Access Vehicle Crash & Traffic Records in Memphis

Transportation Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee residents and vehicle owners frequently need official crash and traffic records for insurance, repairs, legal matters, or personal review. This guide explains what records local agencies create, how to request a copy, typical processing times, who enforces related rules, and where to appeal or complain. Information below is based on current municipal and state practice and is current as of February 2026.

What records are available

Police and traffic agencies commonly create records after a collision or traffic enforcement action.

  • Police crash reports (collision reports) describing parties, vehicles, location, and contributing factors.
  • Crash diagram sketches and narrative statements when prepared by officers.
  • Citations or tickets issued at the scene and any attached forms.
  • Investigative supplements, photos, or digital evidence retained by the agency (availability varies).
Not every collision generates a full police report; minor incidents may yield only a state crash form or exchange of information.

How to request crash and traffic records

Requests are usually handled by the police records division or local traffic unit. Typical methods include in-person requests at the records office, mail requests with identifying information, or submitting an online request if offered. Provide the vehicle owner name, date, location, and report number if known. Requests for third-party reports may require the requester to show a valid reason or written authorization from the vehicle owner.

  • Prepare: owner name, vehicle VIN/license plate, date and approximate time of crash.
  • Contact the agency Records Division by phone or email to confirm submission options.
  • Expect a small reproduction fee for paper copies or a processing fee for formal requests; exact amounts vary by agency.
  • Allow typical processing times of several days to a few weeks depending on workload and whether the record is under active investigation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of traffic laws and when crash reports are created is handled by the Memphis Police Department Traffic Unit and by state patrol for state highways. Specific monetary fines and escalation schedules for traffic violations are set by municipal ordinance and state law; exact fine amounts and escalation rules are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: court orders, license points or suspensions, vehicle seizure, or mandated hearings may apply depending on the violation; specific measures depend on statute or ordinance.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Memphis Police Department Traffic Unit or Records Division handles enforcement and records; contact information appears in Help and Support below.
  • Appeals/review: traffic citations are contested in the appropriate municipal or general sessions court; time limits for contesting a citation are governed by court rules and local ordinance and are not specified on the cited page.[1]
If a report is part of an active criminal investigation, access may be delayed or limited by law enforcement.

Applications & Forms

Many agencies do not require a special statewide form beyond a written records request; some provide online request portals or a records request form on the police website. If no form is published by the agency, the agency accepts a written request with sufficient identifying details.

Action steps

  • Gather details: collect the report number, date, vehicle info, and photo ID.
  • Call the Records Division to confirm process and fees.
  • Pay required fees and submit the request by the agency's accepted method.
  • If contesting a citation, file in the appropriate court before the deadline stated on the citation or court notice.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a crash report?
Processing varies by agency; allow several days to a few weeks depending on workload and whether the report is under investigation.
Can I get another person's crash report?
Third-party access may require owner authorization or a demonstrated legal interest; availability varies by agency and circumstance.
Is there a fee to obtain my crash report?
Most agencies charge a reproduction or processing fee; amounts vary and should be confirmed with the records office.

How-To

  1. Identify the agency that handled the incident (Memphis Police for city streets; Tennessee Highway Patrol for state highways).
  2. Gather identifying information: date, time, location, vehicle VIN or license plate, and report number if known.
  3. Contact the agency Records Division to confirm fees and submission method.
  4. Submit a written request or use the agency portal, include ID and any authorization if requesting a third-party report.
  5. Pay fees and wait for processing; follow up with the Records Division if processing exceeds the stated timeframe.

Key Takeaways

  • Crash reports are created by the responding police agency and may include diagrams, narratives, and citations.
  • Requests typically require identifying details and a small fee.
  • Contact the Records Division to confirm exact procedures and timelines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances (Municode) - traffic and enforcement provisions

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