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North Carolina 811 rules

In North Carolina you call NC 811: no less than three full working days before proposed commencement (10-20 full working days near subaqueous facilities). Ticket life: notice expires 28 calendar days after the work start date.

Advance notice before digging
No less than three full working days before proposed commencement (10-20 full working days near subaqueous facilities).
Farthest ahead you can call
Not confirmed in the law we read. Ask NC 811.
How long the ticket or marks last
Notice expires 28 calendar days after the work start date.
Tolerance zone (hand dig inside it)
One-half known diameter plus 24 inches either side of center line, or 24 inches either side of outside edge of mark if diameter unknown.
White lining (premarking)
When the excavation area cannot be clearly and adequately identified from the notice (soluble white paint, flags or stakes).
The law
N.C.G.S. Chapter 87, Article 8A (87-115 et seq.).

Good to know: Near underwater facilities, notice is 10 to 20 working days.

Call 811 from anywhere in North Carolina to reach NC 811, or file online at nc811.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.

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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.

Using TrackOver in North Carolina? See excavation contractor software in North Carolina.

Working as a sub in North Carolina? How fast a GC has to pay you in North Carolina.

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