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Tennessee 811 rules

In Tennessee you call Tennessee 811: at least 3 working days before excavation. Ticket life: 15 calendar days from the start date; give new notice at least 3 working days before the 15th day if work continues.

Advance notice before digging
At least 3 working days before excavation.
Farthest ahead you can call
10 working days.
How long the ticket or marks last
15 calendar days from the start date; give new notice at least 3 working days before the 15th day if work continues.
Tolerance zone (hand dig inside it)
Width of the utility plus 2 feet on each side (hand dig).
White lining (premarking)
Not confirmed in the law we read. Ask Tennessee 811.
The law
Tenn. Code Ann. 65-31-101 et seq.; notice 65-31-106.

Call 811 from anywhere in Tennessee to reach Tennessee 811, or file online at tenn811.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.

Start free811 ticket trackingDig GuardFind 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.

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

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

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