Georgia 511 FAQs

Q: What does it cost to call 511?
A: 511 does not charge for the call, but your normal mobile rates apply. Calling from a landline is free.

Q: What languages does the 511 system use?
A: The 511 system communicates in English.

Q: What roads are covered by the Georgia 511 system?
A: State and interstate routes across the entire state of Georgia are covered.

Q: What can I do when the system cannot recognize what I’m saying? 
A: Press 9 or say “Operator.”

Q: How does 511 get its information?
A: The NaviGAtor system, road cameras, the Georgia State Patrol, Emergency 911 dispatch centers, HERO units, GDOT personnel and motorists all report incidents to the 511 network. Information on construction and lane closures come from the Georgia Department of Transportation. AMBER Alert information is provided through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA). The National Weather Service provides details on major weather incidents such as hurricanes, snow and ice.

Q: How does the information available from 511 differ from the travel information I get on the radio and television?
A: The 511 phone system offers callers a broader range of information on traffic, trip planning, transit links, and help requests.

Q: I called 511 from my mobile phone but I got a neighboring state’s system. What happened?
A: When you dial 511 near a state border, you may get connected to either the state you are entering or leaving depending on cell towers.  From Georgia 511, callers can transfer to Tennessee, Florida and North Carolina and vice versa.

Q: How often is 511 updated?
A: Information is updated every few minutes.

Q: Does 511 have an 800# option?
A: Yes. Call 877-MYGA511 (694-2511)

Q: Will the *DOT line remain operational?
A: Yes, but callers are encouraged to begin using 511 immediately in order to access a much larger menu of options and service offerings. *DOT will be phased out over time.

Q: Can I call 511 from my mobile phone?
A: Yes. To emphasize safety, we recommend calling 511 before leaving home or while your vehicle is stopped.

Q: What can I do if my mobile service provider does not support 511?
A: Preprogram 877-MYGA511(694-2511) into your phone.

Q: How do I use the system if I am hearing-impaired?
A: Hearing-impaired callers can dial 711 and access all of the 511 transportation information. 711 is the national three-digit number for access to Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS). Callers dial 711 and ask the operator to connect them to the 511 service. Once connected, the 711 operator acts as a go-between, relaying callers’ requests for travel information to the 511 system and then providing system responses back to the callers.

Q: How do I use the system if I am speech-impaired?
A: Speech-impaired callers can use the touch-tone back-up system to access all of Georgia 511’s features. The system will list the main menu and submenu options with a corresponding number. You simply press the number that matches your choice. For Option “2”, highway information, you can tell the system which road you want to hear information for by entering the corresponding interstate, state route, or exit number at each prompt.