How to Report a Pothole and Get It Fixed
How to report a pothole: first figure out who maintains the road, then report it through that agency’s channel, usually a city 311 line or app for local streets, a county road department for county roads, or the state department of transportation for state routes and highways. Give an exact location, a description, and photos if you can do so safely. Clear reports get fixed faster.
Asphalt tonnage calculator →Who maintains the road?
| Road type | Usually maintained by |
|---|---|
| Neighborhood and city streets | City or town public works |
| Rural roads outside town | County road or highway department |
| Numbered state routes and interstates | State DOT |
| Private roads and HOA streets | Owner or HOA |
| Parking lots | Property owner |
A road’s route number is a strong clue. Many state DOT websites have maps showing which roads they maintain. If you are unsure, report to the city or county and they will often forward it.
Ways to report
- 311 phone line or app in many cities.
- Online service request forms on city or county websites.
- State DOT pothole forms or hotlines for state roads.
- Public works phone numbers in smaller towns.
- Emergency lines only for hazards that are immediately dangerous, such as a sinkhole or a crater in a travel lane at night.
What to include
- Exact location: street, nearest address or cross street, direction of travel, and lane.
- Size: approximate width and depth, such as “about 2 feet wide and 4 inches deep.”
- Hazard level: whether drivers are swerving or it is in a bike lane.
- Photos: taken safely from the sidewalk or shoulder, never from a travel lane.
- Contact info if you want updates.
Save the confirmation or ticket number.
How fast do potholes get fixed?
Response times vary widely. Some cities target a few days for reported potholes, while others take longer during spring thaw when hundreds appear at once. Winter patches are often temporary cold mix, with permanent repairs later. See how potholes start in asphalt.
If it is not fixed
- Check the request status online with your ticket number.
- Submit a follow-up report referencing the original.
- Contact your city council member or county commissioner’s office.
Why reporting matters for damage claims
In many places, a government agency may only be responsible for vehicle damage if it knew, or should have known, about a pothole and failed to fix it in a reasonable time. Reports create a record. If a pothole damaged your car, see pothole damage claim.
Potholes on your own driveway
Driveway potholes are the owner’s responsibility. Proper repairs cut the edges square and compact new material. See square cut a pothole patch and water standing in a pothole.
Bottom line
To report a pothole, identify who maintains the road and use their 311 line, app, or online form. Give a precise location, size, and safely taken photos, keep your ticket number, and follow up if it is not repaired.
Questions people ask
Who do I call to report a pothole?
Your city’s 311 line or public works for local streets, the county for county roads, or the state DOT for state routes.
What information do I need to report a pothole?
Exact location, direction and lane, size, and photos if safe.
How long does it take to fix a reported pothole?
It varies from days to weeks, especially in spring.
Can I report a pothole online?
Many cities, counties, and state DOTs have online forms or apps.
Does reporting a pothole help with a damage claim?
Reports can show the agency had notice, which may matter for claims.
Related guides
- How Potholes Start in an Asphalt Driveway
- Pothole Damage Claim: How to File for Car Repairs
- What to Do About Water Standing in a Pothole
- Why a Pothole Patch Should Be Cut Square
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