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Ohio 811 rules

In Ohio you call Ohio811 (Ohio Utilities Protection Service): at least 2 working days, not including the day of notification.

Advance notice before digging
At least 2 working days, not including the day of notification.
Farthest ahead you can call
16 calendar days before commencing excavation.
How long the ticket or marks last
Not confirmed in the law we read. Ask Ohio811 (Ohio Utilities Protection Service).
Tolerance zone (hand dig inside it)
Width of facility plus 18 inches on each side.
White lining (premarking)
Yes, excavator shall premark in white before notifying, with listed exceptions (e.g. utility can determine precise site).
The law
Ohio Rev. Code 3781.25-3781.38 (3781.25, 3781.28, 3781.29).

Good to know: The law was amended in June 2026; the 16-day maximum notice comes from that change.

Call 811 from anywhere in Ohio to reach Ohio811 (Ohio Utilities Protection Service), or file online at ohio811.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.

Start free811 ticket trackingDig GuardFind 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.

Using TrackOver in Ohio? See excavation contractor software in Ohio.

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

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