Can I just drive off after a parking bump?
No. Even after a small parking bump you may not just drive off — that's unauthorised leaving the scene (§ 142 StGB), a crime punishable by a fine or up to three years in prison and often loss of your licence. A note on the windscreen is not enough. You must wait a reasonable time; if no one comes, call the police and enable your details to be recorded. Only for minor property damage outside flowing traffic can you achieve impunity through active repentance (reporting within 24 hours). A debated reform/downgrade is not in force in 2026.
📋 The rules
- Leaving the scene without identification = crime (§ 142 StGB)
- Penalty: fine or up to 3 years in prison
- Often loss of licence and a ban period, points on record
- A note on the windscreen isn't enough — wait or call the police
- "Significant damage" starts, per case law, at about €1,500–2,000
🔓 Exceptions
- Active repentance (§ 142(4)): for minor property damage outside flowing traffic, voluntary report within 24 hours — the court may then waive punishment
- A reasonable waiting time observed and nobody came, then the police informed
- Pure own damage with no third party involved isn't a hit and run
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A fine or up to three years in prison. For significant property damage (from about €1,500–2,000) the act is a 'standard case' for withdrawal of the licence with a ban period; plus points. The car insurer can also seek recourse (comprehensive cover up to €5,000). With personal injury it's punished far more harshly.
📎 Official sources
- § 142 StGB · Unauthorised leaving the scene of an accident →
- ADAC · Hit and run: penalties →
- Bußgeldkatalog · Hit and run →
❓ Frequently asked
Is a note on the windscreen enough?
No. A note isn't legally sufficient. You must wait a reasonable time at the scene; if no one comes, inform the police and let your details be recorded. Otherwise you commit a hit and run.
How long must I wait?
A 'reasonable' time — depending on the damage, location and time of day, usually around 30 to 60 minutes. After that you should inform the police. Driving off at once risks a penalty under § 142 StGB.
What's the penalty for a hit and run?
A fine or up to three years in prison, points, and for significant damage (from about €1,500–2,000) usually withdrawal of the licence with a ban period. The insurer can also seek recourse.
Can I stay unpunished if I report later?
For minor property damage outside flowing traffic, yes: if you report voluntarily within 24 hours (active repentance, § 142(4)), the court may waive punishment. For bigger damage or in flowing traffic, that doesn't apply.
Will minor-damage hit and run soon be decriminalised?
There have been reform debates for years to downgrade minor property damage to an administrative offence. It's not in force in 2026 — hit and run remains a crime under § 142 StGB.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “hit and run parking bump penalty”
- “leaving scene accident 142”
- “note on windscreen not enough”
- “hit and run licence loss”
- “significant damage 1500 euro”
- “hit and run active repentance 24h”