Any Serious offenses, accidents or emergencies 911 should be called Immediately
Reporting minor offenses to your local or state police.
Steps to reporting dashcam footage
- Locate their website, email address or contact number Click here for links from your state or country
- Prepare video footage. See preparing footage page. Click Here
Also see our resource center for different tips about using dashcam videos
Reporting Dashcam Footage to Law Enforcement
Reporting unsafe driving through dashcam footage is a powerful tool for promoting road safety, but not all law enforcement agencies are equipped with an online method for submitting such videos. While some agencies may have adopted digital channels for reporting, many still rely on traditional methods, meaning you may need to contact them directly by phone or email. When reaching out, you can ask if they are able to receive and review dashcam footage as part of their investigation into unsafe driving.
How to Report Dashcam Footage to Law Enforcement
- Contact Local or State Law Enforcement:
- Call the non-emergency line for your local police department, state police, or highway patrol, depending on the location where the incident occurred.
- Ask if they have a process in place for submitting dashcam footage and whether you can send your video via email, file a report online, or through another method.
- If no online method is available, email or postal mail may be your best option for sharing the footage.
- If your state does have a reporting dangerous driver hotline such as #77 or *277. You can call this number to explain what happened and ask for an email address to send them the footage.
- Provide Clear Information:
Be sure to include all the relevant details about the incident in your communication, such as:- Time and Date of the Incident
- Location (specific streets, intersections, or highways)
- Description of the Unsafe Driving Behavior (e.g., speeding, tailgating, running red lights, etc.)
- Dashcam Footage (attach or provide a link if allowed)
What Will Law Enforcement Do?
Once law enforcement receives your dashcam footage, their response will vary depending on the nature of the offense and the policies of the individual agency. Possible actions include:
- Issuing a Ticket: If the video clearly shows a violation, law enforcement may issue a ticket or citation to the vehicle owner, requiring them to pay a fine or face other legal consequences.
- Issuing a Warning: In some cases, law enforcement might choose to issue a warning rather than a ticket, especially if the offense is considered minor or if it’s the first reported incident for the driver.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on the severity of the driving behavior, the evidence provided, and the agency’s discretion. However, submitting dashcam footage gives authorities a valuable tool to take action, improve road safety, and deter unsafe driving behaviors. While results may not always be immediate, it’s important to keep reporting such incidents to contribute to safer streets.
