1. Criminal Offence: Hitting a parked car and leaving the scene without taking responsibility for the damage is considered a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. It is essential to stop at the scene of an accident, check if anyone is injured, and provide your contact information to the other party or leave your details on a prominent part of the damaged car.
2. Fixed Penalty Notice: If you are caught leaving the scene of the accident, the police may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). This is a fine of £200 and usually comes with three penalty points on your driving licence.
3. Prosecution and Court Appearance: In more severe cases or if you have a history of similar offences, the case may go to court. You could face a fine, penalty points, or even a driving disqualification. The maximum penalty for this offence is imprisonment of up to six months, along with a significant fine and mandatory disqualification from driving.
4. Loss of No Claims Discount: Your car insurance provider may also consider this offence a serious breach of the terms of your policy, leading to a loss of your No Claims Discount (NCD) and a possible increase in your premiums.
5. Civil Liability: If the parked car is damaged, you may also face a civil liability claim from the owner for repairs or compensation.
It's important to note that the impact on your driving licence and potential prison sentence depends on various factors, including your driving record, the severity of the damage caused to the parked car, and any aggravating factors, such as speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol.
To avoid any legal consequences, it's crucial to take responsibility for your actions if you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor it may seem. Always stop, assess the situation, and notify the authorities or the other party accordingly.
