Detroit Traffic Crash Reports & Records Request Online

Transportation Michigan 4 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Michigan

In Detroit, Michigan, obtaining a traffic crash report or filing a records request is handled through official city channels and, in some cases, state systems. This guide explains how to request motor-vehicle crash reports, which office enforces access, and the practical steps to file or appeal a records request for incidents that occurred in Detroit.

Who handles crash reports in Detroit

The Detroit Police Department Records Unit is the primary office for Detroit crash reports; statewide crash data may also be available through the Michigan State Police crash-report services. To request a Detroit police crash report, contact the Records Unit or submit a records request through the City Clerk if the report is not available directly from the police records page. See the official Detroit Police Records Unit and City Clerk FOIA pages for submission details and requirements Detroit Police Records Unit[1] and City Clerk FOIA[2].

Start with the Detroit Police Records Unit page to check if the crash report is available without a formal FOIA request.

How to request a crash report online

  • Identify the incident date, report number (if known), and names of involved parties.
  • Use the Detroit Police Records Unit request methods or the City Clerk FOIA process when records are not directly posted online.
  • Be prepared to pay any published copy or processing fees; check the cited pages for current fee information.
  • Contact the Records Unit for help locating a report or confirming whether a report exists.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement related to crash reporting and records access in Detroit is carried out by the Detroit Police Department and processed through the City Clerk for formal FOIA requests. Specific monetary fines or administrative penalties for requesting or releasing a crash report are not specified on the cited Detroit pages; criminal or traffic penalties for failing to stop or report an accident are governed by Michigan law and enforced by the police.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited Detroit pages; refer to state law or the Detroit Police Department for traffic penalties.
  • Escalation: not specified on the cited Detroit pages for administrative escalation of records requests.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement actions (e.g., citations, court proceedings) for traffic violations are handled by Detroit Police and municipal courts.
  • Enforcer and contact: Detroit Police Department Records Unit and City Clerk for FOIA intake; see the official links for contact details Michigan State Police - crash reports[3].
If you need a crash report for insurance or court use, request it promptly and note submission requirements for certified copies.

Applications & Forms

The Detroit Police Records Unit page and the City Clerk FOIA page are the official sources for instructions and any required request forms. Specific form names, numbers, deadlines, and published fees are not specified on the cited Detroit pages; check the linked pages for the latest forms and submission methods.

Action steps

  • Gather incident details: date, time, location, parties, and any report number.
  • Visit the Detroit Police Records Unit page to submit a request or find instructions.[1]
  • If the record is not obtainable directly, file a FOIA request through the City Clerk.[2]
  • Pay any required fees as listed on the official pages; if fees are not listed, contact the Records Unit for cost information.

FAQ

How do I get a copy of a Detroit traffic crash report?
Request the report from the Detroit Police Department Records Unit or file a FOIA request with the City Clerk if the report is not available online; check the official pages for submission instructions.[1][2]
Are there fees to obtain a crash report?
The official Detroit pages describe submission methods but do not specify exact fees; consult the Records Unit or City Clerk pages for current fee details.[1][2]
Can I get a certified copy for court or insurance?
Certified copies or certified records procedures are handled by the Records Unit; the cited pages provide contact and request instructions but specific certification fees are not specified on those pages.[1]

How-To

  1. Find basic incident information (date, location, parties) and any police report number.
  2. Search the Detroit Police Records Unit page for online request options and forms.[1]
  3. If unavailable, prepare and submit a FOIA request via the City Clerk FOIA page with your contact details and description of the record you seek.[2]
  4. Follow up with the Records Unit for processing status and fee payment instructions; request certification if needed for legal use.

Key Takeaways

  • Detroit Police Records Unit is the primary contact for Detroit crash reports.
  • If records aren’t available, file a FOIA request with the City Clerk.
  • Fees, deadlines, and certification details should be confirmed on the official pages or by contacting the Records Unit.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Detroit Police Department - Records Unit
  2. [2] City of Detroit City Clerk - FOIA
  3. [3] State of Michigan - Michigan State Police

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