Legal Hub
How to Report a Road Traffic Accident in the UK
Introduction
If you are involved in a road traffic accident in the UK, there are clear legal obligations that drivers must follow. Failing to stop at the scene of a collision or failing to report an accident when required can lead to criminal charges under the Road Traffic Act.
Understanding how and when to report a road traffic accident is essential. Even relatively minor collisions may require drivers to exchange details or notify the police.
This guide explains the legal requirements for reporting a road traffic accident in the UK, what information must be exchanged, and the potential consequences if these obligations are not followed.
When Must You Report a Road Traffic Accident in the UK?
Drivers involved in a road traffic accident have legal responsibilities under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
This legislation requires drivers to stop and provide certain details when an accident results in:
- Injury to another person
- Damage to another vehicle
- Damage to property such as buildings, fences, or street furniture
- Injury to certain animals including dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, or donkeys
If one of these circumstances occurs, drivers must stop and provide their details to anyone with reasonable grounds to request them.
These obligations exist to ensure that injured parties, property owners, and insurers can identify the drivers involved in the collision.
What Information Must Drivers Exchange After an Accident?
If you are involved in a road traffic accident, you should exchange the following details:
- Your name and address
- The name and address of the vehicle owner (if different)
- The vehicle registration number
- Insurance information if requested
Providing accurate information is important. Refusing to provide these details may itself amount to an offence.
Drivers should also consider recording additional information, such as photographs of the scene, the time and location of the accident, and contact details of witnesses where possible.
How to Report an Accident to the Police
If it is not possible to exchange the required details at the scene of the accident, the incident must generally be reported to the police.
In most cases, the accident must be reported within 24 hours.
Drivers can report an accident by:
- Attending a local police station
- Contacting the police through appropriate reporting channels
When reporting an accident, the police may ask for details such as:
- The location and time of the collision
- Vehicles involved
- Injuries or damage
- Witness information
Police may decide to investigate the incident further, particularly if there are allegations of careless driving, dangerous driving, or other motoring offences.
When Do You Need to Inform Your Insurance Company?
In addition to legal reporting requirements, most motor insurance policies require drivers to notify their insurer following an accident.
Even if the collision appears minor or no claim is immediately made, failing to inform your insurer could potentially affect your policy.
Insurers will typically request details such as:
- Circumstances of the accident
- Other parties involved
- Damage to vehicles
- Police reference numbers if available
It is important to review your policy terms to understand your reporting obligations.
What Happens If You Fail to Report a Road Traffic Accident?
Failing to comply with accident reporting requirements can lead to criminal offences.
Two common offences arising after collisions are failing to stop and failing to report an accident.
These offences are frequently investigated together.
Failing to Stop
Drivers must stop after an accident where injury or damage has occurred.
Leaving the scene without stopping may result in prosecution.
Courts treat failing to stop seriously because it can prevent injured people from receiving assistance and obstruct proper investigation of the incident.
Failing to Report an Accident
If drivers cannot exchange details at the scene, the accident must generally be reported to police within 24 hours.
Failing to do so may result in prosecution.
Penalties can include:
- Penalty points on a driving licence
- Fines
- Disqualification from driving
- In some cases, imprisonment
The exact penalty will depend on the circumstances of the case and the seriousness of the incident.
Sentencing guidance for motoring offences is available through the Sentencing Council.
Facing Legal Issue?
Regain peace of mind and balance in your life by contacting us now for a consultation with our Motoring Offences specialist.
Strictly Confidential and No Obligation
How a Criminal Defence Solicitor Can Help
Road traffic accident cases can sometimes lead to criminal allegations, particularly where there are disputes about what happened at the scene.
Legal advice may be important where a driver is accused of offences such as:
- Failing to stop after an accident
- Failing to report a collision
- Careless or dangerous driving
- Driving without insurance
A criminal defence solicitor can examine the evidence, advise on the applicable law, and represent clients if the matter proceeds to court.
Early legal advice may assist in protecting your position and ensuring that your rights are properly safeguarded
Contact Our Motoring Defence Solicitors
If you are under investigation or facing allegations following a road traffic accident, obtaining legal advice as early as possible is important.
Our criminal defence solicitors regularly represent drivers accused of motoring offences and can provide clear advice about your legal position and the options available to you.
To speak with a solicitor about your case, contact our team for confidential legal advice.
5 Key Takeaways
- Drivers involved in a road traffic accident must stop and exchange details with other parties.
- If details cannot be exchanged at the scene, the accident must usually be reported to the police within 24 hours.
- Accidents involving injury, damage to vehicles, or property may trigger reporting obligations.
- Failing to stop or report an accident can result in criminal charges and penalty points.
- Legal advice may be essential if you are investigated or charged following a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every accident must be reported to police. However, if injury or damage occurs and details cannot be exchanged at the scene, the accident should usually be reported within 24 hours.
If details cannot be exchanged at the scene, the accident should normally be reported to police within 24 hours.
Minor accidents may not need to be reported to police if drivers stop and exchange the required information. However, insurance policies may still require notification.
Leaving the scene without stopping can result in prosecution for failing to stop, which may lead to penalty points, fines, or disqualification.
Drivers should exchange names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers, and owner details where relevant.
Drivers should stop safely, check for injuries, exchange details, and consider recording evidence such as photographs and witness information.
Call us on 0333 009 6275. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can also email us on enquiries@ashmanssolicitors.com or complete our Online Enquiry Form and we’ll be in touch soon.
Start your defence journey.
How can we help?
Please complete the form below with as much detail as possible.
Related insights and updates
Drunk in Charge vs Drink Driving UK: What’s the Legal Difference?
Failing to Provide a Specimen for Analysis – Legal Advice
Drink Driving and Drug Driving Penalties in the UK
Caught Drink Driving in the UK: What Happens Next?
Using a Mobile Phone While Driving in the UK: Law, Penalties and Legal Defence
Mobile Phone Driving Law in the UK: Rules, Penalties and Legal Defences
Totting Up Ban Explained: What Happens If You Reach 12 Penalty Points?
Taking Penalty Points for Someone Else: Is It Perverting the Course of Justice?
What Happens If Your Licence Is Revoked as a New Driver in the UK?
Motoring Offence Convictions in the UK: What You Need to Know
Common Motoring Law Myths in the UK Explained
Mobile Phone Driving Laws in the UK: Rules, Penalties and Legal Defences
Hip Flask Defence in Drink Driving Cases
Failure to Stop After an Accident in the UK: Law, Penalties and Legal Defence
Fail to Produce Driving Documents: Offence, Penalties and Legal Defence
Drug Driving UK: Legal Limits, Penalties and Defences
Driving Without Insurance UK Penalties: Fines, Points and Court Consequences
Driving Whilst Disqualified in the UK: Penalties, Court Process and Legal Defences
Causing Death by Dangerous Driving in the UK: Law, Sentencing and Legal Defence