Massachusetts Hydrovac & Excavation Regulations
Excavation law, 811 notice rules, tolerance zone and penalties for Massachusetts, 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
Massachusetts at a Glance
Call 811 before you dig
- One-call center
- Dig Safe System, Inc.Visit website for Dig Safe System, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
- Phone
- 811 or 888-DIG-SAFE (888-344-7233)
- Notice required
- At least 72 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, and not more than 30 days before excavation
- Tolerance zone
- 18 inches
- Maximum penalty
- $10,000 (first offense $1,000; subsequent offense within 12 months $5,000 to $10,000; DPU may require Dig Safe training instead of a fine for a first offense)
Massachusetts requires excavators to premark the dig area and notify Dig Safe at least 72 hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays, and not more than 30 days before excavating. The law is MGL Chapter 82, Sections 40 to 40E, enforced by the Department of Public Utilities.
Tolerance Zone
18 inches
The safety zone is the width of the facility plus not more than 18 inches on either side (MGL c. 82, s. 40).
Key Regulations
Massachusetts Dig Safe Law
Sets premarking, notice, operator marking and penalty rules.
Citation: MGL Chapter 82, Sections 40 to 40E
Premarking
Excavators must premark (white paint, stakes or other white markings) not more than 500 feet of the proposed excavation before giving notice; premarking not required for continuous excavation over 500 feet.
Citation: MGL c. 82, s. 40A
Utility Marking Timeline
Utility companies must mark within 72 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, from receipt of the initial notice.
Citation: MGL c. 82, s. 40B
Penalties for Violations
The Department of Public Utilities enforces fines after a hearing and may require Dig Safe training instead of a fine for a first offense.
Maximum penalty: $10,000 (first offense $1,000; subsequent offense within 12 months $5,000 to $10,000; DPU may require Dig Safe training instead of a fine for a first offense)
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 Massachusetts licensing board and your local permit office before bidding work.
- Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License for applicable work
- Municipal excavation permits where required
- 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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