The bill amends existing laws regarding the responsibilities and penalties for drivers involved in accidents resulting in personal injury, serious bodily injury, or death. It establishes a new section, 31-26-1, which mandates that drivers must stop at the scene of an accident and remain there until they fulfill legal requirements. The penalties for failing to stop have been significantly increased, with mandatory imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than fifteen years for a first violation, and for a second or subsequent violation, imprisonment for not less than two years and not more than thirty years. License revocation periods have been extended to at least two years and not more than ten years, depending on the severity of the injury caused.

Additionally, the bill introduces new sections under Chapter 31-27, which address driving offenses resulting in serious bodily injury or death. The penalties for these offenses have also been increased, with maximum imprisonment terms extended to thirty years for driving so as to endanger resulting in death, and up to fifteen years for serious bodily injury. The bill emphasizes that the license privilege may be permanently revoked, and if less than a permanent revocation is imposed, the license privilege shall not be reinstated until evidence satisfactory to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles establishes that no grounds exist which would authorize the refusal to issue a license, and until the person gives proof of financial responsibility. Overall, the legislation aims to impose stricter penalties for reckless driving behaviors that lead to severe consequences, thereby enhancing road safety.

Statutes affected:
947: 31-26-1