Is it a problem if I accidentally scratched someone else's car while reversing and then left?
3 Answers
If you accidentally scratch someone else's car while reversing, even if the accident is minor, it is considered a hit-and-run. According to regulations: After a traffic accident occurs, even if it is just a slight scratch, if you flee the scene afterward, it constitutes a hit-and-run, which may result in a fine and up to 15 days of detention. Additional information: Article 61 of the "Road Traffic Accident Handling Procedures" stipulates that the party involved shall bear full responsibility under any of the following circumstances: 1. Fleeing the scene after a road traffic accident; 2. Intentionally damaging, fabricating the scene, or destroying evidence. To evade legal responsibility, if the party involved abandons the vehicle and flees or hides, and there is evidence proving that other parties are also at fault, the responsibility may be appropriately reduced. However, if there is evidence proving that the fleeing party falls under the second circumstance of the first clause, the responsibility shall not be reduced.
If you accidentally scrape someone else's car while reversing and drive off, there will definitely be consequences. I've seen many people suffer because of this. That time, while backing into a parking space, I scraped a white SUV and drove off without checking, thinking no one would know. But the owner found out it was me through the neighborhood surveillance and reported it to the traffic police. Not only was I fined 500 yuan, but I also got 3 points deducted from my license and had to pay over 2,000 yuan in full repair costs. Later, a friend told me this counts as a hit-and-run—minor cases result in fines and points, while serious ones can lead to legal liability, especially if the other party suffers significant losses or the incident is recorded. I suggest you try to recall the location and, if possible, leave your contact information to apologize and settle the matter. Don't wait until you're tracked down to regret it. Road safety is no small matter—even minor mistakes must be taken seriously to avoid turning small issues into big troubles.
A while ago, I didn't check the rearview mirror carefully while reversing and scratched a nearby car before driving off. At the time, I felt quite pleased with myself for avoiding trouble. But after getting home, I couldn't sleep all night, worrying if the owner would come looking for me. I even started avoiding the parking lot. Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore and went back to leave a note on the windshield. The owner contacted me and said it was just a minor scratch, and a few hundred bucks would cover the paint repair. This incident taught me that running away only provides temporary escape—the guilt is the hardest to bear. If caught on camera or reported, it could mean fines or even affect my driving record. Don't gamble with luck; bravely reach out to the other party and face it honestly—that's the easiest way. Pay attention to driving details, like reversing slowly and checking your position, to avoid similar incidents.
