Florida Class E Knowledge ExamFlorida Road RulesMedium
A driver is cited for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage where the damage is estimated to be $500. Which of the following is a potential consequence for the driver in Florida?
- AA second-degree felony.
- BOnly a warning, provided it's their first offense.
- CA first-degree misdemeanor.
- DA civil penalty, but no criminal charges.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A first-degree misdemeanor.
In Florida, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor if the damage is less than $50. If the damage is $50 or more, it becomes a first-degree misdemeanor. Since the damage is $500, it falls into the first-degree misdemeanor category.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A second-degree felony applies to leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury or death.
- B. This is a serious offense that carries criminal penalties, not just a warning.
- D. Leaving the scene of a crash with damage of $50 or more is a criminal offense, not just civil.
Leaving Scene of Property Damage Crash (Florida)
The act of a driver failing to remain at the scene of a crash involving only property damage.
- Damage less than $50: Second-degree misdemeanor.
- Damage $50 or more: First-degree misdemeanor.
- Must exchange information or leave written notice.
Memory trick: Damage amounts determine the criminal degree.