Texas Transportation Code § 550.022 – Duties After Hitting an Unattended Vehicle
Table of Contents
Statutory Text:
§ 550.022(a):
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to an unattended vehicle must:
Immediately stop and
Locate and notify the owner or
Leave a written notice in a visible place on the damaged vehicle, including:
Name
Address
Explanation of the accident
§ 550.022(c):
Failure to comply is a:
Class C misdemeanor if damage is under $200
Class B misdemeanor if damage is $200 or more
What Does the Law Require?
Drivers who hit a parked or unattended vehicle must:
Stop at the scene
Try to locate the owner
If not possible, leave a written note with contact details and a short description
Failure to do so is considered a criminal offense, often referred to as a “hit-and-run” on a parked car.
Example Scenario
A driver sideswipes a parked car in a grocery store lot. No one is around.
Instead of leaving a note, they drive off.
Surveillance footage identifies their license plate, and they are later cited under § 550.022 and sued for property damage.
Civil Liability
Failing to stop or leave a note may be used as evidence of negligence
May also increase exposure to punitive damages if there was an attempt to hide the incident
Even minor collisions can result in criminal and civil consequences
Related Statutes
§ 550.021 – Hit and Run (Injury/Death)
§ 550.023 – Duty to Provide Information
§ 550.026 – Duty to Report Accident
Texas Case Law Interpreting § 550.022
Reaffirmed that failure to leave a note after striking an unattended vehicle is a chargeable offense, even if the driver intended to return later.
Frequently Asked Questions About § 550.022
Houston Personal Injury Lawyer - Joel A. Gordon
Stop immediately, and either locate the owner or leave a written notice with your name, address, and a short explanation.
Yes. If the damage exceeds $200 and you fail to leave information, it becomes a Class B misdemeanor, which is arrestable.
Leaving without immediate compliance can still be prosecuted. The law requires immediate action at the time of the incident.
Yes. The other driver can pursue civil damages, and failure to follow § 550.022 may support a claim of negligence or bad faith.
Reinforced that governments are not liable unless they knew of the condition and failed to warn.