Iowa is one of several states to launch its 511 service after the United States Department of Transportation petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 511 as a nationwide number for travel information.

Advantages of 511

• Enhances Safety - By using 511 as a trip planning and en route decision-making, motorists can have a much safer and more enjoyable trip.
• Detailed Information - It's your choice - information is available for the entire state, a region within Iowa, city/town, or highway.
• Available 24 Hours / Seven Days a week - Whenever you want the information it will be available.
• Only 3 digits - 511 is a shortcut to the 800-288-1047 number Iowans have used for many years to access road condition information from the Iowa State Patrol.
• Voice Recognition - 511 uses voice recognition, allowing for hands-free wireless phone operation. Motorists are encouraged to call 511 from a safe location and note while driving. The 511 system recognizes words spoken slowly and distinctly. The system will default to keypad operation if it fails to recognize a user's speech patterns.
• Reliable Information Source - Information is supplied by the Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State Patrol, the agency responsible for Iowa's transportation services and motorist safety.
• Easy to Understand Road Condition Terminology - A complete listing of the new winter road condition terminology was provided to news organizations statewide and is available at - www.dot.state.ia.us/511
• Knows Area You Are Calling From - the caller identification feature determines which area of the state each call originates, so you get that area's information first.

Will I be charged for dialing 511?

511 is a public service of the Iowa DOT, in partnership with the Iowa State Patrol and telecommunication companies serving Iowa. Wireless users will pay normal airtime and roaming charges, according to their contracts. Pay phone users will pay the minimum 35 - 50 cent local charge.

Expanded Service

Next spring, information on highway construction and maintenance work will be available.