Accident(s) – Frequent Questions

You must retain the information placed into the Accident register for a period of 3 years for all accidents after April 29, 2003. (49 CFR §309.15(b))

Non-hazmat carriers do not need to report an accident. However, you must maintain an accident register when the accident meets this criteria:
(i) there was a fatality;
(ii) there was bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the injury, immediately received medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or
(iii) one or more motor vehicles incurred disabling damage as a result of the accident, requiring the motor vehicle to be transported away from the scene by a tow truck or other motor vehicle.

If you transport hazardous materials or hazardous waste, you must report incidents to the U.S. DOT and other agencies when, as a direct result of the hazardous materials:
(i) a person is killed;
(ii) a person receives injuries requiring his or her hospitalization;
(iii) estimated carrier or other property damage exceeds $50,000;
(iv) an evacuation of the general public occurs, lasting one or more hours; or
(v) one or more major transportation arteries or facilities are closed or shut down for one hour or more.
(See �171.15 Immediate notice of certain hazardous materials incidents; and �171.16 Detailed hazardous materials incident reports for more information regarding accident reporting requirements for hazardous materials carriers.)

An accident is an occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle operating on a public highway which results in: a fatality, injuries that requires immediate medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or one or more vehicles incurring disabling damage that requires a vehicle to transported from the scene. (�390.5)