Licensing, insurance and the law
You are in a collision in which another driver is injured. Within what time must a report be made to law enforcement?
- Within 24 hours. Correct answer
- Within 10 days.
- Within 30 days.
Why
Two different reports have two different clocks after a collision. If anyone is injured or killed, a report must reach law enforcement within 24 hours; your insurance agent, broker or legal representative can file it for you. Separately, you must report the collision to DMV within 10 days on a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) whenever there is more than $1,000 in property damage or anyone is hurt, whether or not you were at fault and even on private property; law enforcement will not file that one for you, and skipping it costs you your driving privilege. Thirty days is not a deadline the handbook uses. Before any paperwork: stop; call 911 when someone is hurt; clear the vehicle out of traffic when nobody is; and swap license, registration, insurance and address details.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, DL 600 ENGLISH (REV. 6/2025). The correct answer is Within 24 hours..
- Section 10. Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions › Collisions › What to Do if You Are in a Collision , page 77
- Section 10. Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions › Collisions › Reporting a Collision , page 78
- Section 10. Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions › Collisions › What to Do if You Are in a Collision , page 77