Vehicles: crash data

The law shifts crash-reporting systems toward statewide electronic submission, helping the Department of the California Highway Patrol collect more consistent crash data. It also removes fees for electronic copies requested by eligible people.

What the law does ​

• Requires the Department of the California Highway Patrol, by January 1, 2030, to set minimum crash-documentation requirements and provide a system and standards for electronic submission of crash investigation reports.
• Requires law enforcement agencies to document crashes under those requirements and electronically submit completed investigation reports on the department's timetable.
• Requires coroners and medical examiners to electronically report motor-vehicle-crash deaths and the crash circumstances by the 10th day of each month.
• Requires eligible requesters to receive electronic copies of crash investigation reports at no cost, while allowing charges for printed copies up to the actual cost.
• Defines “crash” to include an accident or collision.

Who it affects ​

• Local police departments, sheriffs, and other law enforcement agencies that investigate traffic crashes.
• Coroners and medical examiners reporting traffic-crash deaths.
• Drivers, injured people, vehicle owners, insurers or other potentially liable parties, and their authorized representatives seeking crash reports.
• The Department of the California Highway Patrol, which must operate the statewide reporting framework.