The accident register might not be the flashiest item on your DOT compliance checklist, but it’s one you can’t afford to overlook.
As a safety director juggling driver files, drug testing, roadside inspections, and CSA scores, it’s easy for this requirement to slip through the cracks—until an audit brings it front and center.
If you haven’t looked at your company’s accident register in a while—or don’t have one at all—let’s get you caught up. It’s simple to maintain, but failing to keep it updated is an easy way to end up with a violation on your next DOT audit.
Watch this quick Accident Register Video!
So, What Is the FMCSA Accident Register?
The FMCSA requires every motor carrier to keep a list (aka “register”) of certain accidents involving their commercial vehicles. This isn’t optional—it’s part of the recordkeeping requirements under 49 CFR § 390.15(b). This is also one of the critical steps to take immediately after a truck accident.
Your DOT accident register needs to cover the most recent 3-year period and must include specific information about each qualifying crash.
Grab your free DOT Accident Register Template!
What Counts as an Accident?
Not every fender bender makes the list. The FMCSA accident reporting requirements has a clear definition of what constitutes a “DOT recordable accident.” To be included, the crash must meet all of the following criteria:
- It happened while operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate or intrastate commerce on a public roadway,
- AND resulted in any of the following:
- A fatality,
- An injury where someone immediately received medical treatment away from the scene, or
- A towed vehicle (i.e., any vehicle involved had to be towed from the scene due to disabling damage).
If it meets that threshold, it goes in the accident register.
What Accidents Don’t Go in the Register?
Here’s what doesn’t need to be listed:
- Accidents that happened off public roads (like in a quarry or private yard),
- Incidents without injuries or tow-aways (like a minor mirror clip with no real damage),
- Fender benders where everyone drove away and no one was hurt,
- Events involving personal vehicles not operating under your DOT number.
Still log those internally if you want to track patterns or support a safety program, but they’re not required in your FMCSA accident register.
If you have a crash that you feel is non-preventable but it still qualifies, you must list it in your accident register. But, you can file an appeal with the FMCSA through their Crash Preventability Determination Program in order to have that crash potentially not count against your crash CSA BASIC score.
What Info Should the Register Include?
The FMCSA wants the basics:
- Date of the accident
- City and state where it occurred
- Driver’s name
- Number of injuries
- Number of fatalities
- Whether any hazardous materials (other than fuel in the tank) were released
It’s a short list, but it needs to be accurate and up to date. You can track this in a spreadsheet, your safety management system, or even a notebook—just make sure it’s accessible during a compliance review.
FAQs About the FMCSA Accident Register
1. Do I need to include accidents if the other driver was 100% at fault?
Yes. The FMCSA doesn’t consider fault when determining whether an accident is recordable. If the crash meets the criteria (fatality, injury treated away from the scene, or tow-away), it goes in the register—regardless of blame.
2. Should I include accidents involving leased owner-operators?
If the vehicle was operating under your DOT number at the time of the accident, then yes—it needs to be included in your register, even if it was a leased vehicle or an independent contractor driving.
3. Do I have to submit the accident register to the FMCSA?
No, not proactively. However, you are required to maintain it and provide it during a compliance review, audit, or investigation if requested. Think of it as a “have it ready just in case” document.
4. How long should I keep accident records?
You must retain the accident register for three years from the date of each recordable accident. It’s a rolling three-year window—older entries can be removed as they fall off the timeline.
5. Can I track non-DOT accidents in the same log?
Yes, and it’s often a smart move. Just make sure you clearly separate DOT-recordable accidents from internal-only ones (for example, using a separate tab in your spreadsheet or adding a column to label them). This helps avoid confusion during an audit.
Final Thoughts
Your accident register is one of those “quiet” DOT compliance requirements that only get attention when you ignore them. Set a reminder to review it quarterly, especially if your company has a handful of incidents each year. It’s a small habit that could make your next audit way smoother.
About My Safety Manager
My Safety Manager is a trusted partner for fleet safety and DOT compliance, serving trucking companies of all sizes. Our mission is simple: to keep your drivers safe, your fleet compliant, and your business focused on growth—not paperwork.
We design customized compliance systems tailored to your operation, helping you stay ahead of FMCSA regulations without the stress and time drain of doing it all yourself.
From driver qualification files to CSA score management, our trucking compliance services help you avoid violations, streamline operations, and reduce risk.
Want to learn how we can support your fleet? Visit us at www.MySafetyManager.com
About The Author
Sam Tucker is the founder of My Safety Manager, a DOT compliance and fleet safety consulting firm that helps trucking companies stay audit-ready and reduce risk. With over 20 years of experience guiding fleets through FMCSA regulations, CSA score improvement, and trucking risk management, Sam has worked with carriers of all sizes — from small family operations to over 900-unit fleets. He regularly publishes practical fleet safety tips, compliance checklists, and training resources to help carriers avoid costly DOT audit violations and operate more safely.
When he’s not helping fleets improve safety and compliance, Sam enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, and reading.
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