What's the 5-1-1? Maryland Drivers Can Call, Logon For Traffic Info

Maryland has joined the more than 40 states and metro areas that offer drivers up-to-the-minute, local traffic information by dialing the same number: 511.

The State Highway Administration Thursday announced the launch of the online and phone system, touting it as a way to make travel times shorter and less frustrating.

Travelers can dial 5-1-1 or visit www.md511.org for current conditions on state-maintained roadways.

Travel time, traffic incident, work zone and lane closure information will be available for routes across the state and “key roads” in Virginia and Washington, D.C.

The "My Maryland" section of the Maryland 511 website allows users to create profiles and save commonly traveled routes that will be easily accessible when they sign in. There is also an option to save commonly-used phone numbers so that when a user calls 5-1-1, the menu prompts are tailored to your preferences.

Traffic information will come from a variety of different sources and will be continually updated, according to the SHA statement, but will not cover all roadways in the state. 

“With 511, commuters and visitors are offered more predictable travel in Maryland,” and SHA statement reads. “Drivers can save time, fuel costs and the frustration that often breeds aggressive and unsafe driving.”

In addition to frustration, another factor in road safety is distracted driving. To that end, Acting SHA Administrator Darrell Mobley said in the statement: “Take advantage of 511 and its benefits, but please do so safely.”

“It’s a good time to remind Maryland drivers about the laws restricting hand-held phone use and texting while driving,” he said.  “Access 511 before heading out or after pulling over to a safe location.” 

. Police can cite a driver solely for texting while driving, but talking on a hand-held device is a secondary offence. That means an officer can issue a citation only after stopping a driver for another traffic violation, such as speeding, and the driver is talking on the phone. 

Drivers can legally talk on the phone while driving using a hands-free device, such as a Bluetooth headset or a wired earpiece.

Drivers younger than 18 are prohibited from using any phone while driving.

The Federal Communications Commission designated "511" as the national number for travel information on July 21, 2000, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

The Maryland SHA awarded a $4.7 million contract to Telvent in Rockville to design, build, implement, operate, host and maintain the state-wide for five years.