Burnaby Bylaw Guide: Request Traffic Collision Records
In Burnaby, British Columbia, traffic collision records are held by the police that attended the collision and by insurers for claim purposes. This guide explains who controls those records, how to request copies, what identification or file numbers you will need, and the typical timelines for responses. It covers municipal contact points, insurer procedures, and appeal routes so residents and legal representatives can obtain collision data for insurance, legal proceedings, or personal records.
What records exist and who holds them
Police collision reports, scene notes, and photographs are prepared by the attending detachment; insurance-related reports and claim files are maintained by ICBC for insured losses. For collisions on Burnaby roads, contact the City of Burnaby Police Services or the local detachment to identify the file number and request procedure.[2] For insurer copies and claim-related collision reports, ICBC provides an official request process.[1]
How to request collision records
- Identify the police agency that attended and obtain the incident or occurrence number from the officer or your insurer.
- Contact the police records office for the detachment (Burnaby Police Services/RCMP) to ask about the process for copies, required ID, and fees.[2]
- If you need an insurer report, request it from ICBC using their collision report request procedure and provide your claim number if applicable.[1]
- Allow processing time; timelines vary by office and by whether the file is active for investigation or legal proceedings.
Penalties & Enforcement
Traffic collisions themselves are not regulated by a single Burnaby bylaw; enforcement of traffic offences arising from collisions is conducted under provincial statutes and municipal bylaws by the attending police or bylaw officers. Administrative penalties, tickets, and criminal charges flow from the Motor Vehicle Act, provincial offences, or criminal code offences where applicable. Specific fine amounts for offences arising from collisions are set out in provincial legislation or in municipal bylaw schedules, not on the general record-request pages.
Enforcement details
- Enforcer: Burnaby Police Services/RCMP detachment enforces traffic offences and issues tickets; bylaw enforcement may address municipal parking or local violations.
- Court and prosecution: Provincial Court handles traffic tickets; criminal matters are prosecuted by the Crown if applicable.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited record-request pages; consult the Motor Vehicle Act or specific municipal bylaw schedules for fixed fines.
- Escalation and repeat offences: not specified on the cited record-request pages; escalation is governed by provincial statutes and court sentencing ranges.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders, licence suspensions, vehicle impoundment, or court-ordered conditions may apply depending on charges and court outcomes.
- Inspection and complaints: contact Burnaby Police Services records or By-law Enforcement for concerns about record accuracy or bylaw matters.[2]
Appeals, reviews and time limits
- Ticket appeals: follow instructions on the ticket or contact Provincial Court for filing timelines; specific deadlines are not provided on the record-request pages.
- Record disputes: request a review with the records office that issued the report; if privacy or access issues arise, use the applicable FOI process where applicable.
Applications & Forms
Police and ICBC have specific request forms or procedures. If a published form exists, the police or insurer page will identify the form name, submission method, and any fee. If no form is published for the detachment online, contact the records office directly to confirm requirements.[2]
Action steps
- Collect the incident number, officer name, and date/time of collision.
- Contact the attending police records office to learn the exact request method and fees.[2]
- If claiming through ICBC, request the insurer report through ICBC procedures and provide your claim number.[1]
- Pay any required fees and allow the stated processing time; if records are withheld, ask for the review or FOI instructions.
FAQ
- Who can request a collision report?
- Parties directly involved, their legal representatives, and insurers typically can request reports; third parties may face privacy limitations.
- How long does it take to get a copy?
- Processing times vary by office and whether the file is part of an active investigation; ask the records office for an estimated timeline.
- Are there fees to obtain reports?
- Fees may apply for copies or search time; specific amounts are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the issuing office.
How-To
- Gather collision details: date, time, location, officer or occurrence number.
- Call or visit the police records office for the detachment that attended the collision and request the procedure.
- Complete any required form, attach ID, and pay fees as instructed by the records office or ICBC.
- Receive copies or follow up on processing time; if denied, request a review or FOI instructions from the issuing agency.
Key Takeaways
- Collision reports are held by the attending police detachment and by ICBC for insurer files.
- Contact the records office directly to confirm forms, fees, and timelines before submitting a request.
Help and Support / Resources
- Burnaby Police Services - Records and Contact
- City of Burnaby - Bylaw Enforcement
- ICBC - Collision report requests