Roadwise States California Driving lessons Reporting a collision California driving lesson · Insurance, Collisions & Registration
Reporting a collision A 2-minute lesson from the California course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 2 minutes
Course unit Insurance, Collisions & Registration
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 83, 84 Two separate reports can be required after a collision: one to law enforcement and one to DMV. Each has its own deadline, and fault doesn't matter.
24 hours Report to law enforcement if anyone is injured or killed
Handbook p. 83 ↗ Know the rule
Your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative can also file the law enforcement report.
Handbook p. 83 ↗ You must report to DMV within 10 days if: The collision caused more than $1,000 in property damage Anyone was injured (even minor injuries) or killed Handbook p. 84 ↗ SR 1 Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California, filed with DMV by each driver in a reportable collision.
Handbook p. 84 ↗ Know the rule
You (or your representative) must file the SR 1 whether or not you caused the collision, even if it happened on private property.
Handbook p. 84 ↗ Know the rule
Your driving privilege will be suspended if you fail to file. Law enforcement will not make the DMV report for you.
Handbook p. 84 ↗ Know the rule
A reportable collision is added to your driver's record, no matter who caused it.
Handbook p. 84 ↗ Put it into practice
In a parking lot, you and another driver collide causing about $2,500 in damage; no one is hurt. Even on private property, each of you must file an SR 1 with DMV within 10 days.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Within how many days must you report a collision to DMV if damage exceeds $1,000 or there's an injury? 10 days 24 hours 30 days 5 days Answer: 10 days
You must report a qualifying collision to DMV within 10 days.
Handbook p. 84 ↗ Within how many hours must you report a collision to law enforcement if someone was injured or killed? 10 days 24 hours 48 hours 72 hours Answer: 24 hours
You must make a report to law enforcement within 24 hours if anyone was injured or killed.
Handbook p. 83 ↗ What form is used to report a traffic collision to DMV? Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability Request for Driver Reexamination (DS 699) SR 1: Report of Traffic Accident Driver License or Identification Card Application Answer: SR 1: Report of Traffic Accident
Each driver must file an SR 1 report with DMV for a qualifying collision.
Handbook p. 84 ↗ Must you file a collision report even if you did not cause the collision? No, only the at-fault driver reports it No, only if police were called to the scene No, unless a lawsuit is filed Yes, regardless of fault Answer: Yes, regardless of fault
You (or your representative) must file a report whether or not you caused the collision.
Handbook p. 84 ↗ Does the DMV reporting requirement apply to a collision on private property? Yes, it still applies No, private property is exempt Only if the property is commercial Only if police responded Answer: Yes, it still applies
The DMV reporting requirement applies even to a collision that happened on private property.
Handbook p. 84 ↗ What happens to your driving privilege if you fail to file a required collision report? Nothing, reporting is optional It will be suspended You only receive a warning letter Only your insurance rates increase Answer: It will be suspended
Failing to file a required collision report can result in suspension of your driving privilege.
Handbook p. 84 ↗ Previous lesson Collision causes & what to do at the scene Next lesson Vehicle registration More in Insurance, Collisions & Registration About the source Roadwise’s California course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 83, 84. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check California’s DMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.