Recording and reporting of accidents - Pennsylvania

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

The PennDOT adoption of Sec. 390.15 applies to a vehicle or combination of vehicles used on a highway in intrastate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 17,001 pounds or more (whichever is greater), or transporting hazardous materials which are required to be placarded.

The PUC adoption of Sec. 390.15 applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or registered gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, or a vehicle that is being used to transport hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires the vehicle to be marked or placarded.

Any driver involved in an accident involving death, injury, or damage to any one vehicle to an extent that towing is required, must immediately notify the police, who investigate the accident. In the event the accident is not investigated by the police, the driver is required to file a report within 5 days to PennDOT.

Motor carriers subject to PUC regulation must notify, by telephone, the Bureau of Transportation and Safety of any accident resulting in a fatality within 24 hours of the accident.

Also, carriers subject to PUC regulation must maintain copies of police reports for one year from the date of an accident.

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