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Guide · Deadlines and reports · New Jersey

How to get a police crash report in New Jersey

Updated By Spencer, editorEvery fact cites a source

Ask the police department that responded to the crash. New Jersey law makes crash reports public: anyone may inspect and copy one during business hours, and a department must mail or fax one on request, adding at most $5. For State Police, Turnpike or Parkway crashes, order online for $13 or $5. Checked October 11, 2026.

Sources: N.J.S.A. 39:4-131; New Jersey State Police and New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Crash Report Requests

Who has your report

The police department that responded to the crash keeps the report. Look for its name and the report number on anything the officer gave you.

A town's police respondedAsk that department

In person, by mail or by fax. It must send the report by mail or fax on request.

State Police, Turnpike or ParkwayOrder online

Through the State Police's crash report portal.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:4-131; New Jersey State Police and New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Crash Report Requests

Your right to a copy

Police crash reports aren't confidential in New Jersey. Anyone may inspect and copy them during regular business hours. Copies bought in person cost the standard public records rate.

Source: N.J.S.A. 39:4-131; New Jersey State Police and New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Crash Report Requests

What it costs

  1. Extra fee for a copy by mail or faxN.J.S.A. 39:4-131Up to $5
  2. State Police report, not a toll roadNJ State Police portal$13
  3. Turnpike or Parkway reportNJ State Police portal$5
  4. State Police keep reports forNJ State Police portal6 years
Source: N.J.S.A. 39:4-131; New Jersey State Police and New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Crash Report Requests

Why it matters

Insurers ask for the report number. Fault in a claim is cut by shares, so what the report says about the crash can matter.

  1. Your share of the faultIn New Jersey, your share of the fault cuts what you recover. Above 50%, you recover nothing.Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1; N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.2
  2. The deadline doesn't wait for the reportAn injury lawsuit generally must be filed within 2 years.Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)

Sources

General information, not legal advice. We don't know the facts of your claim. A lawyer can review them, and most injury lawyers offer a free consultation.

What to do next

Questions people ask

How do I get a copy of my accident report in New Jersey?

Ask the police department that responded. Anyone may inspect and copy a crash report during business hours, and the department must mail or fax one on request.

How much is a police accident report in New Jersey?

In person, the standard public records copying rate. By mail or fax, a department may add up to $5. State Police reports cost $13 online, or $5 for a toll road crash.

How do I get a crash report from the New Jersey Turnpike or Parkway?

Order it through the New Jersey State Police crash report portal. Toll road reports cost $5.

Are police accident reports public in New Jersey?

Yes. State law says crash reports prepared by police aren't privileged or confidential.

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