A traffic collision report usually records the people and vehicles involved, the date, time and location, a narrative of what the officer observed, a scene diagram, and any citations issued. The exact format varies by agency, but these elements are common.
Common sections
- Parties involved — drivers, passengers, pedestrians and their contact and insurance details.
- Vehicles — make, model, license plate and registration information.
- Date, time and location — where and when the collision occurred.
- Officer’s narrative — the responding officer’s account of what happened.
- Scene diagram — a sketch showing vehicle positions and direction of travel.
- Citations — any tickets issued in connection with the collision.
- Report / DR number — the identifier used to look the report up.
What a report does and does not do
A report records what was reported and observed. It is a factual record, not a final legal determination of fault or liability. Insurers and other parties may draw their own conclusions from it.
Privacy
Because reports contain personal information, agencies release them only to the people involved and their representatives, as provided in California Vehicle Code § 20012.
Terms explained
- Narrative
- The responding officer’s written account of the collision.
- Party of interest
- A person the agency is permitted to release a report to, such as someone involved or their representative.