Accident reporting

Scope

Accident reporting requirements apply to motor carriers and their commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 390.5 — Definitions
• 49 CFR 390.15 — Assistance in investigations and special studies

Key definitions

• Commercial motor vehicle: A self-propelled or towed vehicle used on a highway to transport property or passengers when the vehicle:
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW), of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), and not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
  • Is transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires placarding.

Summary of requirements

Accident reporting requirements for commercial motor vehicles exist only at the state and local level. The need to report an accident to the state or local authorities is often based on:

• The value of the property that was damaged,
• Whether there was a fatality or injury, and/or
• Whether an enforcement officer responded to the scene.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations do not require accident reporting. However, accident recording — on an accident register — is required under 390.15(b), based on the definition of “accident” found in 390.5.