How to send dashcam footage to police in Ontario

In Ontario you don't usually send dashcam video to police up front. You make a report, keep the file safe, and hand it over if an officer asks for it. Here's how that works and how to be ready.

Step 1: Make the report

If someone is in danger right now, pull over and call 911. For driving that's already over, use your local police service's non-emergency report:

• Toronto: the driving complaint form in the Toronto Police Service's online reporting system, for incidents in the City of Toronto. You need an email address.
• OPP: call 1-888-310-1122, or use the OPP's online reporting site for minor incidents that qualify.
• York Region: the Road Watch form on yrp.ca. It's for incidents in York Region with no collision, where you have the plate and don't know the driver.
• Peel Region: call 905-453-3311.
• Durham Region: the Road Watch form on drps.ca, or 1-888-579-1520 (press 0).

These forms ask you to describe what you saw: plate, vehicle, date, time, place and what the driver did. They don't ask for the video. Say in the description that you have dashcam footage. Our guide on how to report dangerous driving in Ontario covers who to call in more detail.

Step 2: Wait to be asked

An officer reviews the report. If they want your footage, they'll contact you and tell you how to send it. Each service has its own way of collecting digital evidence, so use the method the officer gives you and nothing else. In Toronto, if you think of something to add after you've reported, you can file a supplemental report online.

Keep in mind that reports aren't anonymous. Durham Regional Police, for example, say that if charges are laid your identity may be disclosed to the driver and you may be asked to testify.

Step 3: Save the file properly

Do this the same day, before your camera loops over it:

• Lock the clip on the camera if it has a button for that, then copy the original file to your computer with a card reader.
• Keep it unedited. No trimming, no filters, no re-saving in another format. If you want a short version to share, make a copy and leave the original alone.
• Keep a second copy somewhere else, like a USB drive or cloud storage.
• Write down the date and time the camera shows, and note if the camera's clock was off.
• Keep your report or incident number with the file.

Our guide on how long a dashcam keeps footage explains loop recording and locked files.

What usually happens next

For a one-off incident with no crash, police may send the registered owner a letter rather than lay a charge. York Regional Police say a Road Watch report may lead to a letter to the vehicle owner. Serious driving, like a hit and run, is more likely to be investigated.

You can also post the clip on BadDriver.ca so other drivers can look up the plate. If police are investigating, ask the officer before you post anything. Read the posting rules first.