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Massachusetts 811 rules

In Massachusetts you call Dig Safe System: at least 72 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, but not more than 30 days before excavation.

Advance notice before digging
At least 72 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, but not more than 30 days before excavation.
Farthest ahead you can call
30 days.
How long the ticket or marks last
Not confirmed in the law we read. Ask Dig Safe System.
Tolerance zone (hand dig inside it)
Safety zone: width of facility plus not more than 18 inches on each side.
White lining (premarking)
Yes; premark up to 500 ft with white paint/stakes (not required for continuous excavation over 500 ft).
The law
M.G.L. c. 82, §§40, 40A-40E.

Call 811 from anywhere in Massachusetts to reach Dig Safe System, or file online at digsafe.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 one-call center's published copy of the law, because the legislature's own site couldn't be read directly. Rules change; confirm with the center before a big job.

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