Recording and reporting of accidents

Federal regulations

Rhode Island has adopted Sec. 390.15 of the Federal Regulations, which includes accident recordkeeping requirements.

Applicability

Section 390.15 applies to any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in intrastate and interstate commerce when the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more, or is of any size transporting a placardable amount of hazardous materials.

Notification

Drivers of vehicles involved in accidents resulting in injury or death or property damage apparently totaling more than $500 must file a written report of such accidents within 21 days with the Division of Motor Vehicles, Office of Safety Responsibility on forms provided. If the driver is unable to file the necessary report, and is not the owner of the vehicle, the owner must file the report within 21 days of learning of the accident.

How to obtain accident reports

Procedure

A copy of an official accident report (investigated by the state police) may be obtained by sending a written request with the required fee to the State Police Headquarters. Request must include name of the driver involved, date of the accident, and accident report number. A request may also be submitted online: https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/.

Fee

A fee of $15.00 is charged for each accident report (check or money order payable to the State of Rhode Island). A self-addressed, stamped envelope should accompany the request.

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