Scraped a parked scooter and rode off with nobody around: is that hit-and-run? Fines, licence suspension, jail risk

02Step 2: take photos

1. Where both vehicles are.
2. The damage.
3. Licence plates.
4. The junction or street number.
5. Several angles.

03Step 3: owner present? Settle in writing if you can

1. If you can settle on the spot, write a settlement (和解書): both names, phone numbers, plates, the amount and signatures.
2. If you cannot agree, call 110.

Article 3 of the Road Traffic Accident Handling Regulations: when no one is injured or killed and you settle on the spot, you may skip notifying the police.

04Step 4: owner absent? You must call the police

1. Call 110.
2. Wait for the police to make a record.
3. Leave your name and phone number.

• National Police Agency (emergency 110)

05What leaving costs: fines, suspension, prison

1. No one hurt but you leave: Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act Article 62(1), NT$1,000-3,000 fine and 1-3 months' licence suspension; you still owe civil damages.
2. Someone hurt and you leave: hit-and-run under Criminal Code Article 185-4, 6 months to 5 years in prison.
3. Leaving after causing death or serious injury: 1 to 7 years.

06Already rode away?

Go to a police station and explain yourself; it is better than being traced by CCTV.

• Legal Aid Foundation (412-8518) — Ask first if you are unsure what to say

07Things to watch

1. "Someone hurt" is not limited to serious injury; minor injuries count. Check that no one is hurt before you go.
2. You may skip the police only when no one is hurt and you settle on the spot; with the owner absent there is no settlement, so call the police.
3. Even if the accident was not your fault, leaving when someone is injured can still be the hit-and-run crime.
4. No witness does not mean no one knows: CCTV and dashcams are everywhere.