Rhode Island · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in Rhode Island: police, state report and crash report copies

When to call the police or file your own report, and how to get the crash report.

Short answer

If anyone is hurt or killed, or you hit a car that someone is driving or sitting in, you must stop, give your name, address and registration number, show your license, help anyone hurt, and immediately tell the local or state police by the quickest means (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-26-1 to 31-26-3). If anyone is hurt or killed, or any one person's property damage (including your own) is over $1,000, send a written report to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 21 days, on DMV forms.

Damage that requires a report
$1,000
Your own report is due within
21 days
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-26-1 to 31-26-6

When to call the police in Rhode Island

Always stop and help anyone who is hurt. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in every state.

When to call the police
If anyone is hurt or killed, or you hit a car that someone is driving or sitting in, you must stop, give your name, address and registration number, show your license, help anyone hurt, and immediately tell the local or state police by the quickest means (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-26-1 to 31-26-3). If you hit a parked, unattended car, find the owner or leave a written note, and immediately notify the police (§ 31-26-4). The same applies if you damage fixtures by the road (§ 31-26-5).
Damage amount
$1,000
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-26-1 to 31-26-6
Official text
Read the official text

Your own report to the state in Rhode Island

Your own report
If anyone is hurt or killed, or any one person's property damage (including your own) is over $1,000, send a written report to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 21 days, on DMV forms.
Deadline for your report
21 days

How to get a copy of the crash report in Rhode Island

  • Ask the police department that responded to the crash (your city or town police, or the Rhode Island State Police) for a copy.

Our data shows no confirmed online way to order crash reports in Rhode Island, so you can ask the agency by mail with our free request letter.

Step by step after a crash in Rhode Island

  1. Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
  2. Call the police when Rhode Island law requires it. If anyone is hurt or killed, or you hit a car that someone is driving or sitting in, you must stop, give your name, address and registration number, show your license, help anyone hurt, and immediately tell the local or state police by the quickest means (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-26-1 to 31-26-3).
  3. File your own report if the rule applies to you. If anyone is hurt or killed, or any one person's property damage (including your own) is over $1,000, send a written report to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 21 days, on DMV forms.
  4. Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
  5. Get a copy of the crash report. Ask the police department that responded to the crash (your city or town police, or the Rhode Island State Police) for a copy.
  6. Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in Rhode Island

Questions about reporting a crash in Rhode Island

When do you have to call the police after a car accident in Rhode Island?

If anyone is hurt or killed, or you hit a car that someone is driving or sitting in, you must stop, give your name, address and registration number, show your license, help anyone hurt, and immediately tell the local or state police by the quickest means (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-26-1 to 31-26-3). If you hit a parked, unattended car, find the owner or leave a written note, and immediately notify the police (§ 31-26-4). The same applies if you damage fixtures by the road (§ 31-26-5).

How much damage has to be reported in Rhode Island?

If anyone is hurt or killed, or any one person's property damage (including your own) is over $1,000, send a written report to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 21 days, on DMV forms.

Do I have to file my own accident report in Rhode Island?

If anyone is hurt or killed, or any one person's property damage (including your own) is over $1,000, send a written report to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 21 days, on DMV forms.

How do I get a copy of a crash report in Rhode Island?

Ask the police department that responded to the crash (your city or town police, or the Rhode Island State Police) for a copy.

What is the deadline for an accident report in Rhode Island?

If anyone is hurt or killed, or any one person's property damage (including your own) is over $1,000, send a written report to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 21 days, on DMV forms.

More for Rhode Island drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.