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General Instructions

  • Crash investigation procedures as set forth in this manual should be followed as closely as possible.

  • In instances not specifically covered in the manual, the judgment of the officer must prevail.

  • A copy of the completed police report of a motor vehicle crash shall be forwarded within thirty (30) days of the investigation to the Department of Motor Vehicles, as required by 23 V.S.A. § 1016.

  • When reporting via paper, all information recorded on the crash report form must be either hand-printed in ink or typewritten. Duplicate paper copies of officers’ reports are acceptable to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

  • The officer investigating a motor vehicle crash should give each operator involved in the crash an Operator's Report for completion and data on any other involved operator.  If injury has occurred or there is total damage to all property to the extent of $3000.00 or more, the officer should inform each operator that a crash report must be submitted within 72 hours to the Department of Motor Vehicles. (See 23 V.S.A. § 1129)

  • Each form provides space for the reporting of information on two vehicles and up to seven involved persons.

  • Whenever the number of vehicles or involved persons exceed the space available on the report, additional forms must be utilized.

  • For Vehicle 3 or more being reported, the preprinted Vehicle #1 and Vehicle #2 should be crossed out and the correct vehicle number should be substituted accordingly on the respective form.