Reporting a license plate: The correct behavior if a crime is suspected!

Thomas Wachsmuth September 18, 2023 Test sites, laws, offenses, information

It happens faster than you think: while walking or on the way home, you observe a vehicle and its occupants suspicious behavior put on display. They may even be involved in a robbery, violate traffic rules or even commit a hit-and-run. In such cases, many people ask themselves: What should I do? How and where can I report the vehicle's license plate number?

Report a license plate

Your own safety comes first: The first and most important step in such a situation is to ensure your own safety. Do not attempt to confront the vehicle or the occupants themselves. Keep enough distance and avoid coming directly into the suspicious person's field of vision.

Remember or write down the license plate number: If you have a smartphone or notebook handy, write it down License-plates of the suspect vehicle. If not, try to remember it. Every detail counts. Information about the vehicle type, color and conspicuous features can also be helpful.
Contact the police: In urgent cases, especially if you think the vehicle is involved in a crime or there is imminent danger, call the 112 (in Germany) or the relevant emergency number in your country. Provide all the information you have, including the license plate number and any other details you have memorized.
For less urgent cases: If it is a less urgent incident, such as minor traffic violations, you can contact your local police department or search for one online at your state police website Reporting form look for suspicious activity. Police departments often have special telephone numbers for such reports.

Be prepared to act as a witness: The police may contact you later to obtain further information or to ask you to testify in a possible trial. If you're willing to help, you can help keep streets safer and criminals held accountable.

In summary, it is important to know that your report can make the difference. They could not only help identify and stop a criminal, but also protect others from potential danger. The most important thing, however, is to always think about your own safety and not put yourself in danger.

**Note:** ***Table not fully visible? Then scroll sideways!***
Steps to report a license plate
1. Your own safety	Always put your own safety first and do not confront yourself unless the situation requires it.
2. Remember/note license plate number	Note details such as vehicle type, color and noticeable features.
3. Urgent cases	Call the emergency number (e.g. 112 in Germany) immediately.
4. Less urgent cases	Contact your local police station or use the online report form.
5. Stand by as a witness	If necessary, provide further information or testify in a proceeding.

That wasn't it yet.

Planned changes to the law, traffic violations, current regulations in the area of the STVO, etc.? You can find everything about this in the category "Test sites, laws, offenses, information".