Even minor vehicle collisions that result only in property damage carry legal obligations in Texas. Understanding these requirements helps drivers avoid criminal charges and ensures proper information exchange after accidents.
What Texas Transportation Code § 550.022 Says
Standard Requirements After Property Damage Collisions
When involved in a collision causing only vehicle damage, Texas drivers must:
- Stop immediately at the scene or as close as possible without creating unnecessary traffic obstruction
- Return to the scene immediately if not initially stopped there
- Remain at the scene until completing all legal requirements for information exchange
Special Rules for Freeway Accidents
Texas law includes special provisions for accidents on freeways in metropolitan areas:
- If vehicles can be "normally and safely driven," operators must move to designated investigation sites, frontage roads, or other suitable locations
- This requirement helps minimize traffic disruption while still ensuring proper information exchange
- A vehicle can be "normally and safely driven" if it doesn't require towing and can operate under its own power without causing additional hazards
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with these requirements results in criminal charges:
- For damage less than $200: Class C misdemeanor
- For damage of $200 or more: Class B misdemeanor
- Failure to move vehicles as required on freeways: Class C misdemeanor
The Full Texas Statute: § 550.022
Sec. 550.022. COLLISION INVOLVING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the operator of a vehicle involved in a collision resulting only in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person shall:
(1) immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the collision or as close as possible to the scene of the collision without obstructing traffic more than is necessary;
(2) immediately return to the scene of the collision if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the collision; and
(3) remain at the scene of the collision until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023.
(b) If a collision occurs on a main lane, ramp, shoulder, median, or adjacent area of a freeway in a metropolitan area and each vehicle involved can be normally and safely driven, each operator shall move the operator's vehicle as soon as possible to a designated collision investigation site, if available, a location on the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location to complete the requirements of Section 550.023 and minimize interference with freeway traffic.
(c) A person commits an offense if the person does not stop or does not comply with the requirements of Subsection (a). An offense under this subsection is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor, if the damage to all vehicles is less than $200; or
(2) a Class B misdemeanor, if the damage to all vehicles is $200 or more.
(c-1) A person commits an offense if the person does not comply with the requirements of Subsection (b). An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.
(d) In this section, a vehicle can be normally and safely driven only if the vehicle:
(1) does not require towing; and
(2) can be operated under its own power and in its usual manner, without additional damage or hazard to the vehicle, other traffic, or the roadway.
Get Legal Help
If you're facing charges related to a property damage collision in Texas, consulting with an experienced attorney can protect your rights. ConsumerShield connects individuals with qualified personal injury and traffic attorneys throughout the United States. Our free matching service has helped thousands of clients find representation from our nationwide network of highly-rated law firms.
Note: This content was generated with AI and edited and fact-checked by ConsumerShield editors.
