Duties after a Motor Vehicle Collision (13:IV)

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This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on June 30, 2021.



A. Remain at Scene

1. Motor Vehicle Act Provisions

Pursuant to Motor Vehicle Act s 68(1), the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident must:

  • a) Remain at the scene or return immediately
  • b) Render all reasonable assistance, and
  • c) Produce, in writing, their name and address, the registered owner’s name and address, the vehicle license number, and particulars of insurance.

It is an offence to omit to do the duties specified in Motor Vehicle Act s 68(1). The reason or motive for leaving the scene is irrelevant. Since this is a strict liability offence, the defence of due diligence may be available to an accused.

2. Criminal Code Provisions

Under Criminal Code s 320.16(1), “everyone commits an offence who operates a conveyance and who at the time of operating the conveyance knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the conveyance has been involved in an accident with a person or another conveyance and who fails, without reasonable excuse, to stop the conveyance, give their name and address and, if any person has been injured or appears to require assistance, offer assistance.”

B. Provide information

1. Duty to Provide Information Under the Motor Vehicle Act

If asked, the owner or a person in a motor vehicle that a peace officer believes has been involved in an accident or a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act must provide any information respecting the identity of the driver at the time of the accident (Motor Vehicle Act s 84). The person has the right to remain silent until they speak to a lawyer, which is advisable in most circumstances.

2. Police Accident Reports

Although accident reports are not open to public inspection, parties to the accident may obtain license numbers from the reports as well as names of drivers, registered owners, and witnesses (Motor Vehicle Act s 249(2)).

C. Duties where damage to unattended vehicles or property

1. Damage to Unattended Vehicles

Under the Motor Vehicle Act s 68(2), the driver, operator, or any other person in charge of a motor vehicle that collides with an unattended vehicle must stop, locate, and notify, in writing, the owner of the unattended vehicle of the name and address of the driver, the operator, or any other person in charge of the motor vehicle as well as the registered owner’s name and address and the vehicle license number. The information must be left in a conspicuous place on the damaged vehicle.

2. Damage to Other Forms of Property

In the event of damage to property other than another vehicle, the driver, operator, or any other person in charge of the motor vehicle must take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner of the property, in writing (Motor Vehicle Act s 68(3)). The driver must take reasonable steps to provide the following particulars to the owner of the property: the name and address of the driver, operator, or other person in charge of the vehicle as well as the license number of the vehicle and the name and address of the vehicle’s registered owner.

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