A Collision Reporting Centre is a facility where the members of the public can report traffic collisions to meet provincial legal requirements and insurance needs.

Nova Scotia law requires all collisions where persons are injured, or where property damage exceeds $2,000 among all vehicles involved, to be reported to the police immediately (within 24 hours thereafter, or as soon as physically capable).

You can start your report from your own device and finish the report at the CRC; location information and hours below.

Start From Your Device

Keep in mind you MUST report to the nearest Collision Reporting Centre in the jurisdiction where the collision actually took place, and not the location closest to your home address.

Taking a picture of each other’s information on your phone is a quick way to exchange information accurately!

Motor Vehicle Collisions

In order to report the collision at the Cape Breton Collision Reporting Centre (CRC), the collision must have taken place in Cape Breton Region, and the vehicle MUST be present for a report to be completed.

Steps to be taken by all drivers before arriving at the Collision Reporting Centre:

  1. Check the Exceptions list that follow to determine if police presence is required.
  2. If it is safe to do so, remove vehicle from the roadway.
  3. Exchange information with the other involved drivers/parties, including independent witnesses. Obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance and vehicle information, including driver’s licence and plate number.
  4. As soon as possible, go to the Collision Reporting Centre with your vehicle.
    • If your vehicle is drivable, you have 24 hours to report your collision. If your vehicle is disabled and needs a tow, the tow company will transport you and your vehicle to the Collision Reporting Centre directly from the scene.
    • During business hours, vehicles requiring a tow from the scene MUST BE towed directly to the Collision Reporting Centre.
    • During non-business hours, vehicles can be towed to the location of your choice (i.e. your home). You have 24 hours to attend the Collision Reporting Centre with your vehicle. Your tow company shall return your vehicle to the CRC the next business day at their earliest convenience for photographs
    • Bring your documentation with you to the Collision Reporting Centre (driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance). The driver must report to the Collision Reporting Centre with the vehicle.

Exceptions

Motor vehicle collisions occurring in Cape Breton Region ONLY, may be referred to the CRC EXCEPT in the following circumstances;

  • Collisions resulting in death, or injuries that require medical transport from the scene to a hospital;
  • Collisions involving criminal activity (e.g. suspicion of alcohol, stolen vehicle, etc.)
  • Collisions involving vehicles carrying hazardous/dangerous goods;
  • Collisions involving a suspended driver or a driver who is uninsured (if known);
  • Collisions involving damage to private, municipal or highway property;
  • Collisions involving cyclists and/or pedestrians.