BY VEENA RAO
Johns Creek, GA, May 20, 2025: A seemingly minor bump in a shopping center parking lot can have major legal consequences under Georgia law, warns Johns Creek City Council member Dilip Tunki. Speaking to NRI Pulse, Tunki shared an incident that highlights how unaware many drivers are about their responsibilities after a parking lot accident—and how quickly a situation can escalate into a misdemeanor charge.
“So, a father and son were in the shopping center,” Tunki recounted. “Later that evening, the police showed up at their home. The father told me, ‘We got down from the car, saw nothing happened to the other car, so we left.’ But someone else in the parking lot saw the incident and reported it. The officer explained to the father and son that even if there’s no visible damage, you still have to leave your information on the other car or call 911.”
Georgia Law is Clear
According to Georgia Code § 40-6-271, if you strike an unattended vehicle, you are legally required to:
- Stop and attempt to locate the vehicle’s owner.
- If the owner is not present, leave a written note on the windshield with your name, address, and contact number.
- If the damage appears to be more than $500, you must report the incident to local law enforcement.
Failure to do so is considered a hit and run, a misdemeanor in Georgia. If charged, a person may face fines up to $1,000, up to 12 months in jail, points on their driving record, and higher insurance premiums.
“A hit and run is a major offense,” Tunki emphasized. “You could be picked up, booked into the county jail, and required to post bail—just for a small mistake. Even if the bail is only $500-$600, your life is disrupted for a few days, and you’ll have to appear before a judge.”
The good news? Avoiding these consequences is simple.
“Just write your name and phone number on a piece of paper, stick it on the windshield, and take a photo for your records,” Tunki advised. “If there’s visible damage, call 911 and wait. Often, the officer will just document the incident, and you can go on your way.”
Tunki said people often make the mistake of checking the other car, seeing no obvious damage, and driving off. “You’re not supposed to do that. Unless someone reports it, you may not get caught—but if they do, it becomes a hit and run.”
He also clarified that not all minor contact qualifies. “If you open your door and it hits another car, that’s different,” he said. “But if you’re backing out or pulling in and actually hit another vehicle—bumper to bumper—that’s where the law applies.”
Don’t Let a Minor Incident Derail Your Life
The takeaway? Don’t assume a small bump isn’t serious just because no damage is visible. Leave your contact information or call 911 to be safe.
“These are small things,” said Tunki, “but they help avoid chaos. A simple act of responsibility can save you from a complicated legal process.”
For more information on Georgia traffic laws, visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services or consult a legal professional.
