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Louisiana 811 rules

In Louisiana you call Louisiana 811: at least 48 hours but not more than 120 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Ticket life: marks good while visible but not longer than 20 calendar days from mark-by time; new notice needed after; written agreement or large-project (90 days) extensions.

Advance notice before digging
At least 48 hours but not more than 120 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
Farthest ahead you can call
120 hours excluding weekends and holidays.
How long the ticket or marks last
Marks good while visible but not longer than 20 calendar days from mark-by time; new notice needed after; written agreement or large-project (90 days) extensions.
Tolerance zone (hand dig inside it)
Width of facility plus 18 inches on either side.
White lining (premarking)
When used: white paint, flags, stakes per APWA guidelines; marked area may not exceed actual excavation area.
The law
La. R.S. 40:1749.11-1749.26 (notice 40:1749.13; marks 40:1749.14).

Good to know: Louisiana counts its own holidays, including Good Friday and Christmas Eve.

Call 811 from anywhere in Louisiana to reach Louisiana 811, or file online at louisiana811.com.

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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