IrelandI was involved in a minor accident. Must I report it?
Yes, you must report a road traffic accident in Ireland if it causes injury to any person or damage to property (including vehicles) belonging to another person.
What the Law Says
The Road Traffic Act 1961 sets out when and how drivers must report road traffic accidents in Ireland.
Under Section 106 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, if you are involved in a road traffic accident that causes injury to any person or damage to property (including vehicles) belonging to another person, you must report it to the Gardaí.
This duty applies regardless of how minor the accident appears — if someone is injured or another person’s property is damaged, reporting is mandatory.
You must report the accident as soon as practicable, and in any case within 24 hours of the incident.
Statutory TextWhere a person is involved in a road traffic accident in which injury is caused to any person or damage is caused to property (including vehicles) belonging to another person, he shall, as soon as practicable and in any case within twenty-four hours, report the accident to a member of the Garda Síochána.
— Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 106 — Duty to report accidents
What to Do
Stop safely at the scene (if no serious injury or danger).
Exchange names, addresses, and vehicle registration details with other drivers involved.
Report the accident to the Gardaí within 24 hours — in person, by phone, or online via your local Garda station.
Keep a written record of the date, time, location, and details of the accident and those involved.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.