OL 316 Form – The OL 316 Form is a critical regulatory document issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for reporting traffic collisions involving autonomous vehicles (AVs). Also known officially as the Report of Traffic Collision Involving an Autonomous Vehicle, this form ensures transparency, safety oversight, and public accountability as California leads the nation in autonomous vehicle testing and deployment. Whether you’re an AV manufacturer, fleet operator, or simply researching self-driving car regulations, understanding the OL 316 Form is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what the OL 316 Form requires, who must file it, submission deadlines, step-by-step completion instructions, and why it matters for AV safety in California. All information is based on the official DMV form (revision 7/2020) and current DMV guidelines as of 2026.
What Is the OL 316 Form?
The OL 316 Form is the standardized California DMV document used exclusively to report any traffic collision involving an autonomous vehicle that results in property damage, bodily injury, or death. It is not a general accident report like the SR 1 form; it is specifically designed for vehicles operating under the state’s autonomous vehicle testing or deployment programs.
Key purpose:
- Captures detailed manufacturer, vehicle, accident, and operational mode data.
- Helps the DMV monitor AV safety performance on public roads.
- Supports data-driven policy decisions and public transparency.
The form is available as a free PDF download directly from the California DMV: Download OL 316 Form PDF.
Who Must File the OL 316 Form?
Only manufacturers holding a valid California DMV autonomous vehicle testing permit (including driverless testing permits) are required to file the OL 316 Form. This includes companies like Waymo, Cruise, and others actively testing AVs on California roads.
- Not required for individual drivers or standard vehicle owners involved in collisions with AVs.
- The authorized program administrator or representative of the AV manufacturer must sign and certify the report under penalty of perjury.
- Reporting applies whether the vehicle was in autonomous mode or conventional (human-driven) mode at the time of the collision.
As of March 27, 2026, the DMV has received 966 Autonomous Vehicle Collision Reports via OL 316 forms.
When to File the OL 316 Report: Deadlines and Triggers?
California regulations require submission of the OL 316 Form within 10 days of any qualifying collision. A report is mandatory if the AV collision results in:
- Property damage (any amount)
- Bodily injury
- Fatality
This 10-day deadline is mandated under California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Section 227.48. Failure to report can result in permit suspension or revocation.
Note: While some legislative proposals (such as elements of AB 3061 effective July 2025) expand annual reporting for disengagements and collisions in both testing and deployment phases, the core OL 316 collision reporting process for testing permit holders remains the primary mechanism.
How to Fill Out the OL 316 Form: Step-by-Step Instructions?
The OL 316 is a multi-section, single-page form (with space for attachments). Print clearly and use “UNK” (unknown) or “NONE” where information is unavailable. Always attach additional pages or police reports if needed and check the “Additional Information Attached” box.
Here’s a breakdown of each section based on the official form:
Section 1: Manufacturer’s Information
- Manufacturer name
- AVT (Autonomous Vehicle Tester) Number
- Business name, phone, and complete address
Section 2: Accident Information / Vehicle 1 (the AV)
- Date and time of accident
- Vehicle year, make, model, license plate, VIN, and registration state
- Exact location (address, city, county, ZIP)
- Whether the vehicle was moving or stopped
- Involvement with pedestrian, bicyclist, or other
- Driver name, license number, DOB, and insurance details (including NAIC number)
- Shade the damaged areas on the vehicle diagram (UNK / NONE / MINOR / MOD / MAJOR)
Section 3: Other Party’s Information / Vehicle 2
- Identical fields as Section 2 for the second vehicle or party
- Insurance details for the other party
Section 4: Injury/Death and Property Damage
- List all injured, deceased, or affected parties (driver, passenger, bicyclist, pedestrian)
- Property damage description and owner contact information
- Witness names and contact details
Section 5: Accident Details – Description
- Mark whether the AV was in Autonomous Mode or Conventional Mode
- Weather conditions (up to 2 items)
- Lighting conditions
- Roadway surface and conditions
- Movement preceding collision (for both vehicles)
- Type of collision (head-on, rear-end, etc.)
- Factors contributing to the collision (inattention, vision obscured, etc.)
- Provide a detailed narrative explanation on the form or attachment
Section 6: Certification
- Signed certification by the authorized program director/administrator under penalty of perjury
Pro tips for accurate completion:
- Include NAIC insurance numbers for every policy.
- Describe all property damage (fences, signs, parked cars, etc.).
- Attach photos, police reports, or diagrams when helpful.
Where and How to Submit the OL 316 Form?
Mail the completed OL 316 Form to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Autonomous Vehicles Branch
2415 1st Avenue, MS D405
Sacramento, CA 95818
No electronic submission option is currently listed on the official form or DMV website—physical mailing is required. Keep a copy for your records.
Why Autonomous Vehicle Collision Reporting Matters?
The OL 316 Form plays a vital role in California’s AV regulatory framework by:
- Enabling real-time safety monitoring of self-driving technology.
- Providing publicly accessible data that researchers, policymakers, and consumers can analyze.
- Helping identify trends (e.g., common collision types involving AVs vs. human drivers).
- Supporting the state’s goal of safer roads through data-driven improvements.
All submitted OL 316 reports are publicly available on the DMV’s Autonomous Vehicle Collision Reports page.
Frequently Asked Questions About the OL 316 Form
Q: Is the OL 316 Form the same as a police accident report?
A: No. It is a supplemental manufacturer-specific report filed in addition to any law enforcement collision report.
Q: Do I need to file OL 316 for minor fender-benders with no damage?
A: No—only collisions involving property damage, injury, or death trigger the requirement.
Q: Can the public view filed OL 316 reports?
A: Yes. The DMV publishes them on its website (pre-2019 reports available by request).
Q: Has the form changed recently?
A: The current version is OL 316 (REV. 7/2020). Always download the latest from the official DMV link.
Download the Official OL 316 Form Today
Access the most current version here:
Download OL 316 – Report of Traffic Collision Involving an Autonomous Vehicle (PDF)
For the latest AV regulations, visit the official California DMV Autonomous Vehicles page.
Stay informed on California’s evolving autonomous vehicle laws—bookmark this guide and the DMV site for updates on OL 316 Form requirements and self-driving car safety reporting. Safe roads start with transparent data!