New Jersey § 39:4-129
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 39:4-129, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39:4-129.
(a) The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury
or death to any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident
or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event
shall remain at the scene until he has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (c)
of this section. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. Any person who shall violate this subsection shall be fined not less than $2,500
nor more than $5,000, or be imprisoned for a period of 180 days, or both. The term of imprisonment required by this subsection shall be imposed only if the
accident resulted in death or injury to a person other than the driver convicted of
violating this section. In addition, any person convicted under this subsection shall forfeit his right to
operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this State for a period of one year from
the date of his conviction for the first offense and for a subsequent offense shall
thereafter permanently forfeit his right to operate a motor vehicle over the highways
of this State. (b) The driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting only in
damage to a vehicle, including his own vehicle, or other property which is attended
by any person shall immediately stop his vehicle at the scene of such accident or
as close thereto as possible, but shall then forthwith return to and in every event
shall remain at the scene of such accident until he has fulfilled the requirements
of subsection (c) of this section. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. Any person who shall violate this subsection shall be fined not less than $200 nor
more than $400, or be imprisoned for a period of not more than 30 days, or both, for
the first offense, and for a subsequent offense, shall be fined not less than $400
nor more than $600, or be imprisoned for a period of not less than 30 days nor more
than 90 days or both. In addition, a person who violates this subsection shall, for a first offense, forfeit
the right to operate a motor vehicle in this State for a period of six months from
the date of conviction, and for a period of one year from the date of conviction for
any subsequent offense. (c) The driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury
or death to any person or damage to any vehicle or property shall give his name and
address and exhibit his operator's license and registration certificate of his vehicle
to the person injured or whose vehicle or property was damaged and to any police officer
or witness of the accident, and to the driver or occupants of the vehicle collided
with and render to a person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including
the carrying of that person to a hospital or a physician for medical or surgical treatment,
if it is apparent that the treatment is necessary or is requested by the injured person. In the event that none of the persons specified are in condition to receive the information
to which they otherwise would be entitled under this subsection, and no police officer
is present, the driver of any vehicle involved in such accident after fulfilling all
other requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, insofar as possible
on his part to be performed, shall forthwith report such accident to the nearest office
of the local police department or of the county police of the county or of the State
Police and submit thereto the information specified in this subsection. (d) The driver of any vehicle which knowingly collides with or is knowingly involved
in an accident with any vehicle or other property which is unattended resulting in
any damage to such vehicle or other property shall immediately stop and shall then
and there locate and notify the operator or owner of such vehicle or other property
of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle striking the unattended
vehicle or other property or, in the event an unattended vehicle is struck and the
driver or owner thereof cannot be immediately located, shall attach securely in a
conspicuous place in or on such vehicle a written notice giving the name and address
of the driver and owner of the vehicle doing the striking or, in the event other property
is struck and the owner thereof cannot be immediately located, shall notify the nearest
office of the local police department or of the county police of the county or of
the State Police and in addition shall notify the owner of the property as soon as
the owner can be identified and located. Any person who violates this subsection shall be punished as provided in subsection
(b) of this section. (e) There shall be a permissive inference that the driver of any motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death
to any person or damage in the amount of $250.00 or more to any vehicle or property has knowledge that he was involved in such accident . For purposes of this section, it shall not be a defense that the operator of the motor
vehicle was unaware of the existence or extent of personal injury or property damage
caused by the accident as long as the operator was aware that he was involved in an
accident. There shall be a permissive inference that the registered owner of the vehicle which
was involved in an accident subject to the provisions of this section was the person
involved in the accident; provided, however, if that vehicle is owned by a rental
car company or is a leased vehicle, there shall be a permissive inference that the
renter or authorized driver pursuant to a rental car contract or the lessee, and not
the owner of the vehicle, was involved in the accident, and the requirements and penalties
imposed pursuant to this section shall be applicable to that renter or authorized
driver or lessee and not the owner of the vehicle. Any person who suppresses, by way of concealment or destruction, any evidence of a
violation of this section or who suppresses the identity of the violator shall be
subject to a fine of not less than $250 or more than $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 39:4-129
What does New Jersey Statutes § 39:4-129 cover?
Section 39:4-129 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 39:4-129?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 39:4-129" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 39:4-129 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.