Michigan Hydrovac & Excavation Regulations
Excavation law, 811 notice rules, tolerance zone and penalties for Michigan, 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
Michigan at a Glance
Call 811 before you dig
- One-call center
- MISS DIG 811Visit website for MISS DIG 811 (opens in a new tab)
- Phone
- 811
- Notice required
- At least 72 hours (business-day hours only, counted from 7 a.m. on a business day) and not more than 14 calendar days before excavation
- Tolerance zone
- 48 inches (caution zone: within 48 inches of either side of the facility marks)
- Ticket life
- 21 days from the start date, or 180 days if the dig notice says work will take longer
- Maximum penalty
- $5,000 per violation
Michigan requires excavators to notify MISS DIG 811 at least 72 hours (business-day hours only) and not more than 14 calendar days before excavating. The law is the MISS DIG Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, 2013 PA 174 (MCL 460.721 to 460.733).
Michigan uses a 48-inch caution zone on either side of facility marks. The Act defines soft excavation, such as hand digging and vacuum excavation, as a method designed to prevent contact damage.
Tolerance Zone
48 inches (caution zone: within 48 inches of either side of the facility marks)
Soft excavation (hand digging, vacuum excavation or similar) is expected within the 48-inch caution zone on either side of the facility marks.
Key Regulations
MISS DIG Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act (2013 PA 174)
Sets notification, marking standards and excavation safety practices.
Citation: MCL 460.721 et seq.
Ticket Life
A ticket is valid 21 days from the start date, or 180 days if the dig notice states work will not be completed within 21 days; an expired ticket requires a new dig notice.
Citation: MCL 460.725
Approximate Location
"Approximate location" is a strip at least 36 inches wide, no wider than the facility width plus 18 inches on either side of the facility marks.
Citation: MCL 460.723(b)
Penalties for Violations
Civil fines apply, and the conduct listed in MCL 460.731 is a misdemeanor.
Maximum penalty: $5,000 per violation
- Misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a fine up to $5,000 for the conduct listed in MCL 460.731
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 Michigan licensing board and your local permit office before bidding work.
- Michigan Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license where the work requires one
- Local municipal permits and licenses
- 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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