David J. Muñoz | February 1, 2026 | Truck Accidents

Big trucks on the roads in California are dangerous, but they are even more of a hazard when they are being operated by an unsafe driver. If you see an unsafe truck driver, you might be wondering how you can report it. By doing so, you could help prevent a potential truck accident, especially if the police get involved. 

Keep reading below to learn all the details about how to report an unsafe truck driver in California.

Reporting an Unsafe Truck Driver in California

There are a few different ways you can report an unsafe truck driver in California, and the method you choose may depend on the severity and immediacy of the situation. The ways you can report an unsafe truck driver are:

1. Call 911

If you witness an unsafe truck driver in a situation that needs immediate attention, you should call 911. This is the proper course of action to help prevent an accident and potentially prevent others from being injured by the unsafe driver. You should always call 911 if you suspect the truck driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The dispatcher or operator will likely ask you for several details about the situation, including:

• Your precise location
• The direction the truck is heading
• Tag number, if you can see it
• Identifying information about the truck
• Specific behavior that you have witnessed

The dispatcher can route a police officer to the location to observe the truck driver and make a traffic stop if necessary.

2. Contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

All commercial trucks must be registered with the FMCSA, and this organization has authority over these vehicles and their operations. You can report a safety violation or complaint of an unsafe driver through their online complaint form or by calling their toll-free number at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238).

In your complaint, you will need to provide as many details as possible. This includes the tag number, name of the trucking company, date and time of the incident, and other key information. The sooner you file your complaint, the better, but most violations must be reported within 90 days.

#3. Report to the California DMV

You can report a potentially unsafe driver to the California DMV. If your report is found to have merit, the driver may be required to re-test in order to regain their license. Like the other reporting methods, you will need to have as much information about the truck driver as possible. 

At a minimum, you should have:

• The tag number of the truck
• The date and time of the incident
• The specific behavior the truck driver engaged in
• The name of the trucking company

Although you must sign your report to the DMV, you can request that your report remain anonymous.

#4. Contact the Trucking Company

Another way to report an unsafe truck driver is to notify their employer. If you can get the name of the trucking company and the tag or vehicle number, you can contact the company directly. Give them information about what you witnessed, and they can take corrective action with the truck driver to prevent unsafe behavior in the future.

Common Complaints About Unsafe Truck Drivers

Some of the most common types of complaints about unsafe truck drivers are:

• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving, such as texting or other cell phone use
• Potential drug or alcohol use
• Unsafe or improperly loaded cargo

By reporting the unsafe behavior, you have taken the appropriate action. It is up to the police or others to determine how the unsafe behavior will be handled.

What to Do if You Are Hurt in a Truck Accident

If you are injured in a truck accident, you should get medical treatment for your injuries right away. Gather as much evidence from the scene as possible, including photos of the truck and your vehicle. Avoid giving a statement to the trucking company or their insurance company. Instead, talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer right away.

You may be entitled to recover both economic damages and non-economic damages, and this may include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Additional damages

Your time to file a claim is limited, so make sure you do not wait too long to get the help you deserve.

Contact the Chula Vista Truck Accident Lawyers at Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Reporting unsafe truck drivers can help reduce the risk of serious crashes on California roads. But if you are injured in a truck accident, you should focus on getting medical care and protecting your legal rights. 

Truck cases can involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and insurers, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options and pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact our Chula Vista truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
3666 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000