Step 1: How do you confirm the investigating agency?
The agency that responded to the scene holds the report. Check any card or report number the officer gave you. In Roanoke County, the Roanoke County Police Department, the Town of Vinton Police Department and the Virginia State Police can each be involved, depending on where the crash happened.
The Roanoke County Police non-emergency number is (540) 562-3265, and the Public Safety Center is at 5925 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA 24019 (Roanoke County (opens in a new tab)). Vinton Police are at 311 S Pollard Street, Vinton, VA 24179, with an after-hours non-emergency dispatch line of (540) 562-3265 (Town of Vinton (opens in a new tab)). State Police crash reports are requested through the DMV (Virginia State Police (opens in a new tab)).
Step 2: How do you request the report?
- Call the Records Division at (540) 777-8605, or submit an online Request for Public Records for traffic accident reports (Roanoke County (opens in a new tab)).
- Expect no charge for citizens for traffic accident reports.
- For other police reports, go to the police department in person with a photo ID, such as a driver's license or U.S. passport.
- If the crash was in Vinton or investigated by State Police, use the steps on the crash report page.
| Agency | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roanoke County Police Records Division | (540) 777-8605 | Traffic accident reports; online request available |
| Roanoke County Police non-emergency | (540) 562-3265 | Public Safety Center, 5925 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA 24019 |
| Roanoke County general line | (540) 772-2006 | General county number |
| Vinton Police Department | 311 S Pollard Street, Vinton, VA 24179 | After-hours non-emergency dispatch (540) 562-3265 |
Which state rules apply?
The same Virginia rules apply to a crash in the county as anywhere in the Commonwealth.
- Duties after a crash. See the steps after a crash.
- Fault. See contributory negligence.
- Deadlines and notice. A claim against a county, city or town needs a written statement filed within six months (Va. Code § 15.2-209 (opens in a new tab)). Personal injury must be filed within two years (Va. Code § 8.01-243 (opens in a new tab)). The claim deadline checker calculates both.
For a crash in Salem, see the Salem page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I request a Roanoke County crash report?
Call the Roanoke County Police Records Division at (540) 777-8605, or submit an online Request for Public Records for traffic accident reports on the county website. Other police reports are picked up in person at the police department with photo ID, such as a driver's license or U.S. passport.
Does Roanoke County charge for the report?
The county's request page states there is no charge for citizens for traffic accident reports. Confirm the current fee with the Records Division before you request, and ask how long delivery takes. Other police reports are picked up in person at the police department with photo ID, such as a driver's license or U.S. passport.
Are deadlines different in the county?
No. The filing deadlines come from Virginia statutes, not from the county. Va. Code § 8.01-243 sets two years for personal injury. A claim against a county, city or town also needs written notice under § 15.2-209 within six months. Use the claim deadline checker for your dates.
Who investigates a crash in the Town of Vinton?
A crash in Vinton may be handled by the Vinton Police Department, 311 S Pollard Street, Vinton, VA 24179. Its after-hours non-emergency dispatch line is (540) 562-3265, and the Town of Vinton's general line is (540) 983-0601. Ask the department directly how to request a report. State Police crash reports are requested through the DMV.
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the Roanoke Crash Lawyer Guide editorial team