Request Crash & Towing Records in New Orleans

Transportation Louisiana 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

In New Orleans, Louisiana, residents and authorized requesters can obtain police crash reports and city towing records through official municipal channels. This guide explains who can request records, how to submit requests, what information is routinely available, and practical steps for reporting errors or appealing denials. It focuses on city procedures and points to the municipal office responsible for records access and impound inquiries. Follow the action steps below to request copies, pay any fees, or start an appeal.

What records are available

The main records available to the public are police traffic crash reports and administrative towing/impound records maintained by city agencies or the police department. Crash reports typically include date, time, location, involved vehicles, and narrative sections when prepared by an officer. Towing records document who authorized towing, the tow company, impound location, and retrieval instructions.

Requesters should have the crash report number, date, and names to speed processing.

How to request records

Requests for police crash reports are handled by the New Orleans Police Department Records/Office of Records. Provide the crash report number or sufficient identifying details (date, location, names). Some records may require proof of identity or authorization if they contain restricted personal information.

  • Submit a written request or use the Records Division request form when available.
  • Pay any copy or processing fees as required by the records office.
  • Contact the Records Division for status, corrections, or questions.
Not all towing or impound records are published online; call the records or impound office for details.

Penalties & Enforcement

Municipal penalties tied to crash reports and towing arise from enforcement actions recorded in reports (e.g., parking violations leading to tow) and from improper handling of towing/impound operations under city regulations. Specific monetary fines for towing violations, administrative penalties, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page [1]. Enforcement authority is typically the New Orleans Police Department and the city office that oversees impounds; complaints may be filed with the Records Division or the city 311/permits office.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page [1].
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page [1].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, vehicle holds, or court action may be used where authorized.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: New Orleans Police Department Records/Records Division; use official contact methods to report disputes or request review [1].
  • Appeals/review: specific appeal timelines and procedures are not specified on the cited page [1]; ask the Records Division about administrative review or court appeal deadlines.
Keep copies of your request and any payment receipts until the record is delivered and verified.

Applications & Forms

The municipal Records Division may provide a records request form for police reports or link to an online request portal. Fee schedules and form names are not specified on the cited page [1]. If no form is published, submit a written request with the requester’s name, contact, description of the records, and any required identification.

Action steps

  • Locate the crash report number or incident date and parties involved.
  • Submit a records request to the NOPD Records Division in writing or via the official portal.
  • Pay any published fees and retain receipts.
  • Contact the Records Division to request corrections or to ask about appeal steps if your request is denied.

FAQ

Who can request a crash report?
Members of the public and authorized parties can request crash reports; access to full records may require authorization if sensitive personal data is involved.
How long does it take to get a crash report?
Timing varies by workload; requesters should contact the Records Division for current processing times.
How do I find out where my towed vehicle is located?
Contact the city impound office or use the city impound lookup if available; provide license plate and tow date.

How-To

  1. Identify the incident details: date, location, names, and report number if available.
  2. Prepare a written request including your contact information and proof of identity or authorization if required.
  3. Submit the request to the NOPD Records Division by the official method listed on the city website.
  4. Pay any required fee and keep the receipt; follow up by phone or email if processing is delayed.

Key Takeaways

  • Submit records requests to the New Orleans Police Department Records Division.
  • Many details on fines, fees, and appeals are not specified on the primary records page; confirm with the Records Division.
  • Keep documentation and receipts for any payments or submissions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] New Orleans Police Department - Records Division

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