Oregon
Oregon Hit and Run Laws: Penalties and What to Do
Oregon classifies leaving the scene of an accident as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the outcome. Under ORS 811.700, a property-damage hit and run is a class A misdemeanor. Under ORS 811.705, a hit and run involving injury or death escalates to a felony.
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 Oregon Car Accident Settlement Calculator.
Oregon Hit and Run Laws: What happens if someone leaves the scene of an accident?
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Oregon?
Under Oregon's hit and run laws sections 811.700 through to 811.717, leaving the scene of a traffic collision that results in property damage is a misdemeanor. If anyone dies or suffers an injury, the charges escalate into a felony. In addition, prosecutors may pursue charges including failure to perform duties following an accident, vehicular homicide/manslaughter, failure to report a reportable accident, evading the police, criminal mischief in the second degree, recklessly endangering another person, and other charges that apply.
Quick take: leaving the scene of an accident in Oregon
- Failure to move your vehicle from a roadway or highway/blocking traffic is a class C traffic violation.
- You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Oregon is an at-fault state. Therefore, claimants may only recover damages if their share of responsibility is less than 51%.
- You have 72 hours to file a report at the DMV.
References
- 811.700 Failure to perform duties of a driver when property is damaged.
- 811.717 Failure to remove vehicle from roadway.
Oregon hit and run laws explained: What happens if you hit someone's car and then leave?
Suppose the collision results in property damage alone. Failure to perform the duties listed below constitutes a misdemeanor.
**What if the victim dies or suffers "great bodily harm"? **
In this scenario, a driver who flees the scene is guilty of a felony.
Under state law, "serious injury or great bodily harm" refers to any injury that puts the victim at significant risk of death, paralysis, or disfigurement. Examples include limb or organ loss, facial disfigurement, loss of bodily function, paralysis, etc.
What to do after an accident in Oregon
Under 811.700, your legal obligations at the scene of an accident are:
- First, you must immediately stop your vehicle and investigate what you have struck.
- When you stop your vehicle, make sure that it does not interfere with traffic more than is necessary.
- Remain at the scene until you give the struck person or property owner your name, address, name and number of your insurance carrier, and vehicle registration number.
- If law enforcement or the other party requests it, you must exhibit your driver's license.
- Render reasonable aid to anyone who needs it.
In short, if you hit someone or something, doing the following may help you avoid hit and run charges. Remember, a hit-and-run occurs the moment you leave the scene. Meaning if you leave and then come back, you are guilty.
Tips to avoid hit and run charges in Oregon:
- Stop your vehicle, investigate the collision, and remain at the scene until peace officers arrive.
- Render reasonable assistance to anyone who needs it.
- Suppose the accident results in great bodily injury, expensive property damage, or death. Contact an attorney before you file a report.
- Never admit fault at the scene of an accident.
- If you leave the scene, make sure that you have a valid reason and that you can prove it. For example, leaving the scene was the quickest way to contact emergency services, or you feared that remaining at the scene would lead to more harm.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a misdemeanor in Oregon?
Yes. Failure to perform the duties of a driver after an accident involving property damage is a class A misdemeanor. The statute works under the assumption that "the accused knew, or had reason to know about his involvement in an accident." Section 811.700.2 defines "reason to believe" as, quote:
"Reason to believe" means that the driver is aware of a circumstance that would cause a reasonable person to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the driver's vehicle has been in a collision. The risk must be of such nature or degree that failure to be aware of it constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe in the situation."
What happens if you hit an unattended vehicle in Oregon?
Under Oregon hit and run laws, if you hit an unattended vehicle. You have a legal duty to locate and notify the vehicle or property owner. If you cannot locate the owner, leaving the scene without attaching a note containing your name, address, contact information, and insurance carrier is a misdemeanor.
Evading the police is a felony in Oregon
Under section 811.540, "fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer." Attempting to or fleeing from the police is a class C felony. If the driver gets out of the vehicle and attempts to elude police on foot, that individual is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
How long do you have to report an accident in Oregon?
Oregon defines a reportable accident as any accident that results in property damage above $2500, injury, or death. You have 72 hours to file a report at the Department of Motor vehicles.
If you are involved in a reportable accident, you should notify law enforcement immediately. Failure to report an accident will result in license suspension. Also, you must report the accident even if your vehicle was the only one that sustained damage.
Note. In Oregon, an accident report is different from a police report, meaning you may have to file both.
What if you hit a domesticated animal in Oregon?
State law requires that whenever a driver hits a domesticated animal, the driver must make a reasonable effort to locate and inform the owner. If you cannot locate the owner, you may report the collision at the nearest police station.
Failure to perform your duty after hitting an animal is a class B traffic violation.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Oregon?
Yes. Leaving the scene of an injury accident without performing the duties of a driver is a Class C felony in Oregon, and it becomes a Class B felony under ORS 811.705(3)(b) if anyone suffers serious physical injury or dies.
Note that if anyone suffers injury after an accident, the law requires you to render reasonable assistance, including transporting the victim to a hospital. You may transport the person if it is apparent that the individual needs it or upon request.
In other words, one valid reason for leaving the scene of an accident in Oregon is leaving the scene was the quickest way to aid the victim.
Remember section 3 of 811.705 reads, quote:
*"Failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons is a Class B felony if a person suffers serious physical injury as defined in ORS 161.015 or dies as a result of the collision" *
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Oregon?
- Hit and run involving property damage: class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $6250.
- Hit and run involving unattended vehicle: class A misdemeanor.
- Evading the police: in a vehicle, class C felony, and on foot class A misdemeanor.
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury that is not a serious physical injury: class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $125000.
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving serious physical injury or death: class B felony under ORS 811.705(3)(b).
Related offenses
- Criminal mischief in the second degree/causing damage to property above $100: class A misdemeanor.
- Recklessly endangering another person: class A misdemeanor.
Civil penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in Oregon
Upon conviction, section 811.706 requires that, quote:
"When a person is convicted of violating ORS 811.700 or 811.705, the court, in addition to any other sentence it may impose, may order the person to pay an amount of money equal to the amount of any damages caused by the person as a result of the incident that created the duties in ORS 811.700 or 811. 705.."
On top of that, the victim may take civil action to recover lost wages, property repair or replacement, hospital bills, and other damages. If you were the one hurt, get a free claim review from an Oregon car accident lawyer on a civil claim for your lost wages and hospital bills (attorney advertising).
How is fault determined in Oregon?
Oregon is a fault state. Consequently, the at-fault party is responsible for paying the damages. The state also has a comparative negligence rule that allows claimants to collect if their share of responsibility for the accident does not exceed 51%.
Remember, the jury and investigators determine the at-fault party, meaning you should never admit fault at the scene of an accident.
To increase the odds of a successful claim, victims should do the following:
- Immediately call the police after a collision.
- If the other driver flees, collect as much information as possible, including driver description, car make, colour, damage sustained, and any further useful details.
- Do not comment about your health until you seek medical assistance.
- File an accident report.
- Do not accept responsibility for the accident or apologize.
- Call your insurer if you have personal injury cover.
- Do not threaten or harm the other driver.
What is the statute of limitations on accidents in Oregon?
The statute of limitations on personal injury in Oregon is two years under ORS 12.110(1). For damage to personal property such as a vehicle, you have six years to file under ORS 12.080(4). If the victim dies, the survivors generally have three years to file a wrongful death claim under ORS 30.020.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Oregon Hit and Run Laws: What happens if someone leaves the scene of an accident?
**What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Oregon?** Under Oregon's hit and run laws sections 811.700 through to 811.717, leaving the scene of a traffic collision that results in property damage is a misdemeanor. If anyone dies or suffers an injury, the charges escalate into a felony. In addition, prosecutors may pursue charges including failure to perform duties following an accident, vehicular homicide/manslaughter, failure to report a reportable accident, evading the police, criminal mischief in the second degree, recklessly endangering another person, and other charges that apply.
Oregon hit and run laws explained: What happens if you hit someone's car and then leave?
Suppose the collision results in property damage alone. Failure to perform the duties listed below constitutes a misdemeanor. **What if the victim dies or suffers "great bodily harm"? ** In this scenario, a driver who flees the scene is guilty of a felony.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a misdemeanor in Oregon?
Yes. Failure to perform the duties of a driver after an accident involving property damage is a class A misdemeanor. The statute works under the assumption that "the accused knew, or had reason to know about his involvement in an accident." Section 811.700.2 defines "reason to believe" as, quote: > *"Reason to believe" means that the driver is aware of a circumstance that would cause a reasonable person to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the driver's vehicle has been in a collision.
Is leaving the scene of an accident a felony in Oregon?
Yes. Leaving the scene of an injury accident without performing the duties of a driver is a Class C felony in Oregon, and it becomes a Class B felony under ORS 811.705(3)(b) if anyone suffers serious physical injury or dies. Note that if anyone suffers injury after an accident, the law requires you to render reasonable assistance, including transporting the victim to a hospital. You may transport the person if it is apparent that the individual needs it or upon request. In other words, one valid reason for leaving the scene of an accident in Oregon is leaving the scene was the quickest way to aid the victim.
What is the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Oregon?
Related offenses Upon conviction, section 811.706 requires that, quote: > *"When a person is convicted of violating ORS 811.700 or 811.705, the court, in addition to any other sentence it may impose, may order the person to pay an amount of money equal to the amount of any damages caused by the person as a result of the incident that created the duties in ORS 811.700 or 811. 705.."* On top of that, the victim may take civil action to recover lost wages, property repair or replacement, hospital bills, and other damages.
How is fault determined in Oregon?
Oregon is a fault state. Consequently, the at-fault party is responsible for paying the damages. The state also has a comparative negligence rule that allows claimants to collect if their share of responsibility for the accident does not exceed 51%. Remember, the jury and investigators determine the at-fault party, meaning you should never admit fault at the scene of an accident.
What is the statute of limitations on accidents in Oregon?
The statute of limitations on personal injury in Oregon is two years under ORS 12.110(1). For damage to personal property such as a vehicle, you have six years to file under ORS 12.080(4). If the victim dies, the survivors generally have three years to file a wrongful death claim under ORS 30.020.
Updates
Corrected the felony classification for hit and runs causing serious injury or death (Class B under ORS 811.705), removed an unsupported Class A felony tier, and corrected the personal injury (two years) and property damage (six years) filing deadlines.
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.
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 811: Rules of the Road for Drivers
§ 811.705Failure to perform duties of driver to injured persons; penaltyIn force
(1) A driver of a vehicle who knows or has reason to believe that the driver’s vehicle was involved in a collision commits the offense of failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons if the driver’s vehicle has been in a collision that results in injury or death to a person and the driver does not perform all of the following duties: (a) Immediately stop the driver’s vehicle at the scene of the collision or as close to the scene of the collision as possible and reasonably investigate what the driver’s vehicle struck. Every stop required under this paragraph should be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. (b) Remain at the scene of the collision until the driver has fulfilled all of the requirements under this subsection.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-24 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at oregonlegislature.gov
§ 811.700Failure to perform duties of driver when property is damaged; penaltyIn force
(1) A driver of a vehicle who knows or has reason to believe that the driver’s vehicle was involved in a collision commits the offense of failure to perform the duties of a driver when property is damaged if the driver’s vehicle is involved in a collision that results in damage to property and the driver does not perform duties required under any of the following: (a) Immediately stop the driver’s vehicle at the scene of the collision or as close to the scene of the collision as possible and reasonably investigate what the driver’s vehicle struck. Every stop required under this paragraph should be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. (b) If the driver’s vehicle has been involved in a collision that results only in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by any other person, the driver shall perform all of the following duties: (A) Remain at the scene of the collision until the driver has fulfilled all of the requirements under this paragraph.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at oregonlegislature.gov
Cited in 107 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Hval (Court of Appeals of Oregon 2001, 174 Or. App. 164)“…perty is damaged, an offense commonly termed “hit and run.” ORS 811.700(l)(a). He assigns error to the trial co…”
- State v. Larson (Court of Appeals of Oregon 1996, 141 Or. App. 186)“…p 379, 383 , 790 P2d 1188 (1990), this court held that ORS 811.700(l)(a), which requires that a driver pro…”
- State v. Kappelman (Court of Appeals of Oregon 1999, 162 Or. App. 170)“…iver wh en property is damaged in a motor vehicle accident. ORS 811.700. 1 Following defendant’s g…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 811.717Failure to remove motor vehicle from roadway; penaltyIn force
(1) The driver of a motor vehicle commits the offense of failure to remove a motor vehicle from the roadway if, after an accident: (a) A person has not suffered any apparent personal injury as a result of the accident; (b) The motor vehicle is operable and does not require towing; (c) It is safe to drive the motor vehicle to a location off of the roadway as close to the accident scene as possible; and (d) The driver does not move the motor vehicle to a location off of the roadway as close to the accident scene as possible. (2) The offense described in this section, failure to remove a motor vehicle from the roadway, is a Class C traffic violation. [2007 c.664 §4; 2008 c.10 §3] Note: 811.717 was added to and made a part of the Oregon Vehicle Code by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 811 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation. (Reports) 811.720 When collision must be reported to Department of Transportation.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at oregonlegislature.gov
§ 811.540Fleeing or attempting to elude police officer; penaltyIn force
(1) A person commits the crime of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer if: (a) The person is operating a motor vehicle; and (b) A police officer who is in uniform and prominently displaying the police officer’s badge of office or operating a vehicle appropriately marked showing it to be an official police vehicle gives a visual or audible signal to bring the vehicle to a stop, including any signal by hand, voice, emergency light or siren, and either: (A) The person, while still in the vehicle, knowingly flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police officer; or (B) The person gets out of the vehicle and knowingly flees or attempts to elude the police officer. (2) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution of a person under this section that, after a police officer operating a vehicle not marked as an official police vehicle signaled the person to bring the person’s vehicle to a stop, the person proceeded lawfully to an area the person reasonably believed was necessary to reach before stopping.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at oregonlegislature.gov
Cited in 142 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Kurtz (Oregon Supreme Court 2011, 350 Or. 65)“…Court with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, ORS 811.540, and resisting arrest by a peace office…”
- State v. Blair/Vanis (Court of Appeals of Oregon 2000, 171 Or. App. 162)“…ve away because to do so would be a crime. See ORS 811.540 (fleeing or attempting to elude a polic…”
- State v. Reed (Court of Appeals of Oregon 2013, 256 Or. App. 61)“…of felony fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, ORS 811.540, and one count of reckless driving, ORS…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 161: General Provisions
§ 161.015General definitionsIn forcecited in 5 of our articles
As used in chapter 743, Oregon Laws 1971, and ORS 166.635, unless the context requires otherwise: (1) “Dangerous weapon” means any weapon, device, instrument, material or substance which under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury. (2) “Deadly weapon” means any instrument, article or substance specifically designed for and presently capable of causing death or serious physical injury. (3) “Deadly physical force” means physical force that under the circumstances in which it is used is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at oregonlegislature.gov
Cited in 332 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Fries (Oregon Supreme Court 2008, 344 Or. 541)“…ly * * * to possess a controlled substance.” 3 ORS 161.015(9) in turn provides that “ £[p]ossess’…”
- State v. Clevenger (Oregon Supreme Court 1984, 297 Or. 234)“…jury was a necessary element of the crime as charged. See ORS 161.015 and 163.175. [3] The trial court made…”
- Doe v. Medford School District 549C (Court of Appeals of Oregon 2009, 232 Or. App. 38)“…ngerous or deadly weapon is a firearm. See ORS 161.015(1) (defining “dangerous weapon” as “any…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Oregon Assault Laws: Degrees, Felonies and Penalties (2026), Oregon Knife Laws (2026): Concealed Carry, Intent Felony, Delgado, Oregon Pepper Spray and Stun Gun Laws (2026)
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 30: Actions and Suits in Particular Cases
§ 30.020Action for wrongful death; when commenced; damagesIn forcecited in 7 of our articles
30.020 Action for wrongful death; when commenced; damages. (1) When the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act or omission of another, the personal representative of the decedent, for the benefit of the decedent's surviving spouse, surviving children, surviving parents and other individuals, if any, who under the law of intestate succession of the state of the decedent's domicile would be entitled to inherit the personal property of the decedent, and for the benefit of any stepchild or stepparent whether that stepchild or stepparent would be entitled to inherit the personal property of the decedent or not, may maintain an action against the wrongdoer, if the decedent might have maintained an action, had the decedent lived, against the wrongdoer for an injury done by the same act o
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-07 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at oregonlegislature.gov
Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in Oregon (2026): Deadlines & Caps, Motorcycle Accident Laws in Oregon (2026): Deadlines & Helmets, Oregon Punitive Damages Laws: State Share, Proof and Pleading (2026)
Sources and References
- Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 811.700 and 811.705: driver duties when property is damaged or a person is injured(oregonlegislature.gov).gov
- Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 12.080 and 12.110: limitation periods for property damage and personal injury actions(oregonlegislature.gov)
- Or. Rev. Stat. § 30.020: wrongful death actions(oregonlegislature.gov)
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