About the Service Central Traffic Unit

Reporting A Motor Vehicle Collision

Central Traffic Unit
Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions and answers are provided by the Winnipeg Police Service Central Traffic Unit, Photo Enforcement Section.

Where do I report an accident and during what hours?
Can I make my collision report over phone?
How do I know if a collision occurred or a person bodily damaged my vehicle?
How many days do I have to report a collision?
Can I make my report in a location outside of Winnipeg (eg…Selkirk, MB)?
Why do I have to report a collision?
What if there’s no damage to my car but the other one is damaged?
What do I do if my car was hit and I don’t know who did it?
Can I ride a pocket bike on my street/backlane?
What streets are closed due to events?
Does my child require a car seat/restraints and what kind?
My vehicle has been impounded. Where do I go to pick it up?
My vehicle has been impounded. How much will it cost to get my vehicle out of the compound?
My vehicle has been impounded. How do I know if my vehicle is releasable?
My vehicle has been impounded. How do I get my vehicle back?
I loaned my vehicle to someone else and it has been impounded. How do I get it back?
How do I make a report of a truck operating off a truck route?

1. Where do I report an accident and during what hours?

You can report your accident in person at any police station or service centre. The hours of operation depend on what time the station or centres are open. View locations and hours of police stations and service centres.

2. Can I make my collision report over phone.

Only if it is a hit and run and damage is under $1000.00 and there is no suspect. All other collision reports must be done in person.

3. How do I know if a collision occurred or a person bodily damaged my vehicle?

Check the vehicle for any paint transfer, other vehicle debris left at the scene or go to an auto body shop to have your vehicle inspected.

4. How many days do I have to report a collision?

You have 14 days if you exchanged particulars with the other person involved. It is 2 years if the collision was a hit and run.

5. Can I make my report outside of Winnipeg (eg…Selkirk MB)?

Yes, but it must be done within 7 days and you may want to check with your municipality to see what the rcmp rules are.

6. Why do I have to report a collision?

Compliance in regards to your driver’s licence and insurance.

7. What if there’s no damage to my car but the other one is damaged?

Reports must be made for all hit and runs or if damages are over $1000.00 or any injuries..

8. What do I do if my car was hit and I don’t know who did it?

Make a hit and run claim. Go to an auto body and obtain an estimate before reporting. The procedures change due to estimated damages.

9. Can I ride a pocket bike on my street/backlane?

Pocket bikes are illegal in Winnipeg. The only use is on private property outside of Winnipeg.

10. What streets are closed due to events?

Smaller events are usually too dynamic to have a list of street closures, so information will generally be unavailable for them. Larger events sometimes post street closure information on the events website, or it can be obtained by contacting the event coordinators. For further information on street closure permits, please contact the City of Winnipeg Public Works department at 311.

11. Does my child require a car seat/restraints and what kind?

If the child is over 5 years and over 50 lbs no car seat or restraint is required.

12. My vehicle has been impounded. Where do I go to pick it up?

All impounded vehicles are stored in the Dr. Hook compound at 75 Lowson Crescent, Winnipeg.

13. My vehicle has been impounded. How much will it cost to get my vehicle out of the compound?

You should always ensure your vehicle is releasable prior to attending or having it picked up. Towing costs, storage fees and impoundment fees must all be paid prior to a vehicle being released from the compound. For up to date fee information you may check with Dr. Hook at 956-4665.

14. My vehicle has been impounded. How do I know if my vehicle is releasable?

When the vehicle was impounded the operator would have been given an Impoundment Form which details the vehicle release information. Dr. Hook will have a copy of this form on file or you may call the Traffic Accident Clerk at 986-6282, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week, for clarification. This section pertains only to vehicles which have been impounded within the City of Winnipeg.

15. My vehicle has been impounded. How do I get my vehicle back?

Once your vehicle is releasable, you may attend the main floor, Public Safety Building, 151 Princess Street and speak with a Traffic Accident Clerk. You must produce proof of ownership by way of vehicle registration or bill of sale and you must have photo identification. If you are picking up a vehicle on the registered owner’s behalf you must have a letter of authorization from that registered owner as well as the vehicle registration or another legal document that bears the registered owner’s signature and you must have photo identification.

16. I loaned my vehicle to someone else and it has been impounded. How do I get it back?

If you have loaned your vehicle to someone and your vehicle has been impounded you can arrange to have an Appeal Hearing at 408 York Avenue. There is a fee for the Hearing. There are no Hearings on the weekends. Further information can be obtained by phoning the Vehicle Impoundment Registry at 945-4454 Monday - Friday.

17. How do I make a report of a truck operating off a truck route?

You can report a truck operating on a street not designated as a truck route, by contacting the Community Support Unit at your local Police District Station. Community Support Unit members deal with specific traffic complaints such as this. Determine your local police district. View our District MapsView our phone listing to find your local Community Support Unit number.