If you are involved in a vehicle collision you must:

Stop

Stop at the scene of the collision. Failing to stop at the scene is against the law.

Assist

Assist anyone who is injured. Call Triple Zero in an emergency - where there is danger or serious injury. Or telephone 131 444 if police assistance is required (if the road is blocked, there is a traffic hazard etc.).

Exchange your information

Exchange your information with the other drivers (or that driver's representative) or other persons involved in the collision, including the owner of any property damaged at the scene.

The information you provide should include:

• The driver's name and address;
• The name and address of the owner of the driver's vehicle;
• The vehicle's registration number; and
• Any other information necessary to identify the vehicle, and, any other information required by a police officer about the crash.

Report the collision to police

Reportable Collisions

The types of collisions which must be reported to police by law are defined on the right of this page.

If police did not attend at the scene of a reportable collision, you must report the crash to police by attending at a police station.

If someone was injured or killed in the collision, you must present to a police officer within 90 minutes of the collision.

For all other reportable collisions you must report to a police officer as soon as possible but, except in exceptional circumstances, within twenty four hours after the collision. This does not mean that a driver has twenty-four hours to report a collision because even three hours after the collision, in many cases, could be considered as soon as possible, depending on the circumstances. An example of exceptional circumstances would include a driver who is conveyed to hospital and is admitted for treatment for more than 24 hours.

Be prepared to provide:

• your personal details (remember to take your driver's licence with you);
• your car registration;
• the exact collision location;
• date and time of collision;
• the other parties personal details; and
• the other parties car registration.

You will be given a Vehicle Collision Report (VCR) number for future reference.

What collisions do not need to be reported?

You are not required by law to report a non-reportable collision. However, if you wish to report a non-reportable collision, for insurance or other purposes, you may do so conveniently by completing an online form without attending at a police station. Once submitted, the online report will provide you with a reference number and a PDF copy of the report which you may send to your insurance company.

Collisions may be reported online if:

• the collision occurred in South Australia; and
• no one was injured/killed; and
• everyone involved exchanged particulars; and
• it was not a hit run; and
• no government vehicles were involved; and
• no vehicles were towed; and
• a fair estimate of the total damage is less than $3 000; and
• police did not attend; and
• you do not want police to investigate the collision*.

*If you desire a police investigation of the collision because of apparent breaches of road rules you must be willing to assist in the investigation including providing a statement and attending court.

To report a collision online, click here.