Request Transportation Records - Philadelphia Public Records
This guide explains how to request transportation records and crash data in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the city public records process. It covers where to send requests, what agencies hold crash reports and traffic records, typical timelines, and how to appeal denials. Use this page to identify the proper office, required forms, fees, and the practical steps to obtain collision reports, traffic studies, traffic stop data, and other transportation-related public records.
What records are covered
Transportation records may include police crash reports, traffic citations, traffic camera images where releasable, traffic engineering studies, traffic counts, and permit records for construction or roadwork. Records from the Philadelphia Police Department and the City Streets or Transportation departments are often requested separately depending on custody.
How to file a request
Submit a public records request to the City of Philadelphia Open Records/Records Office using the city process. The city provides instructions and an online request form for public records requests.[1]
- Identify the record type and date range.
- Provide a clear description (location, report number if known).
- Choose electronic delivery to speed processing.
- Be prepared for copy or redaction fees.
Primary agencies and data sources
Common custodians for transportation and crash records in Philadelphia are the Philadelphia Police Department Records Unit and city agencies that manage traffic engineering and permits. For collision reports and police records, request records from the Police Department Records Unit; the city publishes instructions for obtaining police reports online.[2]
For statewide crash datasets and aggregated crash statistics, PennDOT maintains official crash data resources and may publish crash datasets for research and aggregate analysis. Use PennDOT for larger datasets or aggregation across jurisdictions.[3]
Penalties & Enforcement
The process for enforcement of public-records rules and penalties for noncompliance is administered through the City Records Office and, for appeals of denials, through the Office of Open Records processes indicated on the city website or, where applicable, the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. Specific fine amounts or statutory daily penalties are not specified on the city pages cited for municipal request procedures; see the listed official pages for appeal steps and timelines.[1]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Appeals: administrative review routes and appeals are described on the city records pages; specific appeal time limits are provided there or are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary remedies: production orders, court enforcement, or administrative directions may be used by the records office or courts.
- Enforcer: City Records/Records Office and the designated appeals authority listed on the official pages.
Applications & Forms
The City of Philadelphia publishes an online public records request form and instructions; individual agencies such as the Police Department may have separate request forms for police or crash reports. If a police accident report is sought, use the Police Department request process; where a dedicated crash database request is needed for research, PennDOT provides data access tools. If a specific form number or fee is required and not shown on the city pages, it is not specified on the cited page.[2]
- City public records request form: available via the City Records Office online portal.[1]
- Police accident report request: follow the Police Department instructions and submission steps on the police records page.[2]
- PennDOT crash data requests: use PennDOT publication or data request tools for aggregated datasets.[3]
Action steps
- Step 1: Identify the agency that holds the record (Police for crash reports; City Streets/Transportation for engineering studies).
- Step 2: Complete the City public records request form or the Police report request form as appropriate.
- Step 3: Pay any posted fees or request electronic delivery to minimize copying costs.
- Step 4: If denied, follow the appeal instructions on the denying office's page promptly.
FAQ
- How long does a records request take?
- Processing times vary by office and record type; the city webpage lists expected timelines or next steps for unresolved requests.
- Is there a fee for copies of crash reports?
- Fees may apply for copies or redaction; the city and police pages describe fee schedules or say fees are assessed as allowed by law.
- Can I get camera or video footage of a crash?
- Video or camera footage release is subject to privacy and evidentiary rules; the custodian will state whether footage is releasable and list any exemption or redaction.
How-To
- Step 1: Determine the exact records needed and the holding agency.
- Step 2: Complete and submit the City public records request form or the Police report request form with a clear description.
- Step 3: Pay any applicable fees and provide a preferred delivery method.
- Step 4: If denied, review the denial, note appeal deadlines, and file an appeal with the indicated office.
Key Takeaways
- Identify the custodian (Police vs. City transportation) before filing.
- Include dates, locations, and report numbers to speed processing.
- Track appeal deadlines and preserve denial notices for review.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Philadelphia - Public Records Request
- City of Philadelphia - Request a Police Report
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation - Crash Data