How many points for hitting a parked car? Quick Answer
- Hitting a parked car typically does not result in license points if reported properly. However, 1 to 3 points may be added in states where violations like careless driving apply. In hit-and-run scenarios, you can receive significantly more points.
License Points for Hitting a Parked Car
In most states, hitting a parked car is not an automatic point violation if the driver reports the accident and follows legal procedures. However, 1 to 3 points may be added in states where a related traffic violation, such as careless driving or improper backing, is cited. Even if points are not added, fines and insurance rate increases may still apply. If the damage is minor, drivers may only face insurance consequences, but significant damage may require a police report depending on state laws.
Where Traffic Point Systems Do Not Exist
Not all states use a points system for traffic violations. Hawaii, Texas, Oregon, Minnesota, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Kansas, Mississippi, Washington, and Wyoming do not assign points for any traffic incidents. However, this does not mean drivers in these states avoid penalties. Instead, violations are handled through fines, license suspensions, and possible jail time.
Texas previously operated under the Driver Responsibility Program, which assigned points and imposed surcharges for traffic violations. However, this system was repealed in 2019, eliminating point-based penalties while maintaining fines, suspensions, and other legal consequences for serious offenses.
States That Currently Do Not Use Point Systems
| State | State | State |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | Mississippi | Washington |
| Kansas | Oregon | Wyoming |
| Louisiana | Rhode Island | Texas |
| Minnesota |
Sources: drivinglaws.org, Texas DPS
How Many Points Is a Hit-and-Run?
If you hit a parked car and leave the scene, it is considered a hit-and-run, which can result in significantly more points. The number of points assigned for a hit-and-run varies by state. Some states impose severe penalties, while others classify it as a lower-level offense. For example:
- Illinois has one of the highest penalties, assigning 25 points for a hit-and-run.
- Maryland and Colorado impose 12 points, which can lead to immediate license suspension.
- Florida and West Virginia assign 6 points, while California and New Jersey consider it a 2-point offense.
- North Carolina and Pennsylvania assign 4 points, making it a moderate offense in those states.
In states that use a point-based license system, accumulating too many points within a set period can result in fines, higher insurance rates, mandatory driving courses, and even suspension.
Points for Hit-and-Run by State
| State | License Points | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 6 | Arizona Department of Transportation [1] |
| Arkansas | 8 | Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration [2] |
| California | 2 | California DMV [3] |
| Florida | 6 | FLHSMV [4] |
| Illinois | 25 | Illinois Office of the Secretary of State [5] |
| Maryland | 12 | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration [6] |
| North Carolina | 4 | N.C. Department of Transportation [7] |
| Virginia | 3 | Roanoke Criminal Attorneys [8] |
| West Virginia | 6 | WV Division of Motor Vehicles [9] |
| Alaska | 9 | DMW Alaska [10] |
| Colorado | 12 | Evolution Finance, Inc. [11] |
| Michigan | 6 | Grabel & Associates [12] |
| New Jersey | 2 | State of New Jersey [13] |
| Ohio | 6 | Allen County Ohio Probate and Juvenile Courts [14] |
| Pennsylvania | 4 | Zuckerman Law Firm LLC [15] |
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
How to Avoid Hit-and-Run Penalties
If you accidentally hit a parked car, taking the right steps can help avoid legal trouble:
- Stay at the scene – Never drive away without assessing the damage.
- Look for the car owner – If possible, notify them directly.
- Leave a note – Provide your name, phone number, and insurance details if the owner is not around.
- Take photos – Document any damage for your records.
- Report the incident – If required by law in your state, notify the authorities.
Final Thoughts
Most states do not assign points for hitting a parked car if reported properly, but violations like hit-and-run can lead to severe penalties. States without a points system, like Texas, impose fines and suspensions instead. To avoid penalties, always follow legal procedures after an accident.
