Section 14: Correct behaviour at the scene of an incident
This section covers what you must do if you have been involved in an incident, whether with another vehicle, another user of the road or with an object along the road. It also outlines what to do if you come across an incident.
What drivers must do at an incident or in an emergency
If you are involved in an incident, you must stop your vehicle and remain at the scene for a reasonable time. If anyone is injured or appears to need assistance, the driver of the vehicle must offer assistance. If vehicles are blocking the roadway or posing a danger to other road users, the roadway should be marked and the vehicle should then be removed as soon as possible.
If you are asked by a Garda, you must give your name and address, the
address where the vehicle is kept, the name and address of the vehicle owner, the vehicle’s registration number and evidence of insurance, such as the name of your insurance company or a disc or motor insurance certificate. If there is no Garda at the scene, you must give this information to any person involved in the crash or, if requested, to an independent witness.
If you or another person is injured and there is no Garda at the scene, the accident must be reported to the nearest Garda station.
If you fail to comply with the above requirements, with the intent of escaping civil or criminal liability, in situations where:
- you know someone has been injured and needs medical attention, or
- you know someone has been killed, or are reckless as to that fact,
you may be convicted and receive a fine of up to €20,000 or a prison term of up to 10 years.