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California 811 rules

In California you call USA North 811 / DigAlert (USA South): at least 2 working days, not more than 14 calendar days, not counting date of notification; working day = M-F 7am-5pm excl. federal/state holidays. Ticket life: 28 days from issuance; renew by end of day 28 via web or 811.

Advance notice before digging
At least 2 working days, not more than 14 calendar days, not counting date of notification; working day = M-F 7am-5pm excl. federal/state holidays.
Farthest ahead you can call
14 calendar days.
How long the ticket or marks last
28 days from issuance; renew by end of day 28 via web or 811.
Tolerance zone (hand dig inside it)
24 inches on each side of the field marking.
White lining (premarking)
Yes (excavator must delineate area before notifying center).
The law
Cal. Gov. Code 4216-4216.24.

Good to know: Two centers split the state: USA North 811 in the north and DigAlert in the south. The 24-inch zone is measured from the paint, not the pipe.

Call 811 from anywhere in California to reach USA North 811 / DigAlert (USA South), or file online at usanorth811.org.

Running several digs at once?

TrackOver keeps each ticket number, markout date and expiry on the job it belongs to, and warns before a ticket runs out, so the crew in the hole isn't digging on a dead ticket.

811 ticket trackingFind dig work on the board

Where this comes from

Checked September 24, 2026 against the state's own statute or rule text. Rules change; confirm with the center before a big job.

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