Vehicle: accidents.

Existing law requires a driver involved in an accident resulting only in damage to property to, among other things, immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists. A violation of these provisions is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 6 months, or by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both. This bill would provide that a driver of a vehicle involved in an accident where a person is struck shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident and provide specified information including, but not limited to, his or her name and current residence address. A violation of these provisions would be either an infraction, punishable by a fine not exceeding $250, or a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for 6 months, or by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or by both, and the Department of Motor Vehicles would be required to immediately suspend the driver's license of a convicted driver for 6 months. Because these changes would have the effect of expanding the scope of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.