How to Report Reckless Driving
To report dangerous driving, call 911, call the police non-emergency number, or file a report once you get home.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Edited by Georgina Grant
Table of Contents
If you need to report dangerous driving, you can do so anonymously by calling 911, contacting the police through their non-emergency line, or filing a report once you get home.
- You can and should report bad drivers to help keep everyone safe.
- It’s helpful to provide the car’s license plate, appearance, and reason for the report.
- You can report to the non-emergency police line, the DMV, your state’s designated bad driver line, or a national database.
- Do not follow a car or make a call while driving—pull over or file a report at home.
- You can and should report bad drivers to help keep everyone safe.
- It’s helpful to provide the car’s license plate, appearance, and reason for the report.
- You can report to the non-emergency police line, the DMV, your state’s designated bad driver line, or a national database.
- Do not follow a car or make a call while driving—pull over or file a report at home.
How to report bad drivers
Assess the situation
Take note of your surroundings and determine whether the situation is truly serious.
You should report drivers who appear to be dangerously weaving between cars, ignoring traffic signs, swerving, raging, or tailgating.
Other signs of reckless and dangerous driving include:
- Drifting between one or multiple lanes
- Street racing with other drivers
- Driving way below or above the speed limit
Each of these poses a tremendous risk to you, other drivers, and pedestrians. Try to keep your distance while sharing the road with a dangerous driver.
Gather evidence
When you make a report, the more "evidence" you have on hand, the better. If you're alone, try to memorize as much about the situation as you can. If someone is with you, ask them to jot down notes.
Memorize or write down the car's color, make, and model. Include any bumper stickers or other notable features. If you can, take note of the following details:
- License plate state
- License plate number
- Number of doors
- Tinted windows
- Number of passengers
Don’t follow the car!
Following the car can prove to be dangerous. Collect whatever information you need from your vantage point and keep your distance. Let the police handle the reckless driver.
Report the driver
When the matter is a serious traffic and safety violation, here are your options:
- Dial 911: If people are in immediate danger, ask a passenger to call 911 or pull over when it’s safe to do so and call them yourself. Let the operator know where you last saw the car and give them the information you collected.
- Call the police non-emergency number: You can find your state’s non-emergency police number online. Some states also have a specific line to report reckless driving.
- Report the driver to a national database: If you encounter a reckless driver but the situation is not an emergency, you can wait until you’re home to file a report. If you have the license plate of the offending driver, you can report them usingReport Dangerous Drivers. You can also usethe Nexar appto report a reckless driver.
- Report through your local police: Check your county or city website, or that of your local police, for instructions on how to report bad driving. If they have an area for you to file a report or even an email address, send them the information you gathered, including any pictures or video.
- Contact the DMV: If you know someone who is a reckless driver, you can contact the DMV and request that they be reexamined for driving. There may be an email address or online form you can use to report the driver.
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Is there any point in reporting dangerous driving?
Yes, it helps keep you and others safe. By reporting dangerous drivers, you’re ensuring your safety and possibly preventing a dangerous situation.
Can I report dangerous driving anonymously?
Yes. You don’t have to identify yourself when you contact the police — either the emergency or non-emergency lines. If you fill out a bad driving report online and the name or number field isn't required, you don't have to provide that information. The Nexar app also reports drivers anonymously.
