Request Traffic Crash Reports & Records - Boston
Boston, Massachusetts residents and authorized requesters can obtain traffic crash reports and related records from city and state agencies. This guide explains who maintains crash files, how to request copies, what information requesters must provide, typical timelines, and the official contacts for records, enforcement and appeals. It is written for drivers, legal representatives, insurers and researchers who need certified copies, incident details, or aggregate crash datasets from Boston agencies and Massachusetts state custodians.
Where crash reports are maintained
Local crash reports for incidents in the City of Boston are created and retained by the Boston Police Department and its Records/Crash units. Aggregate crash datasets and open data are also published by the City of Boston Open Data portal. Statewide crash report procedures and copies are described by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which may maintain reports for state-police-handled collisions. For official source details see the Boston Police page and the Massachusetts crash-report guidance and the City data portal. Boston Police[1] Massachusetts crash report guidance[2] Boston Open Data - motor vehicle crashes[3]
How to request a crash report
- Identify the report: date, location, parties involved, and police incident number if known.
- Contact the Boston Police Records/Crash Unit to request a copy or instructions for certified copies.
- Submit required identification and any authorization if you are requesting on behalf of another person or entity (power of attorney, insurer letter, or court order as applicable).
- Pay any applicable reproduction or certification fees (see vendor or records page for amounts).
- Allow standard processing time; expedited service may not be available.
Penalties & Enforcement
Requesting crash reports is an access-to-records matter; enforcement of reporting requirements and penalties for failure to file timely crash reports or for misuse of records are governed by city and state law. Where specific fines, continuing penalties, or statutory time limits are listed on the official pages, those figures are noted below; otherwise the entry states "not specified on the cited page." The primary enforcers are the Boston Police Department for local crash records and the Commonwealth agencies for state-reporting obligations. Boston Police[1]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to produce records, subpoenas, or court action may be used by enforcement authorities; specific remedies vary and are not fully itemized on the cited pages.
- Enforcer and complaints: Boston Police Records/Crash Unit handles local records; Commonwealth pages describe state-level crash report custody and requests.Massachusetts crash report guidance[2]
- Appeal/review: procedures for appeal or review of record denials are not specified on the cited pages; requesters should follow the administrative-review or public-records appeal steps identified by the agency that denied access.
- Defences/discretion: exemptions for privacy, ongoing investigation, or court orders may limit disclosure; these grounds are described in general terms on official pages or statute and specific applicability must be confirmed with the custodian.
Applications & Forms
The Boston Police Records Unit typically requires a written request or online submission for crash reports; where a specific request form or application is published on the city or state page it is referenced above. Fee amounts, form numbers, and exact submission methods are not fully specified on the cited pages and may vary by incident and certification needs.Boston Open Data[3]
Action steps
- Gather incident details and identification documents before contacting Records.
- Call or email the Boston Police Records/Crash Unit to confirm the required form and fee.
- Submit the request in writing or via the official portal as directed; attach authorization if requesting for another person.
- Pay reproduction or certification fees and track the request number for follow-up.
FAQ
- Who can request a traffic crash report in Boston?
- Any involved party, their authorized representative or an insurer may request a copy; third-party requests may be subject to redaction or denial under privacy rules.
- How long does it take to receive a crash report?
- Processing times vary; official pages do not list a standard turnaround and recommend contacting the records unit for current estimates.
- Is there a fee for certified copies?
- Fees may apply for photocopies and certification; exact amounts are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the records office.
How-To
- Identify the crash: collect date, location and any incident number.
- Contact Boston Police Records/Crash Unit by phone or the city service portal to request the report.
- Complete any required forms and submit identification or authorization documents.
- Pay applicable fees and request certification if needed for legal use.
Key Takeaways
- Boston Police are the primary local custodians of crash reports; the Commonwealth may hold state-processed reports.
- Prepare incident details, ID, and authorization to speed requests.
Help and Support / Resources
- Boston Police Department - official site
- City of Boston Open Data - motor vehicle crashes
- Massachusetts - how to get a copy of a crash report