Help for 511 users


How may we be of assistance?

When can I call 511 Virginia?

What does it cost to call the 511 Virginia System?

How can I access the 511 Virginia System?

Why can I not connect to the 511 Virginia System?

What type of information is available through the 511 Virginia System?

What are the tips for navigating the system faster?

What Counties, Metro Areas and Highways are covered by the 511 Virginia System?

What can I do when the system cannot recognize what I am saying?

Is there a list of touch-tone entries recognized by the system?

When can I call 511 VIRGINIA? You can call 511 at anytime, as the system operates 24/7.

What does it cost to call the 511 Virginia System? Calling 511 costs no more than the cost of a local call (or less). For wireless customers, normal airtime (minutes) and if applicable, roaming charges may apply.

How can I access the 511 Virginia Telephone System? Dial 511 from any phone - wireless or landline. Outside of Virginia, call 1-866-MY-511-VA (1-866-69-511-82).

Why can I not connect to the 511 Virginia System? If you are unable to dial 511 from your home, office or a pay phone: Every landline and wireless carrier has been contacted to provide access to the 511 Virginia traveler information service through the 511 dialing code. However, it is possible that some carriers are slow to implement the 511 code, or that certain office telephone systems (PBXs) are not able to access this new three-digit code. Additionally, pay telephone services are offered by a vast number of companies and private interests, and some may not have programmed 511 into their networks yet.

If your carrier (or pay phone provider) has not programmed 511: If you try to call from your home or wireless telephone, or from a pay telephone, and cannot connect by dialing 511, you may access the 511 Virginia Service by dialing 1-800-578-4111. After you have retrieved your travel information, please say "Feedback" to record a comment on the system and include information that your carrier or pay telephone does not offer direct access 511. Please include the name of the telephone carrier (and especially for wireless users) the location from which you were not able to connect to 511. This will help us to insure that all users in Virginia have equal access to the 511 service.

If your PBX is not programmed to allow 511 dialing: If you dial 511 from inside your office and get a fast busy signal, this could mean that your PBX is not programmed to allow 511 to be dialed (most PBX systems will only allow 911 and possibly 411 as acceptable 3-digit codes). Please check with your office manager or telephone system administrator to insure that 511 is allowed through your OPBX.

If the 511 code is enabled, and you get a fast-busy signal or other message, then your telephone carrier has not enabled 511 in their system. We ask that you follow the steps noted above under "If your carrier has not programmed 511" so we can try to remedy this situation.

For Office Managers and Technical Support personnel: To allow the use of the 511 code, simply enable the transmission of the 511 digits (3-digits instead of 7, 10 or 11) when dialed from your PBX. Sending the 511 digits to your local telephone carrier should connect to the 511 service, assuming your carrier has programmed their switches to properly translate the 511 code for your area.

What type of information is available through the 511 Virginia System?

System Content

System Coverage

What are the tips for navigating the system faster? The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has upgraded its 511 system to reflect improvements suggested from users. As of Aug. 1, the new phone system includes:

Other tips for faster and more efficient navigation are using the following commands:

What Counties, Metro Areas and Highways are covered by the 511 Virginia System? See below for a complete list of Counties, Metro Areas and Highways covered by the System.

What can I do when the system cannot recognize what I am saying? Try these solutions:

Is there list of touch-tone entries recognized by the system?