What Is Hit and Run (Hit/Skip) in Ohio?
- Hit and run—called hit/skip under Ohio law—occurs when a driver involved in a crash fails to stop and provide identifying information or otherwise comply with legal reporting requirements.
- Hit/skip applies whether the crash involves:
- Vehicles
- People
- Real Property or fixtures
- Occupied or unoccupied vehicles
- Ohio courts treat "hit and run" and "hit/skip" as the same offense.
- A hit and run accident in Ohio occurs when a driver does one or more of the following:
- Knowingly leaves the scene of a collision or crash
- The crash involves injury, death, or property damage
- Fails to report the accident to authorities or those involved
- Does not identify themselves to the injured person, property owner, or law enforcement
- Has knowledge that the collision occurred, even if they deny responsibility
Types of Hit and Run Offenses in Ohio:
Leaving the Scene of an Accident on Public Roads (ORC 4549.02):
- Applies when a driver is involved in a crash on a public road or highway.
- Drivers must:
- Stop at the scene
- Provide name, address, and vehicle registration number
- Show driver’s license if requested
- Remain until information is exchanged
- Provide reasonable assistance to injured persons
- If the injured person cannot receive the information, the driver must notify law enforcement immediately.
- Penalties
- 1st-degree misdemeanor
- 5th-degree felony if serious physical harm
- 4th-degree felony if driver knew serious harm occurred
- 3rd-degree felony if death
- 2nd-degree felony if driver knew death occurred
- Mandatory Class 5 suspension (6 months to 3 years)
- 6 points
Leaving the Scene of an Accident on Non-Public or Private Property (ORC 4549.021):
- Applies to crashes off public roads, including:
- Parking lots
- Private driveways
- Business property
- Drivers must:
- Stop
- Provide identifying information
- Notify law enforcement if the owner cannot be contacted
- Penalties
- 1st-degree misdemeanor
- 2 points on license
- Eligible for the same range of felony enhancements if injury/death results
Ohio Revised Code Section 4549.03:
- If you strike an unoccupied vehicle, you must:
- Stop immediately
- Locate the owner OR
- Leave your name, address, and vehicle registration securely attached
- Notify police within 24 hours if the owner cannot be contacted
- Penalties
- 1st-degree misdemeanor
- May result in points and civil liability
Hit/Skip Involving Real Property or Fixtures (ORC 4549.04):
- Applies when a driver damages:
- Buildings
- Signs
- Guardrails
- Mailboxes
- Other real property
- Driver must:
- Stop and take reasonable steps to notify the owner OR
- contact law enforcement within a reasonable time
- Penalties
- 1st-degree misdemeanor
- May result in points
- No automatic suspension
- Civil liability for damages
Can I Be Charged If the Accident Happened Off the Road or on Private Property?
Yes. Hit/skip applies even if the crash happens: in a parking lot, on private land, in a driveway. Example: if you back into a parked car at a grocery store and leave without reporting it, you can be charged.
Do I Have to Stop If I Wasn’t at Fault?
Yes. Hit/skip is based on failure to stop, not responsibility for the accident. You can be innocent of the crash and still be guilty of hit/skip.
Can I Be Charged With Hit and Run in Ohio if I Wasn’t Driving a Car?
Ohio hit/skip statutes apply to motor vehicles. If you were on a bicycle or scooter: (1) You likely will not face criminal hit/skip charges, but (2) you may still face civil liability for property damage or injury.
Penalties Overview
Hit/skip penalties vary by injury level:
| Charge | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Property damage only | M1 | Up to 180 days jail; up to $1,000 fine |
| Serious physical harm | F5 | 6–12 months prison |
| Knew serious harm occurred | F4 | 6–18 months |
| Death | F3 | 1–5 years |
| Knew death occurred | F2 | 2–8 years |
License Penalties
- Public road violations: Mandatory suspension (6 months–3 years) and 6 points
- Private property: 2 points
- Real property only: no automatic suspension
Will My License Be Suspended?
- Yes, if you are convicted of hit/skip on a public road (ORC 4549.02).
- No automatic suspension for:
- ORC 4549.03 (unoccupied vehicle)
- ORC 4549.04 (real property damage only)
- But courts may still impose:
- Fines
- Restitution
- Points
- Probation
- Civil liability
Defenses and Strategies in Hit/Skip Cases
- An attorney may be able to:
- Negotiate restitution to avoid a criminal conviction
- Obtain traffic or surveillance footage
- Prove you were not the driver
- Challenge knowledge or intent
- Argue lack of notice of damage
- Do not speak to police before consulting counsel.
- Many cases begin with a phone call seeking an admission.
What To Do If You Are Being Investigated or Charged?
- Do:
- Contact a lawyer immediately
- Preserve any dash cam or surveillance footage
- Provide insurance information to counsel
- Do not:
- Contact the other driver directly
- Give a statement to police without legal advice
- Assume the case will “just go away”
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED OHIO HIT/SKIP DEFENSE LAWYER
Call Makridis Law Firm at (330) 394-1587 as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation. We will make sure you are treated fairly and not wrongly accused or punished. We will review the evidence, investigate, explore all defenses, and negotiate a fair resolution in your case.