Will There Be Consequences for Scraping Someone Else's Car a Little and Driving Away?
3 Answers
This behavior constitutes hit-and-run after a traffic accident. Below is relevant information about hit-and-run after a traffic accident: 1. Hit-and-run after a traffic accident: Hit-and-run refers to a motor vehicle driver fleeing the scene of an accident without authorization while a traffic accident occurs, making it impossible to determine the civil, criminal, and administrative liabilities caused by the traffic accident, with the purpose of evading or escaping responsibility. 2. Manifestations of hit-and-run after a traffic accident: The driver knowingly causes a traffic accident and flees the scene by driving or abandoning the vehicle; the driver is suspected of driving under the influence or without a license and fails to fulfill the obligation to wait for processing at the scene after reporting the incident, leaving the scene and then returning; although the driver takes the injured to the hospital, they leave the hospital without reporting the incident and without reason; although the driver takes the injured to the hospital, they leave the hospital after providing false names, addresses, or contact information to the injured or their family; the driver evades during the investigation period; the driver leaves the scene and denies the occurrence of a traffic accident, but there is evidence to prove that they should have known about the accident.
As a novice driver, I used to think minor scratches were no big deal and could just drive away, but the actual risks are much greater. If the other car owner discovers the scratch and finds your license plate number through parking lot surveillance or dashcam footage, the police may classify it as a hit-and-run. Legally, the Road Traffic Safety Law requires stopping to handle minor accidents; fleeing could result in a fine of 500 to 2000 yuan, 12 penalty points, and in severe cases, license revocation. Morally, it's unethical; insurance won't cover repairs, and premiums will skyrocket later. Technically, modern vehicle identification systems are advanced—you might dodge temporarily but not forever. My advice is to stop immediately, exchange contact details, or report to the police for documentation. Solving the problem easily is far better than living in fear.
I've been driving in the community for over twenty years and have encountered similar minor incidents. Fleeing after a small scratch might seem convenient on the surface, but it actually harbors significant risks. Surveillance cameras are everywhere, and license plate recognition makes it easy to track down offenders. Hit-and-run accidents, even for minor injuries, result in demerit points and fines. Insurance rates can double, and worse, your reputation takes a hit, making neighborhood disputes hard to resolve. As someone with experience, I know fixing minor scratches doesn't cost much, and leaving a note or reporting to insurance only takes minutes. Responsibility is key—running away only harms yourself. From a technical perspective, even minor damage to the car's paint can be costly to repair; the legal consequences are even more severe. Safety first—don't take chances.