A 3-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Crashes that only damage property still come with duties: stop, move out of traffic when you can, and identify yourself to the owner. Some crashes also require a written report to TxDOT within 10 days.
Know the rule
A crash that is not investigated by a law enforcement officer, and has not resulted in injury or death or property damage of $1,000 or more, must be reported in writing to TxDOT no later than the 10th day after the crash, on a TxDOT form.
In a crash that only damages a vehicle driven or attended by a person, stop immediately at or near the scene without blocking traffic more than necessary.
If the crash is on a main lane, ramp, shoulder, median or nearby area and every vehicle can be driven normally and safely, move as soon as possible to a designated crash investigation site, the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or another suitable place.
Give your name, address, vehicle registration number and liability insurer, and show your license if requested, to the other driver, occupant, or person attending the vehicle.
The same $200 split applies to failing to stop for vehicle-only damage, for an unattended vehicle, and for damage to a fixture, landscaping, or structure.
Backing out of a parking space, you dent a parked car and can't find the owner. Leave a note firmly attached where it's easy to see, with your name, address and a statement of what happened. Driving off could be a Class B misdemeanor if the damage is $200 or more.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Within how many days must a written crash report be filed with TxDOT when police aren't involved?
30 days
3 days
60 days
10 days
Answer: 10 days
A written report must be filed with TxDOT no later than the 10th day after the crash.