insurance.
Some drivers don’t even realize they hit something. But ignorance isn’t a defense under Minnesota law.
Fear and panic cause a lot of hit and runs. People make a split-second bad decision that creates long-term consequences.
Recent Changes and Enforcement
Minnesota updated its traffic laws in 2024 and 2025. The penalties for hit and run offenses remain strict. Law enforcement takes these cases seriously.
Some larger police departments now have officers who specialize in hit and run investigations. They use surveillance cameras, witness statements, and vehicle damage analysis to track down fleeing drivers.
Technology has made it harder to get away with leaving the scene. Traffic cameras, doorbell cameras, and dashcams capture more evidence than ever before.
Getting Legal Help
Facing hit and run charges? You need a lawyer. These are serious criminal charges with permanent consequences.
An experienced attorney can help identify possible defenses. They can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges. They can protect your rights throughout the process.
Don’t try to handle this alone. The legal system is complicated, and mistakes can cost you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I didn’t realize I hit something until later?
You should report the accident to police as soon as you realize it happened. You might still face charges, but reporting it voluntarily can help your case.
Can I be charged with hit and run if the accident wasn’t my fault?
Yes. The requirement to stop and exchange information applies regardless of who caused the accident. Being not at fault doesn’t excuse leaving the scene.
What if the other driver was threatening me?
Minnesota law allows you to leave if staying would put you in danger. You must report the accident to police as soon as safely possible. This is a valid affirmative defense.
Will my insurance cover damages if I’m convicted of hit and run?
Your insurance might deny coverage for damages you caused. They could also drop your policy entirely. At minimum, expect your rates to increase significantly.
How long do hit and run charges stay on my record?
Criminal convictions in Minnesota generally stay on your record permanently. Misdemeanor and felony convictions don’t automatically disappear. You might be able to get certain records sealed or expunged, but you’ll need a lawyer for that process.
Final Thoughts
Hit and run laws in Minnesota are serious business. The penalties range from 90 days in jail to three years in prison, depending on the circumstances.
Always stop after an accident. Always exchange information. Always help injured people. These simple steps keep you out of criminal trouble.
If you’re involved in an accident, take a breath and follow the proper steps. It might feel overwhelming in the moment, but it’s way better than facing criminal charges later.
Now you know the basics. Stay informed, drive carefully, and if something happens, do the right thing. When in doubt, call the police and ask for guidance.
References
- Minnesota Statute 169.09 – Collisions: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.09
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Accident Reports: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/default.aspx
- AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety – Hit and Run Study: https://aaafoundation.org/
- Minnesota State Legislature – 2025 Transportation Statutes: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169
- FindLaw – Minnesota Traffic Laws: https://codes.findlaw.com/mn/transportation-ch-160-174a/mn-st-sect-169-09/