Get Traffic Crash Records in The Bronx - Public Records

Transportation New York 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 06, 2026 Flag of New York

In The Bronx, New York, individuals and organizations can request traffic crash records held by city agencies under public records procedures. This guide explains which offices handle crash reports, how to submit requests, typical timelines, and what to expect when seeking copies or data extracts for collisions that occurred in The Bronx, New York. It covers FOIL-style public-records requests, agency-specific request points, and practical steps for review, payment, and appeal.

What records are available

Typical crash records include police collision reports, crash scene diagrams, CAD logs, and related incident reports when held by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) or other city offices. Aggregate open datasets of motor-vehicle collisions are also published by the City of New York for analysis and planning.

For agency-held incident or collision reports, start with the NYC Department of Records and Information Services (FOIL guidance) NYC FOIL guidance[1] and the NYPD records request pages NYPD records request[2]. For aggregated crash datasets, see the city open-data collision collection NYC Motor Vehicle Collisions dataset[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Requesting, copying, and disclosure of crash records are governed by public-records rules and NYPD procedures. Penalties or sanctions for unlawful release or misuse of certain secured records are set by the controlling agency or statute; specific civil or criminal fines for improper disclosure are not specified on the cited pages and will depend on the controlling record type and applicable law NYPD records request[2].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the agency for any fee schedule or legal limits.
  • Escalation: consequences for repeated violations are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: records withholding, redaction, or court orders may apply depending on exemptions and law enforcement interests.
  • Enforcer: NYPD for police collision reports; NYC Department of Records for FOIL administration and appeals.
  • Inspection and complaint: file a records complaint or appeal through the Department of Records procedures or contact the NYPD Records Unit directly.
  • Appeal/review: FOIL denials can be appealed to the Department of Records or through any administrative review specified on the denial notice; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
Denials typically include instructions and a deadline for appeal.

Applications & Forms

Many records requests use the city FOIL instructions and may be submitted online, by mail, or in person per the Department of Records guidance NYC FOIL guidance[1]. The NYPD publishes its own process for requesting police reports and records; check the NYPD page for any required forms or submission addresses NYPD records request[2]. If an agency posts a specific request form or fee schedule, follow that form; if no form is published, a written FOIL request describing the records is typically accepted.

If you need certified copies, request certification explicitly in your written request.

How agencies handle crash records

NYPD generally controls police collision reports; the Department of Transportation and other agencies may hold related traffic-study materials or analytic datasets that are published on the city open-data portal NYC Motor Vehicle Collisions dataset[3]. Requests for records held by multiple agencies may require separate requests to each custodian.

Aggregate open-data files are separate from agency collision-report records.

How-To

  1. Identify the record type needed (police collision report, CAD record, or aggregate dataset).
  2. Prepare a written request citing FOIL and describing the incident by date, location, and parties involved.
  3. Submit the request to the agency custodian: NYPD for police reports, Department of Records for FOIL guidance, or use the open-data portal for datasets.
  4. Pay any copying or certification fees if assessed and track the agency response; ask for an estimated completion date in writing.
  5. If denied or partially denied, follow the appeal instructions on the denial notice and consider contacting the Department of Records for review.
Document all communications and keep copies of your request and any payment receipts.

FAQ

Who holds traffic collision reports for incidents in The Bronx?
The NYPD is the primary custodian of police collision reports; other city agencies may hold related data or studies.
How long does a records request take?
Response times vary by agency; statutory FOIL timelines and agency-specific processing apply, and specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
Are crash datasets publicly available?
Yes. Aggregate motor-vehicle collision datasets are published on the City of New York open-data portal for analysis and download.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with a clear written FOIL request describing date, time, and location.
  • Contact NYPD Records for police reports and the Department of Records for FOIL appeals.
  • Aggregate crash data is available on the city open-data portal for The Bronx and all NYC boroughs.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of New York - Department of Records and Information Services FOIL guidance
  2. [2] City of New York - NYPD requesting police records
  3. [3] City of New York - NYC Motor Vehicle Collisions dataset

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