Texas Crash Report: How to Get Your CR-3 and Read Every Code
A Texas crash report is Form CR-3, the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report. The officer files it with TxDOT within 10 days of the crash, and anyone involved can buy it online for $6, or $8 certified. Its boxes are filled with codes from TxDOT’s code sheet. Below, every one of them is decoded, and the seven places that matter most to an injury claim are explained.
- 1Unit numbers and hit and run
- 2Injury severity, list 16
- 3Insurance and policy number
- 4Damage rating, list 29
- 5Charges and citations
- 6Contributing factors, list 38
- 7Narrative and diagram
Code decoder
Look up any code on your Texas crash report
Each coded field on the report has a small number printed beside it. That number is the list on TxDOT’s code sheet. Pick the list, then type the code the officer wrote in the box. The lists that matter most to an injury claim are one tap away.
Factors and Conditions, list 38
Type a code from your report to see what it means.
Codes in this list
The decoder reads TxDOT’s code sheet for reports of crashes on or after April 1, 2023. Older reports use earlier sheets with some different codes; check the revision date printed at the top of your report.
Have your report? Tell us what happened and get a free case review in about a minute.
Step by step
How to get a copy of your Texas crash report
The officer who worked the crash files the report with TxDOT, the Texas Department of Transportation, which keeps it in its Crash Records Information System, CRIS. That holds whether a city officer, a sheriff's deputy or a state trooper investigated, so one TxDOT website sells the reports written by any Texas agency.
- Allow up to 14 days. The officer has until the 10th day after the crash to file (Transportation Code § 550.062(b)), and TxDOT says a report can take up to 14 days from the crash date to appear in its search. If two weeks have passed and it is still missing, TxDOT tells people to contact the agency that investigated.
- Open TxDOT's Crash Report Online Purchase System at cris.txdot.gov/public/purchase, choose Search for Your Crash Report, and accept the disclaimer.
- Search by name or by license number. The first and last name of anyone in the crash starts a search, and the county, the crash date, the investigating agency or the agency's case number narrows it. A driver's license or ID number works too, for drivers only.
- Pick the copy. A regular copy costs $6 and a certified copy $8 (§ 550.065(d)). If you were involved, choose the full, non redacted report; the site asks you to sign an affidavit saying why you qualify.
- Pay and download. Card payments carry a small Texas.gov fee. An electronic check has no fee, but the report is held for 10 days before release. After purchase, the download stays available for 10 days.
Ask for the full copy. Anyone can buy a redacted report, but it removes what a claim needs most: every name, address and phone number, license plates, and the name of each driver's insurance company and policy number (§ 550.065(f)). The full report is sold only to people directly concerned in the crash.
Who can buy the full, unredacted report
| Who | What they can get | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Anyone involved in the crash, including passengers, cyclists and pedestrians | Full report | § 550.065(c)(4)(A), (C) |
| An authorized representative of a person involved, such as their attorney | Full report | (c)(4)(B) |
| A driver's employer, parent or legal guardian | Full report | (c)(4)(D) |
| The owner of a vehicle or property damaged in the crash | Full report | (c)(4)(E) |
| The policyholder or insurer of a vehicle or person in the crash, and companies providing claims information to them | Full report | (c)(4)(F) to (I) |
| Anyone who may sue over a death caused by the crash | Full report | (c)(4)(L) |
| A licensed radio or TV station, a qualifying newspaper, a storage lot that held a vehicle | Full report | (c)(4)(J), (K), (M) |
| Anyone else | Redacted report only | (c-1), (f) |
Only one non redacted report can go in a single online order; any further copies in the same order come redacted. If you need a copy for a case, the certified version carries TxDOT's seal and the custodian's certification.
No officer, no report
When there is no Texas crash report
An officer who investigates a crash must write a report when someone was hurt or killed, or when the damage to any one person's property looks like $1,000 or more (§ 550.062(a)). The form puts the question to the officer in those words: "In your opinion, did this crash result in at least $1000 damage to any one person's property?" Below that line, with nobody hurt, filing is allowed but not required, according to TxDOT's instructions to police.
Drivers do not file their own report any more. Texas dropped the driver's crash report: the law now mentions it only as former Section 550.061, for reports made before September 1, 2017 (§ 550.065(a)), and TxDOT says it no longer hosts or provides the old driver's form, the CR-2. If no officer came, there is no state report to buy, and the claim rests on what was collected at the scene.
A driver in a crash that hurts someone, or that damages a vehicle someone is driving or attending, must stop at or near the scene, return if they drove on, and stay until they have given their information.
Transp. Code §§ 550.021, 550.022Each driver must give their name and address, the registration number of the vehicle and the name of their liability insurer, and show a driver's license if asked.
Transp. Code § 550.023The driver must notify the police at once by the quickest means: the city police inside a city, the city police or the sheriff within 100 feet of a city, otherwise the sheriff's office.
Transp. Code § 550.026Without a report, the evidence is what you gather: photos of both vehicles and the scene, the other driver's details, the names and numbers of witnesses, and notes written the same day.
Practical stepFor a fee, TxDOT can also certify that no report is on file for a crash (§ 550.065(d)).
Where to look
Seven places on the report that matter most to an injury claim
A Texas crash report is two pages for a two vehicle crash, with extra sheets when more vehicles or people were involved. Most of it records the location, the vehicles and the drivers' licenses. These seven places hold the facts that bear on who caused the crash, how badly people were hurt and whose insurance pays. The numbers match the drawing at the top of this page.
Unit numbers and the Hit and Run box
Page 1, top of each vehicle block, list 5
Every vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian is a numbered unit. TxDOT's instructions call it best practice to list the vehicle that caused the crash as Unit 1, so the order hints at the officer's view. Check the Hit and Run and Parked Vehicle boxes, and the Unit Description: code 7, Non Contact, marks a vehicle that caused the crash without touching anyone.
Decode list 5Injury Severity and the safety boxes
Page 1, the persons table, lists 16 and 19 to 22
Each person gets one letter in list 16: K, A, B, C or N. Beside it sit Ejected, Restraint Used, Airbag and Helmet. The letter is the officer's call at the scene, made before any doctor examined anyone. Information that arrives later can be added by a supplement report.
Decode list 16Insurance: proof, company and policy number
Page 1, bottom of each vehicle block, list 28
The officer marks whether each driver showed proof of insurance: Yes, No, Expired or Exempt. Then come the type of coverage from list 28, the insurer's name as it appears on the card, the policy number and a phone number. This is how you learn which company to file with, and it appears only on the full copy. A No means the driver did not show valid proof at the scene, which is not the same as having no insurance.
Decode list 28Vehicle Damage Rating
Page 1, bottom of each vehicle block, list 29
Up to two ratings per vehicle, written like 12-FD-3: the direction the force came from, the part of the vehicle hit and how badly, on a 0 to 7 scale. TxDOT says the rating is recorded so that the direction and amount of impact force can be compared with the severity of injury and the restraint used.
Read a damage ratingCharges
Page 2, Charges
Any charge filed for a violation related to the crash, with the unit, the person and the citation number. Charges filed after the report was submitted are added by a supplement report. A charge is an accusation; whether it sticks is decided in court.
Factors and conditions
Page 2, lists 38 to 46
For each unit, up to three contributing factors in order of importance, and up to two that may have contributed, all from list 38. Vehicle defects follow the same pattern from list 39, then weather, light, the roads, the road surface and traffic control in lists 40 to 46. The heading on the form reads Investigator's Opinion.
Decode list 38Narrative and diagram
Page 2, the large box
The officer's account of what happened, calling each vehicle by its unit number, and a sketch: solid lines for each unit's path before the impact, the area of impact, and dotted lines to where the vehicles stopped. If the vehicles were moved before the officer arrived, the narrative can say so and the diagram shows the officer's best depiction.
Unit 1
Is Unit 1 the driver at fault?
Often, but not by rule. TxDOT's instructions to police say: "Best practice: List the motor vehicle which was the proximate cause of the crash as Unit 1." That is guidance for the officer, not a finding, and other rules about Unit 1 have nothing to do with blame.
- The first unit must be a motor vehicle that was not parked. When a cyclist or a pedestrian caused the crash, a motor vehicle still comes first.
- A truck tractor and its trailer are separate units, numbered one after the other. In a crash between a car and a tractor trailer, the car can be Unit 1 and the tractor and trailer Units 2 and 3, or the tractor and trailer can be Units 1 and 2 and the car Unit 3.
- A vehicle that caused the crash without touching anything is still listed as a unit, Unit Description 7, Non Contact, with its own factors as if it had been hit.
To see what the officer concluded, read across the report rather than down it: the factors listed for each unit in list 38, any charges, and the narrative. If Unit 1 carries 44, Followed Too Closely, and your unit carries no factor at all, the report points one way. If your unit carries a factor under May Have Contributed, the other side may point to it.
Fault
Does the crash report decide fault in Texas?
No. The report is one piece of evidence, and its fault section is headed Investigator's Opinion. In a Texas injury case, the trier of fact, the jury or the judge hearing the case, sets a percentage of responsibility for each person who caused or contributed to the harm (Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.003). A claimant found more than 50 percent responsible recovers nothing (§ 33.001).
TxDOT's instructions explain why a factor can appear with no ticket: in the factors section, "the officer may not have enough evidence to file a traffic charge, but does have enough data to render an opinion as to the contributing factors of the crash."
| What the report shows | What it means | Where the rule comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Contributing factors 1, 2 and 3 | What the officer believes contributed, the main one first | CR-100, 4.6.1.2 |
| May have contributed 1 and 2 | A condition was present, but the officer could not tell whether it contributed | CR-100, 4.6.1.3 |
| No factor for a unit | The officer listed nothing against that driver | The report itself |
| A charge with a citation number | A ticket was written; a court decides whether it holds | CR-100, 4.3 |
| Narrative and diagram | The officer's own account of what happened, and a sketch | CR-100, 4.7 |
Other evidence counts as well: photos of where the vehicles came to rest, dashcam or traffic camera video, witnesses, the damage pattern in list 29, and your medical records. Any share of responsibility assigned to you reduces your recovery by that percentage (§ 33.012), and a share above 50 percent ends the claim, so a factor listed against you is worth answering with evidence.
Mistakes
When your Texas crash report is wrong
Only the agency that wrote the report can change it. Changes reach TxDOT as a supplement report, the box an officer checks when "submitting a report that will amend, supplement, revise or correct a previously submitted report."
Some supplements are required. TxDOT's instructions tell officers to file one when information arrives after the report: when a person dies within 30 days of the crash, when alcohol or drug test results come back, when charges are filed later, and whenever other information is received after the original was submitted.
Other corrections are up to the agency. To ask for one:
- Get the full copy and mark each mistake: a wrong name or insurer, a factor on the wrong unit, a wrong direction or lane, an injury code that does not fit what happened.
- Gather proof for each one: your insurance card, photos, the repair estimate, a witness's name and number, dashcam video, the emergency room record.
- Contact the agency's records or traffic division with the case number printed on the report, and ask how it handles a request for review and whether the investigating officer can look at your proof.
- Put the request in writing and keep a copy with the date you sent it.
An officer can decline to change an opinion. The factors, the narrative and the diagram are the officer's judgment. If the report stays as it is, your evidence still goes to the insurer with your claim.
An injury code set too early
The injury code is chosen at the scene. Under TxDOT's definitions, C means an injury that was claimed or reported, or shown by how the person moved, with no visible wound, and N means no A, B, C or K injury was seen or reported. Some injuries take time to show; the CDC notes that some concussion symptoms appear right away and others not until days later. A report that says N or C does not set the value of an injury; the medical records do. See a doctor promptly and keep every record. Our guide to delayed injury symptoms after a car accident lists what to watch for.
2025 data
What Texas officers wrote most often in 2025
TxDOT counts the crashes in which officers listed each contributing factor. In 2025 the most common was Failed to Control Speed, in 125,969 crashes. Failed to Drive in Single Lane appeared about a third as often but in more fatal crashes than any other factor, 744. A crash can carry several factors, so the rows overlap and do not add up to a statewide total.
| Factor, with its code in list 38 | Crashes, 2025 | Fatal crashes | Serious injury crashes | Fatal per 1,000 crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22, Failed to Control Speed | 125,969 | 463 | 2,890 | 3.7 |
| 20, Driver Inattention | 76,918 | 229 | 1,712 | 3.0 |
| 4, Changed Lane when Unsafe | 50,503 | 72 | 582 | 1.4 |
| 23, Failed to Drive in Single Lane | 40,927 | 744 | 1,773 | 18.2 |
| 37, Failed to Yield ROW: Turning Left | 35,194 | 152 | 1,029 | 4.3 |
| 35, Failed to Yield ROW: Stop Sign | 30,913 | 117 | 814 | 3.8 |
| 60, Unsafe Speed | 22,037 | 420 | 1,356 | 19.1 |
| 44, Followed Too Closely | 20,429 | 9 | 139 | 0.4 |
| 15, Disregard Stop and Go Signal | 19,464 | 95 | 683 | 4.9 |
| 41, Faulty Evasive Action | 18,829 | 192 | 733 | 10.2 |
| 34, Failed to Yield ROW: Private Drive | 18,378 | 55 | 240 | 3.0 |
| 67, Intoxicated: Alcohol | 16,508 | 500 | 1,125 | 30.3 |
| 16, Disregard Stop Sign or Light | 14,821 | 104 | 542 | 7.0 |
| 66, Turned when Unsafe | 12,364 | 48 | 361 | 3.9 |
| 19, Distraction in Vehicle | 11,122 | 42 | 348 | 3.8 |
Some rarer factors are far deadlier. Pedestrian failed to yield to a vehicle (code 59) was listed in 2,328 crashes and 412 of them were fatal, 177 in every 1,000. Speeding over the limit (61) ran 116 fatal crashes per 1,000, a driver on drugs (68) 111, and driving on the wrong side of the road (70) 104. Alcohol intoxication (67) appeared in 500 fatal crashes, more than any factor except Failed to Drive in Single Lane. At the other end, Followed Too Closely was listed in 20,429 crashes and only 9 were fatal.
Source: TxDOT, Crash Contributing Factors 2025, statewide crashes, rural and urban combined, data as of April 7, 2026. Serious injury means TxDOT’s suspected serious injury crashes. Officers also listed Other, explained in the narrative, in 51,722 crashes. Fatal crashes per 1,000 calculated by FairSettlement.org.
From report to claim
What the report means for the value of your claim
The report never states a dollar figure. A Texas injury claim is valued from the medical expenses actually paid or still owed, the injury itself, the pay you lost and your share of the fault. The report feeds two of those directly: the factors and narrative shape the fault argument, and the injury codes and safety boxes are the first written record of how badly people were hurt.
Enter the medical expenses for a range; lost pay is optional.
The Texas car accident settlement calculator walks through every rule behind that range, including the paid or incurred rule, the 30/60/25 minimum policy and Stowers demands.
Deadlines
Deadlines that keep running while you wait for the report
The two year limit for an injury lawsuit in Texas runs from the day the claim arises, which for a crash injury is usually the day of the crash, not the day the report posts (§ 16.003). A claim against a city, a county or the state has a far shorter notice deadline: six months under the Texas Tort Claims Act (§ 101.101(a)), and city charters can set their own shorter periods (§ 101.101(b)), such as 45 days in Austin and 90 days in Houston.
Practice
Three sample Texas crash reports, decoded
These are made up reports, written to show how the boxes read together. Plug any of the codes into the decoder at the top of the page.
- Unit 1, contributing factor 1 (list 38)
- 44
- Unit 1, damage rating (list 29)
- 12-FD-3
- Unit 2, damage rating (list 29)
- 6-BD-3
- Unit 2 driver, injury severity (list 16)
- C
- Unit 2 driver, restraint and airbag (lists 20, 21)
- 1 and 1
- Charges
- Unit 1 driver, following too closely
Unit 1 struck Unit 2 from behind: front damage with the force from straight ahead on Unit 1, rear damage with the force from behind on Unit 2, both a 3 on the 0 to 7 scale. The officer listed one factor, Followed Too Closely, against Unit 1, none against Unit 2, and wrote a ticket. The Unit 2 driver wore a lap and shoulder belt, no airbag went off, and the driver said they were in pain with no visible wound, so the officer chose C. If a doctor finds a neck injury the next day, the medical records carry it.
- Unit 1, contributing factor 1 (list 38)
- 37
- Unit 2, may have contributed 1 (list 38)
- 60
- Unit 1, damage rating (list 29)
- 3-RP-5
- Unit 2, damage rating (list 29)
- 12-FD-4
- Unit 2 driver, injury severity and airbag
- A, 2
- Charges
- none
Unit 1 turned left across Unit 2's path, and Unit 2's front struck Unit 1's right side at the passenger area. The officer believes Unit 1 failed to yield while turning left. Unit 2 carries Unsafe Speed under May Have Contributed: the officer saw a speed too fast for the conditions, while under the limit, but could not say it contributed. The insurer for Unit 1 may argue a share of the fault against Unit 2; if a jury set it at 20 percent, Unit 2's recovery would drop by 20 percent. The A code, a suspected serious injury, and a front airbag that went off point to a serious crash.
- Unit 1, contributing factor 1 (list 38)
- 16
- Unit 1, proof of financial responsibility
- No
- Unit 2, damage rating (list 29)
- 9-LP-4
- Unit 2 driver and passenger, injury severity
- B and C
- Charges
- Unit 1 driver, disregarding a stop sign, no proof of insurance
The officer believes Unit 1 ran the stop sign and struck the left side of Unit 2 at the passenger area. The No in the insurance box means the Unit 1 driver did not show valid proof at the scene; it does not prove there is no policy, and the vehicle's owner, listed on the full report, may carry coverage on it. About one in seven Texas drivers was uninsured in 2023, 14.5 percent by the Insurance Research Council's estimate. If your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, it may pay; your declarations page shows whether you have it.
The full code sheet
Every code on a Texas crash report, box by box
Below is every list on TxDOT’s code sheet for the current report, Form CR-3CS dated April 1, 2023, which applies to crashes on or after that date. The small number printed beside a field on the report is the list number here. Open a list to see each code and what it means; the notes on the codes that matter most to an injury claim come from TxDOT’s instructions to police, the CR-100. Wording from the sheet is kept, with abbreviations such as ROW (right of way) explained in the notes.
Where the crash happened Page 1, Identification and Location
1Roadway System19 codes
The type of road the crash happened on, such as an interstate (IH), a US highway (US) or a farm to market road (FM).
- IHInterstate
- USUS Highway
- SHState Highway
- FMFarm to Market
- RRRanch Road
- RMRanch to Market
- BIBusiness Interstate
- BUBusiness US
- BSBusiness State
- BFBusiness FM
- SLState Loop
- TLToll Road
- ALAlternate
- SPSpur
- CRCounty Road
- PRPark Road
- PVPrivate Road
- RCRecreational Road
- LRLocal Road/Street (Street, Road, Ave., Blvd., Pl., Trl., Beach Alley, Boat Ramp, etc.)
2Roadway Part6 codes
Which part of the road: the main lanes, a frontage road, a ramp or a connector.
- 1Main/Proper Lane
- 2Service/Frontage Road
- 3Entrance/On Ramp
- 4Exit/Off Ramp
- 5Connector/Flyover
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
3Direction8 codes
Compass directions, used for street prefixes and for the direction traffic was moving.
- NNorth
- EEast
- SSouth
- WWest
- NENortheast
- SESoutheast
- SWSouthwest
- NWNorthwest
4Street Suffix21 codes
The street type in the crash location, such as road, drive or boulevard.
- RDRoad
- STStreet
- DRDrive
- AVEAvenue
- BLVDBoulevard
- PKWYParkway
- LNLane
- FWYFreeway
- HWYHighway
- WAYWay
- TRLTrail
- LOOPLoop
- EXPYExpressway
- CTCourt
- CIRCircle
- PLPlace
- PARKPark
- CVCove
- PATHPath
- TRCTrace
- PTPoint
Each vehicle and its driver Page 1, one block per unit
5Unit Description8 codes
What each unit in the crash was: a motor vehicle, a train, a cyclist, a pedestrian, a small motorized vehicle, a trailer, or a vehicle that caused the crash without touching anything.
- 1Motor Vehicle
- 2Train
- 3PedalcyclistA bicycle, including an electric bicycle.
- 4PedestrianAnyone not inside a vehicle, including a person in a wheelchair.
- 5Motorized ConveyanceSmall motor vehicles such as motor assisted scooters, go carts and riding mowers, not mopeds or motorcycles.
- 6Towed/Pushed/TrailerA trailer or towed vehicle attached at the time. It gets its own unit number, right after the vehicle pulling it.
- 7Non ContactA vehicle that caused the crash by unusual or illegal driving but hit nothing and was not damaged, such as a car that cut across lanes and kept going. It is listed with its own factors, as if it had been hit.
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
6Vehicle Color24 codes
The color of each vehicle.
- BGEBeige
- BLKBlack
- BLUBlue
- BRZBronze
- BROBrown
- CAMCamouflage
- CPRCopper
- GLDGold
- GRYGray
- GRNGreen
- MARMaroon
- MULMulticolored
- ONGOrange
- PNKPink
- PLEPurple
- REDRed
- SILSilver
- TANTan
- TEATeal (green)
- TRQTurquoise (blue)
- WHIWhite
- YELYellow
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown
7Body Style20 codes
The kind of vehicle: car, pickup, SUV, van, motorcycle, bus, truck, truck tractor and others.
- P2Passenger Car, 2 Door
- P4Passenger Car, 4 Door
- PKPickup
- AMAmbulance
- BUBus
- SBYellow School Bus
- SBOSchool Bus Other
- FEFarm Equipment
- FTFire Truck
- MCMotorcycle
- SVSport Utility Vehicle
- PCPolice Car/Truck
- PMPolice Motorcycle
- TLTrailer, Semi Trailer or Pole Trailer
- TRTruck
- TTTruck Tractor
- VNVan
- EVNeighborhood Vehicle
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown
8Autonomous Unit3 codes
Whether the vehicle had automated driving equipment.
- 1Yes
- 2No
- 99Unknown
9Autonomous Level Engaged8 codes
How much of that automation was switched on at the time, from none (0) to full (5).
- 0No Automation
- 1Driver Assistance
- 2Partial Automation
- 3Conditional Automation
- 4High Automation
- 5Full Automation
- 6Automation Level Unknown
- 99Unknown
10Driver License/ID Type8 codes
The kind of license or ID the driver showed.
- 1Driver License
- 2Commercial Driver Lic.
- 3Occupational
- 4ID Card
- 5Unlicensed
- 95Autonomous
- 98Other
- 99Unknown
11Driver License Class11 codes
The class printed on the driver’s license.
- AClass A
- AMClass A and M
- BClass B
- BMClass B and M
- CClass C
- CMClass C and M
- MClass M
- 5Unlicensed
- 95Autonomous
- 98Other/Out of State
- 99Unknown
12Commercial Driver License Endorsements11 codes
Endorsements on a commercial license, such as hazardous materials or school bus.
- HHazardous Materials
- NTank Vehicle
- PPassenger
- SSchool Bus
- TDouble/Triple Trailer
- XTank Vehicle with Hazardous Materials
- 5Unlicensed
- 96None
- 95Autonomous
- 98Other/Out of State
- 99Unknown
13Driver License Restrictions70 codes
Restrictions printed on the driver’s license, such as corrective lenses (A) or daytime driving only (C).
- AWith corrective lenses
- BLOFS 21 or over
- CDaytime driving only
- DSpeed not to exceed 45 mph
- ENo manual transmission equipped CMV
- FMust hold valid learner lic. to MM/DD/YY
- GTRC 545.424 applies until MM/DD/YY
- HVehicle not to exceed 26,000 lbs GVWR
- IMC not to exceed 250cc
- JLicensed MC operator 21 or over in sight
- KIntrastate only
- LNo air brake equipped CMV
- MNo Class A passenger vehicle
- NNo Class A and B passenger vehicle
- ONo tractor trailer CMV
- QLOFS 21 or over vehicle above Class B
- RLOFS 21 or over vehicle above Class C
- SOutside rearview mirror or hearing aid
- TAutomatic transmission
- UApplicable prosthetic devices
- VMedical Variance
- WPower steering
- XNo cargo in CMV tank vehicle
- YValid TX vision or limb waiver required
- ZNo full air brake equipped CMV
- P1For Class M TRC 545.424 until MM/DD/YY
- P2To/from work/school
- P3To/from work
- P4To/from school
- P5To/from work/school or LOFS 21 or over
- P6To/from work or LOFS 21 or over
- P7To/from school or LOFS 21 or over
- P8With telescopic lens
- P9LOFS 21 or over bus only
- P10LOFS 21 or over school bus only
- P11Bus not to exceed 26,000 lbs GVWR
- P12Passenger CMVs restrict to Class C only
- P13LOFS 21 or over in veh equip w/airbrake
- P14Operation Class B exempt veh authorized
- P15Operation Class A exempt veh authorized
- P16If CMV, school buses interstate
- P17If CMV, government vehicles interstate
- P18If CMV, only trans personal prop interstate
- P19If CMV, trans corpse/sick/injured interstate
- P20If CMV, privately trans passengers interstate
- P21If CMV, fire/rescue interstate
- P22If CMV, intra city zone drivers interstate
- P23If CMV, custom harvesting interstate
- P24If CMV, transporting bees/hives interstate
- P25If CMV, use in oil/water well service/drill
- P26If CMV, for operation of mobile crane
- P27HME Expiration Date MM/DD/YY
- P28FRSI CDL valid MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY
- P29FRSI CDL MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY or exempt B veh
- P30FRSI CDL MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY or exempt A veh
- P31Class C only, no taxi/bus/emergency veh
- P32Other
- P33No passengers in CMV bus
- P34No express or highway driving
- P35Restricted to operation of three wheeled MC
- P36Moped
- P37Occ/Essent need DL, no CMV, see court order
- P38Applicable vehicle devices
- P39Ignition Interlock required
- P40Vehicle not to exceed Class C
- 5Unlicensed
- 95Autonomous
- 96None
- 98Other/Out of State
- 99Unknown
Each person in the vehicle Page 1, the persons table in each unit block
14Person Type9 codes
Each person’s role in the crash: driver, passenger, cyclist, pedestrian or motorcycle rider.
- 1Driver
- 2Passenger/OccupantPassengers are rarely the cause of a crash, so the claim usually runs against the driver or drivers who were.
- 3Pedalcyclist
- 4Pedestrian
- 5Driver of Motorcycle Type Vehicle
- 6Passenger/Occupant on Motorcycle Type Vehicle
- 95Autonomous
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown
15Seat Position17 codes
Where each person was sitting.
- 1Front Left or Motorcycle Driver
- 2Front Center or Motorcycle Sidecar Passenger
- 3Front Right
- 4Second Seat Left or Motorcycle Back Passenger
- 5Second Seat Center
- 6Second Seat Right
- 7Third Seat Left
- 8Third Seat Center
- 9Third Seat Right
- 10Cargo Area
- 11Outside Vehicle
- 13Other in Vehicle
- 14Passenger in Bus
- 16Pedestrian, Pedalcyclist, or Motorized Conveyance
- 95Autonomous
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown
16Injury Severity7 codes
The most serious injury each person had from the crash, on the five step police scale K, A, B, C and N.
- ASuspected Serious InjuryAn injury that stops normal activities: a broken or distorted arm or leg, crush injuries, a severe cut with heavy bleeding, a suspected skull, chest or belly injury, serious burns, unconsciousness when taken from the scene, or paralysis.
- BSuspected Minor InjuryAn injury the officer could see, such as bruises, scrapes or small cuts, that does not stop normal activities.
- CPossible InjuryPain or injury that was claimed or reported, or that showed in how the person moved, with no visible wound. A complaint of pain or a limp fits here.
- KFatal InjuryDeath from crash injuries at the scene or within 30 days. A later death is added by a supplement report.
- NNot InjuredNo A, B, C or K injury was seen or reported at the scene. It is not a medical finding: injuries a doctor finds later are proved by the medical records.
- 95Autonomous
- 99UnknownThe officer could not tell, for example when a driver fled.
17Ethnicity8 codes
Each person’s ethnicity, as recorded by the officer.
- WWhite
- BBlack
- HHispanic
- AAsian
- IAmer. Indian/Alaskan Native
- 95Autonomous
- 98Other
- 99Unknown
18Sex4 codes
Each person’s sex, as recorded by the officer.
- 1Male
- 2Female
- 95Autonomous
- 99Unknown
19Ejected5 codes
Whether the person was thrown out of the vehicle, fully or partly.
- 1No
- 2YesThrown out of the vehicle.
- 3Yes, PartialPartly thrown out of the vehicle.
- 97Not Applicable
- 99Unknown
20Restraint Used11 codes
The seat belt or child seat the person was using.
- 1Shoulder and Lap Belt
- 2Shoulder Belt Only
- 3Lap Belt Only
- 4Child Seat, Facing Forward
- 5Child Seat, Facing Rear
- 6Child Seat, Unknown
- 7Child Booster Seat
- 96NoneNo belt or child seat. Since Nabors Well Services v. Romero (Tex. 2015), relevant evidence that a person was not belted can be used to apportion responsibility for the injuries.
- 97Not Applicable
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown
21Airbag7 codes
Whether an airbag went off at that person’s seat, and which one.
- 1Not DeployedThe airbag at that seat did not go off.
- 2Deployed, Front
- 3Deployed, Side
- 4Deployed, Rear
- 5Deployed, Multiple
- 97Not Applicable
- 99Unknown
22Helmet Use6 codes
Helmet use for drivers, passengers, cyclists and motorcycle riders.
- 1Not Worn
- 2Worn, Damaged
- 3Worn, Not Damaged
- 4Worn, Unk. Damage
- 97Not Applicable
- 99Unknown if Worn
23Solicitation2 codes
Whether the person wants to be contacted by professionals such as attorneys, chiropractors, physicians and private investigators. Transportation Code § 550.064(b)(4) requires the form to ask, and § 550.066 keeps the answer out of evidence in a civil trial.
- YSolicitWants to be contacted.
- NNo SolicitDoes not want to be contacted.
24Alcohol Specimen Type6 codes
The alcohol test taken from each driver, if any.
- 1Breath
- 2Blood
- 3Urine
- 4RefusedThe driver refused the test.
- 96None
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
25Drug Specimen Type5 codes
The drug test taken from each driver, if any.
- 2Blood
- 3Urine
- 4RefusedThe driver refused the test.
- 96None
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
26Drug Test Result4 codes
The result of that drug test.
- 1Positive
- 2Negative
- 97Not Applicable
- 99Unknown
27Drug Category11 codes
The kind of drug a positive test found.
- 2CNS Depressants
- 3CNS Stimulants
- 4Hallucinogens
- 6Narcotic Analgesics
- 7Inhalants
- 8Cannabis
- 10Dissociative Anesthetics
- 11Multiple Drugs (explained in the narrative)
- 97Not Applicable
- 98Other Drugs (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown
Insurance and vehicle damage Page 1, the bottom of each unit block
28Financial Responsibility Type7 codes
How the vehicle was insured, as shown to the officer. The insurance company’s name, the policy number and its phone number are written beside this box.
- 1Liability Insurance PolicyAn insurance policy was shown to the officer.
- 2Proof of Liability Insurance
- 3Insurance BinderA temporary proof of coverage issued before the policy.
- 4Surety Bond
- 5Certificate of Deposit with Comptroller
- 6Certificate of Deposit with County Judge
- 7Certificate of Self InsuranceThe owner covers its own losses instead of buying a policy.
29Vehicle Damage Rating24 codes
Where each vehicle was damaged, the direction the force came from, and how badly, on TxDOT’s 0 to 7 scale. Written as XX-ABC-Y, for example 12-FD-3.
Severity runs from 0, no visible damage, to 7, the worst. The direction of force is a clock position: 12 means the force came straight at the front, 6 from behind, 3 and 9 from the right and left sides. Agencies may leave the direction out, so FD-3 and 12-FD-3 can both appear. When a vehicle was damaged in two places, the worse area is listed first.
- FCFront, concentratedA narrow hit on the front, such as a tree or utility pole.
- FDFront, distributedFull contact across the front with another vehicle or a broad object.
- FLFront left cornerPartial contact on the front left.
- FRFront right cornerPartial contact on the front right.
- BCBack, concentratedA narrow hit on the rear.
- BDBack, distributedFull contact across the rear: the usual rear end damage.
- BLBack left cornerPartial contact on the rear left.
- BRBack right cornerPartial contact on the rear right.
- LPLeft side, passenger areaHit on the left side where people sit, as in a T bone crash.
- RPRight side, passenger areaHit on the right side where people sit.
- LFQLeft front quarterHit on the left side ahead of the passenger area.
- RFQRight front quarterHit on the right side ahead of the passenger area.
- LBQLeft back quarterHit on the left side behind the passenger area.
- RBQRight back quarterHit on the right side behind the passenger area.
- LDLeft side, sideswipeScraped along the left side by a vehicle or object.
- RDRight side, sideswipeScraped along the right side.
- L&TLeft side and topLeft side and roof damage from a rollover.
- R&TRight side and topRight side and roof damage from a rollover.
- VB-1Vehicle burned, not because of the collision
- VB-7Vehicle caught fire because of the collision
- TP-0Top damage only
- VX-0Undercarriage damage only
- MC-1Motorcycle, moped or scooter
- NANot applicable: farm tractor, train, bicycle and similar
Commercial vehicles Page 2, CMV section (filled in only when a truck, bus or other commercial vehicle was involved)
30Vehicle Operation5 codes
For commercial vehicles: whether the trip was interstate, intrastate, not in commerce, government or personal.
- 1Interstate Commerce
- 2Intrastate Commerce
- 3Not in Commerce
- 4Government
- 5Personal
31Carrier ID Type5 codes
The kind of carrier number shown for a commercial vehicle.
- 1US DOT
- 2TxDOT
- 3ICC/MC
- 96None
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
32Vehicle Type13 codes
The type of commercial vehicle, from a light truck to a tractor with triple trailers.
- 1Passenger Car
- 2Light Truck
- 3Bus (9 to 15)
- 4Bus (more than 15)
- 5Single Unit Truck 2 Axles 6 Tires
- 6Single Unit Truck 3 or More Axles
- 7Truck Trailer
- 8Truck Tractor (Bobtail)
- 9Tractor/Semi Trailer
- 10Tractor/Double Trailer
- 11Tractor/Triple Trailer
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown Heavy Truck
33Bus Type8 codes
The type of bus, if one was involved.
- 0Not a Bus
- 1School Bus (Public or Private)
- 2Transit
- 3Intercity
- 4Charter
- 5Other
- 6Shuttle
- 9Unknown
34Hazardous Material Class Number9 codes
The hazard class of any hazardous material carried.
- 1Explosives
- 2Gases
- 3Flammable Liquids
- 4Flammable Solids
- 5Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
- 6Toxic Materials and Infectious Substances
- 7Radioactive Materials
- 8Corrosive Materials
- 9Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
35Cargo Body Type16 codes
The type of cargo body on a commercial vehicle.
- 1Bus (9 to 15)
- 2Bus (more than 15)
- 3Van/Enclosed Box
- 4Cargo Tank
- 5Flatbed
- 6Dump
- 7Concrete Mixer
- 8Auto Transporter
- 9Garbage
- 10Grain Chips Gravel
- 11Pole
- 13Intermodal
- 14Logging
- 15Vehicle Towing Another Vehicle
- 97Not Applicable
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
36Trailer Type3 codes
The type of trailer pulled by a commercial vehicle.
- 1Full Trailer
- 2Semi Trailer
- 3Pole Trailer
37Sequence of Events22 codes
For commercial vehicles, the events of the crash in order, up to four.
- 1Non Collision: Ran Off Road
- 2Non Collision: Jackknife
- 3Non Collision: Overturn Rollover
- 4Non Collision: Downhill Runaway
- 5Non Collision: Cargo Loss Or Shift
- 6Non Collision: Explosion Or Fire
- 7Non Collision: Separation of Units
- 8Non Collision: Cross Median/Centerline
- 9Non Collision: Equipment Failure
- 10Non Collision: Other
- 11Non Collision: Unknown
- 12Collision Involving Pedestrian
- 13Collision Involving Motor Vehicle in TransportA crash between vehicles moving on the road.
- 14Collision Involving Parked Motor Vehicle
- 15Collision Involving Train
- 16Collision Involving Pedalcycle
- 17Collision Involving Animal
- 18Collision Involving Fixed Object
- 19Collision With Work Zone Maintenance Equipment
- 20Collision With Other Movable Object
- 21Collision With Unknown Movable Object
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
Factors and conditions Page 2, Factors and Conditions
38Factors and Conditions70 codes
What the officer believes contributed to the crash, unit by unit: up to three contributing factors in order of importance, and up to two that may have contributed. The section is headed Investigator’s Opinion.
- 1Animal on Road: Domestic
- 2Animal on Road: Wild
- 3Backed without SafetyAn unsafe backing movement.
- 4Changed Lane when UnsafeMoved out of the lane on a multi lane road when it could not be done safely.
- 14Disabled in Traffic Lane
- 15Disregard Stop and Go SignalDid not obey a red, yellow and green traffic light.
- 16Disregard Stop Sign or LightDid not stop for a stop sign or a flashing red light.
- 17Disregard Turn Marks at Intersection
- 18Disregard Warning Sign at Construction
- 19Distraction in VehicleSomething inside the vehicle took the driver’s attention, such as an insect or a pet.
- 20Driver InattentionNot paying attention to the road, for example eating or adjusting the radio.
- 21Drove Without Headlights
- 22Failed to Control SpeedDid not slow or stop in time to avoid someone on the road who was driving lawfully. The most common factor on Texas reports in 2025.
- 23Failed to Drive in Single LaneDid not keep the vehicle inside its lane on a multi lane road.
- 24Failed to Give Half of Roadway
- 25Failed to Heed Warning Sign or Traffic Control Device
- 26Failed to Pass to Left Safely
- 27Failed to Pass to Right Safely
- 28Failed to Signal or Gave Wrong SignalNo turn signal, or the wrong one.
- 29Failed to Stop at Proper Place
- 30Failed to Stop for School Bus
- 31Failed to Stop for Train
- 32Failed to Yield ROW: Emergency Vehicle
- 33Failed to Yield ROW: Open IntersectionDid not yield at an intersection with no signs or signals.
- 34Failed to Yield ROW: Private DrivePulled out of a driveway, alley or private road without yielding.
- 35Failed to Yield ROW: Stop SignStopped at the stop sign, then pulled out without yielding.
- 36Failed to Yield ROW: To Pedestrian
- 37Failed to Yield ROW: Turning LeftTurned left in front of oncoming traffic that had the right of way.
- 38Failed to Yield ROW: Turn on RedTurned on a red light without yielding to traffic or pedestrians.
- 39Failed to Yield ROW: Yield Sign
- 40Fatigued or AsleepFell asleep or was too tired to react.
- 41Faulty Evasive ActionTook no evasive action when it was reasonable to, or swerved or braked the wrong way.
- 42Fire in Vehicle
- 43Fleeing or Evading Police
- 44Followed Too CloselyDid not leave enough distance to stop safely behind the vehicle ahead.
- 45Had Been DrinkingHad been drinking but, in the officer’s opinion, was not intoxicated. It is recorded under May Have Contributed.
- 46Handicapped Driver (explained in the narrative)
- 47Ill (explained in the narrative)
- 48Impaired Visibility (explained in the narrative)The driver’s view was blocked by the load, passengers, other vehicles, objects, weather or light.
- 49Improper Start from a Stopped, Standing, or Parked PositionAn unsafe move from a stopped or parked position.
- 50Load Not Secured
- 51Opened Door Into Traffic LaneA door opened into a traffic lane.
- 52Oversized Vehicle or Load
- 53Overtake and Pass Insufficient ClearancePassed without enough room to get back before oncoming traffic.
- 54Parked and Failed to Set Brakes
- 55Parked in Traffic Lane
- 56Parked without Lights
- 57Passed in No Passing Lane
- 58Passed on Shoulder
- 59Pedestrian FTYROW to VehicleA pedestrian did not yield the right of way to a vehicle.
- 60Unsafe SpeedToo fast for traffic, weather or the road while under the posted limit.
- 61Speeding (Over Limit)Above the posted speed limit.
- 62Taking Medication (explained in the narrative)
- 63Turned Improperly: Cut Corner on Left
- 64Turned Improperly: Wide Right
- 65Turned Improperly: Wrong Lane
- 66Turned when UnsafeTurned or changed course when it could not be done safely.
- 67Intoxicated: AlcoholThe driver, pedestrian or cyclist was intoxicated by alcohol.
- 68Intoxicated: DrugUnder the influence of a drug.
- 69Wrong Side: Approach or Intersection
- 70Wrong Side: Not PassingDriving on the wrong side of the road while not passing.
- 71Wrong Way: One Way RoadDriving the wrong way on a one way road or a divided highway.
- 73Road RageAn assault with a vehicle or weapon, or one that started over something on the road.
- 74Cell/Mobile Device Use: Talking
- 75Cell/Mobile Device Use: Texting
- 76Cell/Mobile Device Use: Other
- 77Cell/Mobile Device Use: Unknown
- 78Failed to slow or move over for vehicles displaying emergency lightsDid not move over, or slow to 20 mph under the limit, for a stopped emergency or service vehicle with its lights on.
- 79Drove on improved shoulderDrove on the paved shoulder while not passing.
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)The officer’s reason is written in the narrative.
39Vehicle Defects11 codes
Vehicle defects the officer believes contributed, listed the same way as the factors.
- 5Defective or No Headlamps
- 6Defective or No Stop Lamps
- 7Defective or No Tail Lamps
- 8Defective or No Turn Signal Lamps
- 9Defective or No Trailer Brakes
- 10Defective or No Vehicle Brakes
- 11Defective Steering Mechanism
- 12Defective or Slick TiresWorn or defective tires.
- 13Defective Trailer Hitch
- 14Automation Failure
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
40Weather Condition10 codes
The weather at the time of the crash.
- 1Clear
- 2Cloudy
- 3Rain
- 4Sleet/Hail
- 5Snow
- 6Fog
- 7Blowing Sand/Snow
- 8Severe Crosswinds
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown
41Light Condition8 codes
Daylight, dark, dawn or dusk, and whether the road was lit.
- 1Daylight
- 2Dark, Not Lighted
- 3Dark, Lighted
- 4Dark, Unknown Lighting
- 5Dawn
- 6Dusk
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown
42Entering Roads9 codes
How many roads meet where the crash happened.
- 2Three Entering Roads (T)
- 3Three Entering Roads (Y)
- 4Four Entering Roads
- 5Five Entering Roads
- 6Six Entering Roads
- 7Traffic Circle
- 8Cloverleaf
- 97Not Applicable
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
43Roadway Type5 codes
Whether the road was two way or one way, and divided or not.
- 1Two Way, Not Divided
- 2Two Way, Divided, Unprotected Median
- 3Two Way, Divided, Protected Median
- 4One Way
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
44Roadway Alignment8 codes
Whether the road was straight or curved, level or on a grade or hill.
- 1Straight, Level
- 2Straight, Grade
- 3Straight, Hillcrest
- 4Curve, Level
- 5Curve, Grade
- 6Curve, Hillcrest
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown
45Surface Condition9 codes
The road surface: dry, wet, icy and so on.
- 1Dry
- 2Wet
- 3Standing Water
- 4Snow
- 5Slush
- 6Ice
- 7Sand, Mud, Dirt
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
- 99Unknown
46Traffic Control18 codes
The signal, sign, officer or markings that controlled traffic where the crash happened.
- 2Inoperative (explained in the narrative)The signal or sign was not working.
- 3Officer
- 4Flagman
- 5Signal Light
- 6Flashing Red Light
- 7Flashing Yellow Light
- 8Stop Sign
- 9Yield Sign
- 10Warning Sign
- 11Center Stripe/Divider
- 12No Passing Zone
- 13RR Gate/Signal
- 15Crosswalk
- 16Bike Lane
- 17Marked Lanes
- 18Signal Light With Red Light Running Camera
- 96None
- 98Other (explained in the narrative)
Source: TxDOT, Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report Code Sheet, Form CR-3CS 4/1/2023 (579 codes in 46 lists, counting the damage areas and special ratings in list 29); TxDOT, CR-100 Instructions to Police for Reporting Crashes, version 29.0 (June 4, 2025); TxDOT, CR-80 Vehicle Damage Guide for Traffic Crash Investigators.
Questions people in Texas ask
Texas crash report questions
How do I get a copy of my Texas crash report?
Buy it from TxDOT’s Crash Report Online Purchase System at cris.txdot.gov/public/purchase. Search by the first and last name of anyone involved, adding the county, the crash date or the police case number to narrow it, or by a driver’s license number. Choose the full, non redacted copy if you were involved; you sign an affidavit saying why you qualify. Reports can take up to 14 days to appear.
How much does a Texas crash report cost?
$6 for a regular copy and $8 for a certified copy, set by Transportation Code § 550.065(d). Paying by card adds a small Texas.gov fee. An electronic check has no fee, but the report is held for 10 days before release. After you buy it, the report can be downloaded again for 10 days.
How long does it take for a Texas crash report to be available?
The officer must file it with TxDOT by the 10th day after the crash (§ 550.062(b)), and TxDOT says it can take up to 14 days from the crash date to show up in its search. If it is still missing after two weeks, contact the police department or sheriff’s office that worked the crash and ask whether it was submitted.
Who can get an unredacted crash report in Texas?
People directly concerned in the crash: anyone involved, their authorized representative such as an attorney, a driver’s employer, parent or guardian, the owner of damaged property, the insurers and policyholders for the vehicles and people involved, anyone who may sue over a death, licensed broadcasters and qualifying newspapers (§ 550.065(c)(4)). Everyone else gets a redacted copy without names, addresses, plates or insurance details.
What does Unit 1 mean on a Texas crash report?
Each vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian is a numbered unit. TxDOT’s instructions to police call it best practice to list the vehicle that caused the crash as Unit 1, so Unit 1 is often the vehicle the officer blames. It is not a legal finding, and other rules affect the order: the first unit must be a motor vehicle that was not parked, and a truck and its trailer take consecutive numbers.
What does injury severity C mean on a Texas crash report?
C stands for Possible Injury: an injury that was claimed or reported, or shown by how the person moved, such as limping or a complaint of pain, with no visible wound. It is the officer’s code at the scene, not a diagnosis. The medical records, not the code, show what the injury turned out to be.
What does may have contributed mean on a Texas crash report?
It records a condition the officer saw but could not say contributed to the crash. TxDOT’s instructions describe it as a condition that was present when the investigator is unable to determine whether it contributed. Up to two may have contributed factors can be listed for each unit, apart from the up to three contributing factors the officer believes did contribute.
Can I get my Texas crash report corrected?
Only the agency that wrote it can change it, by filing a supplement report with TxDOT. Ask the agency’s records or traffic division for a review, in writing, with the case number and proof of each mistake, such as photos, your insurance card or a witness’s details. Officers must file supplements for some later facts, such as test results or charges, but can decline to change an opinion.
Does the police report decide who is at fault in Texas?
No. The factors on the report are labeled the investigator’s opinion. In a Texas injury case the jury or judge sets each person’s percentage of responsibility using all the evidence (Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33.003), and a claimant more than 50 percent responsible recovers nothing (§ 33.001). A factor listed against you is still worth answering with evidence, because any share of fault reduces the recovery.
What does a damage rating like 12-FD-3 mean on a Texas crash report?
It reads in three parts. 12 is the direction the force came from as a clock position, so 12 means straight at the front. FD is the area damaged, here the front, with the impact spread across it. 3 is the severity on TxDOT’s scale from 0, no visible damage, to 7, the worst. Some agencies leave out the clock number and write FD-3.
What if the police did not come to my accident in Texas?
Then there is usually no state crash report, and Texas no longer has drivers file their own. The law still requires drivers to stop, exchange names, addresses, registration numbers and insurers, and call the police at once if anyone is hurt or a car cannot be driven (Transp. Code §§ 550.021 to 550.026). Your photos, the other driver’s details and witness names become the evidence.
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