What to Do If You Scratch Someone Else's Car in a Parking Lot and Leave?
2 Answers
It is considered hit-and-run. If it's just a minor scratch without causing a serious accident, it does not constitute a crime but will be treated as a general traffic violation. According to Article 99 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," the traffic management department of the public security organ will impose a fine. Here is the relevant content: 1. In the case of a minor scratch between two vehicles where one party "flees" and the other reports to the police without any injuries, but the vehicle flees. After police investigation, it was found that one party drove away unknowingly, while the other reported the incident. 2. Since the scratch was minor, the other party might not have noticed it and thus did not stop to check. Both parties reached a compensation agreement under the mediation of the police and reconciled.
A few days ago, a neighbor's child asked me a similar question. I believe that scraping someone else's car in a parking lot and leaving is wrong, as it goes against basic moral principles. The correct approach is to immediately get out of the car to assess the damage, take photos of the evidence including the positions of both vehicles, and leave a note under the other car's windshield wiper with your name, phone number, and a brief apology. Then, report the incident to the parking lot management to prevent future disputes. If the owner returns and discovers the damage, you can communicate directly about compensation or go through the insurance process. Being honest not only avoids legal risks but also earns respect. Remember to stay calm—handling minor issues wisely prevents them from escalating.
