Maine
Maine Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do
Maine classifies leaving the scene of an accident under 29-A M.R.S. 2252 and 2253. Causing serious injury or death while fleeing is a Class C felony carrying up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine; property-damage-only departures are a Class E crime with up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 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 Maine Car Accident Settlement Calculator.
Quick Summary
- Governing statutes: Title 29-A, Sections 2252 (injury/death) and 2253 (vehicle damage)
- Felony (Class C): Accidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death
- Maximum felony penalty: Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine
- Class D crime (personal injury): Up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine
- Class E crime (property damage): Up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine
- Reportable accident threshold: apparent property damage of $2,000 or more, any injury, or death
- Fault system: Maine follows "modified comparative fault" rules
Last verified: March 2026. This guide reflects current Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
Maine Hit and Run Statutes
Maine addresses hit and run offenses through two primary statutes in Title 29-A of the Maine Revised Statutes. Understanding which statute applies depends on the type of harm caused by the accident.
Section 2252: Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury
This statute governs all accidents that result in injury or death to any person. It requires the driver to stop immediately, remain at the scene, provide identification and insurance information, and render reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured. This is the more serious of the two statutes and carries penalties ranging from a Class D crime up to a Class C felony.
Section 2253: Accidents Involving Vehicle Damage
This statute covers accidents that result in damage to an attended vehicle. The driver must stop, remain at the scene, and provide required identifying information to the other operator or occupants. Violations are classified as Class E crimes.
Additional Related Sections
- Section 2254: Covers accidents involving unattended vehicles, requiring the driver to leave identifying information in a conspicuous place on the damaged vehicle
- Section 2255: Addresses accidents involving damage to fixtures or property adjacent to a highway
- Section 2251: Defines "reportable accidents" and establishes reporting requirements
Your Legal Obligations at the Scene
Under Maine law, if you are involved in an accident, you must take the following steps:
Stop immediately at the scene of the accident, or stop as close as possible and return immediately to the scene. You may not continue driving, even if you plan to come back later.
Remain at the scene until you have provided the required information and fulfilled all legal duties.
Provide your information to the other driver, vehicle occupants, or injured persons. Required information includes:
- Your name and address
- Your vehicle registration number
- The name of your insurance company and policy number
- Your driver's license (available for examination upon request)
Render reasonable assistance to any injured person. For accidents under Section 2252, this includes calling emergency services, arranging medical transportation, or providing first aid if you are trained to do so.
Report the accident immediately by the quickest means available if it qualifies as a "reportable accident" under Section 2251.
Produce the vehicle if asked. Under Section 2251, it is an offense to knowingly fail to produce the vehicle involved in a reportable accident, or, if it is operational, to return it to the scene, when the investigating officer requests it.
Misdemeanor Hit and Run in Maine
Class E Crime: Vehicle Damage Only
Under Section 2253, if you fail to stop and comply with legal requirements after an accident that damages an attended vehicle, you commit a Class E crime. In Maine, a Class E crime is the least serious criminal classification and carries:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Possible license suspension at the court's discretion
This classification applies when the accident involves only property damage and no one is physically injured.
Class D Crime: Personal Injury
Under Section 2252(4), failing to comply with the law after an accident involving personal injury (but not serious bodily injury or death) is a Class D crime. This is a more serious misdemeanor carrying:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- A fine of up to $2,000
The distinction between Class D and the more serious Class C felony depends on the severity of the injuries and the driver's mental state at the time they left the scene.
Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance
Failure to provide proof of insurance upon request at the scene is handled separately as a traffic infraction rather than a crime. The charge may be dismissed if the driver later shows proof that valid insurance was in effect at the time of the accident.
Felony Hit and Run in Maine (Class C Crime)
Under Section 2252(5), hit and run becomes a Class C felony when the driver "intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly" fails to comply with the law and the accident resulted in:
- Serious bodily injury as defined in Title 17-A, Section 2, subsection 23
- Death of any person involved in the accident
A Class C crime in Maine carries:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- A fine of up to $5,000
The mental state requirement is significant. Prosecutors must prove the driver acted intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly when they failed to stop and comply. Simply being negligent or careless is not sufficient for a felony charge. However, courts have found that driving away from a serious accident typically satisfies the recklessness standard.
Does Intoxication Change the Classification?
Section 2252 does not mention alcohol or drugs. The only trigger for the Class C aggravated category is an intentional, knowing, or reckless failure to comply when the accident caused serious bodily injury or death. An impaired driver may face separate OUI charges, but intoxication alone does not turn a lesser-injury hit and run into a Class C crime under Section 2252.
Maine Hit and Run Penalties Summary
| Offense | Crime Class | Maximum Jail/Prison | Maximum Fine | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle damage only (attended) | Class E | 6 months | $1,000 | Court discretion |
| Unattended vehicle damage | Class E | 6 months | $1,000 | Court discretion |
| Personal injury (not serious) | Class D | 1 year | $2,000 | Court discretion |
| Serious bodily injury or death | Class C (felony) | 5 years | $5,000 | Court discretion |
| No proof of insurance | Traffic infraction | N/A | Infraction fine | Not specified in Section 2252 |
Points and Administrative Consequences
Beyond criminal penalties, a hit and run conviction in Maine results in points on your driving record and can lead to classification as a habitual offender under Section 2551-A. Habitual offender status results in license revocation for a minimum of 3 years.
Maine Crash Statistics
According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 2023:
- Total motor vehicle deaths: 135 fatalities
- Death rate: 9.7 per 100,000 population, below the national average of 12.2
- Deaths per 100 million miles traveled: 0.91, one of the lowest rates in the nation
- Pedestrian fatalities: 19 deaths, representing 14% of all traffic deaths
- Single-vehicle crashes: 67% of fatalities occurred in single-vehicle accidents
- Alcohol involvement: Approximately 28% of fatally injured drivers tested positive for BAC of 0.08% or higher
Nationally, NHTSA estimated 39,345 traffic fatalities in 2024, a 3.8% decrease from 2023. Maine's relatively low fatality rate compared to other states reflects a combination of lower population density, lower speed limits in many areas, and effective traffic safety programs.
How Fault Is Determined in Maine
Maine follows a "modified comparative fault" rule under Title 14, Section 156. This system affects how civil damages are awarded after an accident.
Under Maine's modified comparative fault system:
- You can only recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident
- If you are 50% or more responsible, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation
- If you are less than 50% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility
For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but a jury finds you were 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. However, if you were found to be 50% or more at fault, you would receive nothing.
Practical advice: Never admit fault at the scene of an accident. Fault determination is the responsibility of investigators, insurance adjusters, and the courts. Statements you make at the scene can be used against you in both criminal and civil proceedings. Focus on fulfilling your legal obligations and let the investigation determine who was responsible.
Insurance Implications of a Hit and Run in Maine
A hit and run conviction in Maine carries significant insurance consequences.
Premium increases: Expect substantial rate increases after a hit and run conviction. Most insurers treat hit and run as a serious violation comparable to DUI, which can double or triple your premiums for 3 to 5 years.
Policy cancellation: Some insurers may choose not to renew your policy after a hit and run conviction, forcing you to seek coverage through the Maine Automobile Insurance Plan (the state's assigned risk pool), which charges higher rates.
Uninsured motorist coverage: If you are the victim of a hit and run in Maine and the other driver cannot be identified, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can compensate you for your injuries. Maine requires all auto insurance policies to include UM coverage. If the driver is never identified, ask a Maine car accident lawyer for a free claim review before the uninsured motorist claim with your insurer (attorney advertising).
Property damage claims: For hit and run victims, collision coverage on your own policy will cover vehicle repairs regardless of fault, subject to your deductible. If the hit and run driver is later identified, your insurer can pursue them through subrogation.
Possible Defenses to Hit and Run Charges
Depending on the specific circumstances, these defenses may apply:
- Lack of knowledge: You were genuinely unaware that an accident occurred. This defense is most credible for minor impacts in noisy traffic conditions or when road conditions limited your ability to notice contact.
- Fear for safety: You left the scene due to a reasonable belief that remaining would result in physical harm, such as a hostile crowd or threatening behavior from the other driver.
- Medical emergency: You needed immediate medical attention yourself and drove to the nearest hospital or called 911 for your own injuries.
- Mistaken identity: You were not the driver at the time of the accident. This can arise when multiple people had access to the vehicle.
- Involuntary departure: You left the scene involuntarily due to circumstances beyond your control, such as being pushed out of the area by traffic flow.
- No actual damage or injury: The other party suffered no actual injury or vehicle damage, and you had no reason to believe any harm occurred.
If you leave the scene for any legitimate reason, report to the nearest police station immediately. Prompt reporting significantly strengthens your position and demonstrates you did not intend to flee.
Statute of Limitations
For criminal hit and run charges in Maine, the statute of limitations depends on the classification:
- Class E crimes: Charges must be filed within 3 years
- Class D crimes: Charges must be filed within 3 years
- Class C felonies: Charges must be filed within 6 years
For civil claims arising from a hit and run accident in Maine:
- Personal injury: 6 years from the date of the accident
- Property damage: 6 years from the date of the accident
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death
Maine's 6-year civil limitation period for personal injury and property damage is among the longest in the country, giving victims more time to identify the responsible driver and file a claim.
Related Maine Laws
- Maine Recording Laws
- Maine Car Seat Laws
- Maine Statute of Limitations
- Maine Child Support Laws
- Maine Sexting Laws
- Maine Whistleblower Laws
Official References:
- Title 29-A, Section 2252: Accidents involving death or personal injury
- Title 29-A, Section 2253: Accidents involving vehicle damage
More Maine Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reportable accident in Maine?
Under Section 2251 of Title 29-A, any accident that results in injury, death, or apparent property damage of $2,000 or more must be reported to law enforcement immediately by the quickest means available. Even if you believe the damage is minor, it is safer to report the accident to avoid potential charges for failure to report.
What should I do if I hit a parked car in Maine and cannot find the owner?
Under Section 2254, you must leave a note in a conspicuous place on the damaged vehicle containing your name, address, and contact information. If the apparent damage is $2,000 or more, you must also report the accident to police. Leaving the scene without taking these steps is a Class E crime punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Can I be charged with hit and run even if the other driver caused the accident?
Yes. The obligation to stop, remain at the scene, exchange information, and render aid applies to all drivers involved in an accident, regardless of who caused it. Fault for the accident is a separate issue from your duty to stop. Even if the other driver ran a red light and hit you, leaving the scene without stopping is a criminal offense.
What is the statute of limitations for hit and run civil claims in Maine?
Maine has a 6-year statute of limitations for both personal injury and property damage claims. For wrongful death, the limitation period is 2 years from the date of death. Maine's 6-year period is among the longest in the nation, giving victims additional time to identify the responsible party and pursue legal action.
Will I lose my license if convicted of hit and run in Maine?
Section 2252 itself does not set a license suspension period, so any suspension depends on the court and the Secretary of State. Repeated offenses can lead to habitual offender classification under Section 2551-A, which carries a minimum 3-year license revocation.
Updates
Corrected the reportable-accident threshold to $2,000, removed an intoxication felony enhancement and license-suspension figures that Maine statutes do not contain, and replaced an unsupported do-not-move-the-vehicle rule with the actual duty to produce the vehicle on an officer's request.
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.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A: MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Chapter 19: OPERATION
§ 2252Accidents involving death or personal injuryIn force
1. Operator required to stop. The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident anywhere that results in personal injury or death to a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or stop as close as possible and immediately return to the scene. 2. Provide information. The operator shall remain at the scene and provide to the injured person or someone acting for the injured person or the operator or an occupant of the other vehicle: A. The operator's name and address; [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] B. The registration number of the operator's vehicle; [PL 2013, c. 291, §1 (AMD).] C. An opportunity to examine the driver's license if the injured person or someone acting for the injured person or the operator or an occupant of the other vehicle so requests and the license is available; and [PL 2013, c. 291, §1 (AMD).] D. Evidence of liability insurance or financial responsibility as required by section 1601 if the injured person or someone acting for the injured person or the operator or occupant of the other vehicle so requests. [PL 2013, c. 291, §1 (NEW).] 3. Render assistance.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-24 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 9 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Maine v. Kristina I. Lowe (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2015, 124 A.3d 156)“…d leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident (Class C), 29-A M.R.S. § 2252(5) (2014), entered by the trial court…”
- State v. Medeiros (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2010, 997 A.2d 95)“…eath or *97 serious bodily injury (Class C), 29-A M.R.S. § 2252(5) (2009). 1 Medeiros argu…”
- State v. Cheney (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2012, 55 A.3d 473)“…ed leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident (Class C), 29-A M.R.S. § 2252(5) (2011); and operating under the infl…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 2253Accidents involving vehicle damageIn force
1. Operator required to stop. The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident that results in damage to an attended vehicle shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or stop as close as possible and immediately return to the scene. 2. Provide information. The operator shall remain at the scene and provide to the operator or an occupant of the other vehicle: A. The operator's name and address; [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] B. The registration number of the operator's vehicle; [PL 2013, c. 291, §2 (AMD).] C. An opportunity to examine the driver's license if the other operator or an occupant so requests and the license is available; and [PL 2013, c. 291, §2 (AMD).] D. Evidence of liability insurance or financial responsibility as required by section 1601 if the other operator or an occupant so requests. [PL 2013, c. 291, §2 (NEW).] 3. Violation. A person commits a Class E crime if that person fails to comply with this section, except that a person commits a traffic infraction if that person fails to comply with subsection 2, paragraph D. 4. Dismissal.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
§ 2251Accident reportsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
1. Definition. As used in this section, "reportable accident" means an accident on a public way or a place where public traffic may reasonably be anticipated, resulting in bodily injury or death to a person or apparent property damage of $2,000 or more. Apparent property damage under this subsection must be based upon the market value of the necessary repairs and may not be limited to the current value of the vehicle or property. 2. Report required. A reportable accident must be reported immediately by the quickest means of communication to a state police officer, or to the nearest state police field office, or to the sheriff's office, or to a deputy sheriff, within the county in which the accident occurred, or to the office of the police department, or to an officer, of the municipality in which the accident occurred. The accident must be reported by: A. The operator of an involved vehicle; [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] B. A person acting for the operator; or [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] C. If the operator is unknown, the owner of an involved vehicle having knowledge of the accident. [PL 1993, c.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-02 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 10 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Maine courts describe failure to report under Section 2251(8) as a Class E crime. State v. Whitney (2012) held that interest did not justify a random roving-patrol stop of a motorist. State v. Malo (2003) vacated a failure-to-report conviction because the State never proved the accident happened on a public way.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Whitney (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2012, 54 A.3d 1284)✓Ninety minutes after an unattended crash, an officer detained a passing driver miles away; treating failure to report under section 2251(8)(A) as a Class E crime and not a grave public concern, the court held the seizure unconstitutional.
- State v. Prescott (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2012, 48 A.3d 218)“…(B)(1) (2011), and failure to report an accident (Class E), 29-A M.R.S. § 2251(8)(A) (2011). Prescott’s plea preserved…”
- State v. Brann (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1999, 1999 Me. 113)✓An officer handcuffed a man running from a one-car crash that caused at least $1,000 in damage; the Law Court agreed there was probable cause to arrest for at least one motor vehicle offense, among them failure to report an accident under section 2251.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: How to Get a Police Report in Maine (2026 Guide)
§ 2254Accidents involving unattended vehicleIn force
1. Operator required to stop. The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident that results in damage to an unattended vehicle shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or stop as close as possible and immediately return to the scene. 2. Provide information. The operator shall notify the owner or operator of the unattended vehicle or shall leave on that vehicle in a conspicuous place a statement containing: A. The operator's name and address; [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] B. The registration number of the operator's vehicle; and [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] C. A statement of the circumstances of the accident. [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] 2-A. Evidence of financial responsibility. The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident that results in damage to an unattended vehicle shall provide evidence of liability insurance or financial responsibility as required by section 1601 if the owner or operator of the unattended vehicle so requests. 3. Violation.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2011
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Teachout (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2011, 16 A.3d 155)“…A), (C)(3); and leaving the scene of an accident (Class E), 29-A M.R.S. § 2254 (2010). Teachout moved to dismiss the i…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 2255Accidents involving property damageIn force
1. Notification. The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident anywhere that results in property damage shall take reasonable steps to notify the owner of that property of the accident. For the purposes of this section, "property damage" includes damage to real and personal property, including but not limited to the injury or death of a dog, a cat or livestock. 2. Provide information. The operator shall provide to the property owner: A. The operator's name and address; [PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF).] B. The registration number of the operator's vehicle; [PL 2013, c. 291, §4 (AMD).] C. An opportunity to examine the driver's license if the owner of the property so requests and the license is available; and [PL 2013, c. 291, §4 (AMD).] D. Evidence of liability insurance or financial responsibility as required by section 1601 if the owner of the property so requests. [PL 2013, c.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2012
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Brann (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1999, 1999 Me. 113)“…in the motor vehicle being driven. 4 . 29-A M.R.S.A. § 2255 provides in pertinent part: 1.…”
- State of Maine v. True (Superior Court of Maine 2012)“…FORMATION DOV: 07114/2007 Location: PORTLAND Class E, Title 29-A M.R.S.A. §2255(2) Dept: POR Officer Name: JESSICA L GO…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A: MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, Chapter 23: MAJOR OFFENSES - SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION
§ 2551-AHabitual offenderIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
1. Habitual offender defined. An habitual offender is a person whose record, as maintained by the Secretary of State, shows that: A. The person has accumulated 3 or more convictions or adjudications for distinct offenses described in this paragraph arising out of separate acts committed within a 5-year period: (1) Homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle; (2) OUI conviction; (3) Driving to endanger, in violation of section 2413; (4) Operating after suspension or revocation, in violation of section 2412‑A; (5) Operating without a license; (6) Operating after revocation, in violation of former section 2557, section 2557‑A or section 2558; (7) Knowingly making a false affidavit or swearing or affirming falsely in a statement required by this Title or as to information required in the administration of this Title; (8) A Class A, B, C or D offense in which a motor vehicle is used; (9) Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death, in violation of section 2252; (10) Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, in violation of section 2253, 2254 or 2255; (11) Eluding an officer, in violation of section 2414; (12) Passing a…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 7 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Maine v. Dmitri L. Cannady (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2018, 190 A.3d 1019)“…e statutory definition of “habitual offender.” See 29-A M.R.S. § 2551-A(1)(A)(4) (2017).…”
- State of Maine v. Lisha Rose Stanley (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2014, 86 A.3d 618)“…Stanley is classified as a habitual offender pursuant to 29-A M.R.S § 2551-A (2013) and is prohibited from operating…”
- Mitchell v. Secretary of State (Superior Court of Maine 2010)“…driver's license for being a habitual offender pursuant to 29-A M.R.S. §§ 2551-A & 2552. Mitchell filed this appeal purs…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Maine Reckless Driving Laws: Driving to Endanger Penalties (2026)
Sources and References
- Title 29-A, Section 2252: Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 29-A, Section 2253: Accidents Involving Vehicle Damage(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 29-A, Section 2551-A: Habitual Offender(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- IIHS Fatality Facts 2023: State by State(iihs.org)
- NHTSA 2024 Traffic Fatality Estimates(nhtsa.gov).gov
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A (2025)(law.justia.com)
- Title 29-A, Section 2251: Accident Reports(legislature.maine.gov)
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