Louisiana Hydrovac & Excavation Regulations
Excavation law, 811 notice rules, tolerance zone and penalties for Louisiana, with citations to the statutes and the one-call center.
Last reviewed October 18, 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality and utility, so always contact 811 and confirm current requirements before you dig. Read the disclaimer
Louisiana at a Glance
Call 811 before you dig
- One-call center
- Louisiana 811 (Louisiana One Call System)Visit website for Louisiana 811 (Louisiana One Call System) (opens in a new tab)
- Phone
- 811 or 800-272-3020
- Notice required
- At least 48 hours but not more than 120 hours before work, excluding weekends and holidays; the 48-hour wait starts at 7:00 a.m. on the next working day; white-lining required for telephone notices
- Tolerance zone
- 18 inches
- Ticket life
- Marks valid while visible, up to 20 calendar days from the mark-by time (30 days for forestry, agricultural and marine work)
- Maximum penalty
- $25,000
Louisiana requires excavators to notify Louisiana 811 (Louisiana One Call System) at least 48 hours but not more than 120 hours before work, excluding weekends and holidays. The 48-hour wait starts at 7:00 a.m. on the next working day, and telephone notices require white lining the area. The law is La. R.S. 40:1749.11 et seq.
Tolerance Zone
18 inches
The marked location may be no wider than the facility plus 18 inches on either side (La. R.S. 40:1749.14).
Key Regulations
Louisiana Underground Utilities Damage Prevention Law
Requires notice before excavation and sets excavation safety standards.
Citation: La. R.S. 40:1749.11 et seq.
Hazardous Material Facilities
Damaging hazardous-material facilities carries enhanced civil penalties ($2,000 to $25,000). Pipeline damage prevention is administered by the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy (formerly DNR/DENR, renamed October 1, 2025).
Citation: La. R.S. 40:1749.20(B)(6)
Mark Validity
Marks are valid while visible but no longer than 20 calendar days (including weekends and holidays) from the mark-by time, unless covered by a large-project agreement; forestry, agricultural and marine excavators get up to 30 calendar days.
Citation: La. R.S. 40:1749.14
Recent and Upcoming Changes
- The Department of Energy and Natural Resources became the Department of Conservation and Energy on October 1, 2025.
Penalties for Violations
La. R.S. 40:1749.20 sets escalating civil penalties (warning letter for a first violation, then $250/$500/$1,000, then $2,000-$25,000 for a fifth or later violation within the period; up to $25,000 per citation for failing to stop work after a citation).
Maximum penalty: $25,000
Licensing and Permits to Confirm
Licensing depends on the type of work and the city or county. Treat these as items to check with the Louisiana licensing board and your local permit office before bidding work.
- Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors license where the work requires one
- Compliance with Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy regulations for pipeline work
- Workers compensation and liability insurance as required by law and by contract
Sources
Last reviewed October 18, 2026. Facts on this page were checked against these statutes, rules and one-call center pages.
Disclaimer
This guide is general information about state excavation and one-call (811) laws. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Laws, rules and one-call center procedures change, and requirements can differ by city, county, utility operator and type of work. Facility operators may also set their own requirements. Before any excavation, contact the state one-call center through 811 and confirm current requirements in the statute and rules cited on this site. For questions about your obligations or liability, consult the statute directly or a licensed attorney in the state where the work takes place.
Hydrovac News makes no warranty that this information is complete, current or accurate, and is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on it.
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