How to Use The 511 Phone System

When you dial 511, there are many options you can choose to find transportation information all across Florida. Because there are several voice prompts that lead you to the specific information you want, we’re offering these shortcuts you can use to get only Northeast Florida traffic information more quickly.

Phone System Help

Touch-Tone Codes - 511 Covered Roadways in Northeast Florida

What is the 511 phone system?

Florida's Statewide 511 Traveler Information System is your on-demand resource for real-time traffic and travel information. The next generation, bilingual phone system provides traffic information such as travel times, crash reports, transit information and more. Dial 511 from any landline or cell phone, and the call is free. Once connected, 511 uses voice recognition software to allow you to navigate to the information you want. Touch-tone navigation is also available, anytime during the call by pressing 88. 511 features personalized services for every road it covers. You can register to automatically receive traffic reports on your most-traveled routes when you call or receive instant traffic or public safety alerts via text message, e-mail or phone call. (Standard cell phone minutes or text message charges may apply.)

What languages will Florida's 511 system recognize?

Florida 511 is a bilingual phone and Web system, fully functioning in English and Spanish. English-speaking 511 callers can skip the language and main menu prompts by interrupting the system and immediately asking for any of the main menu options or by naming a city, county or roadway in English. Spanish-speaking callers must first request "Español" or press 2 before giving other commands in Spanish.

How do I find out about Incidents?

Incidents include crashes, congestion, construction, and unusual or severe weather conditions. Simply tell the system:

• A city -- such as "Jacksonville"
• A county -- such as "Duval"
• Or a roadway -- such as "I-95"

What if I don't know what city or county to ask for?

If you are a Florida visitor, trucker or are traveling in an unfamiliar part of the state, you can ask for a highway by name or number, then narrow your search by cross street, exit number or mile marker.
For example:
Ask for, "I-95," then, "Mile Marker 49."

How do I ask for Travel Times?

You can find out how long your daily commute will take by checking 511's commuter travel times. At the Main Menu, say "Travel Times" and then the name of the roadway in which you are interested.
For example:
Say, "Travel Times," then, "Interstate 10."
Travel times on 511 are organized by roadway segments, which usually correspond with exits along the highway. Listen for the segment or segments that cover your commute, and ask for those by number. The next time you call, you can interrupt the system and ask for your specific segment numbers without waiting for the list.

Can the 511 phone system transfer me to airports or other transit agencies

Yes. Florida's 511 system can transfer you to many airports, seaports and transit agencies throughout Florida -- making 511 your free, easy-to-remember travel information hotline.
Options include:

• Transit
• Airports
• Seaports

Can 511 help me find rest stops?

Yes. When you're on the road and need to take a break, 511 can help you find the nearest rest area or Turnpike Service Plaza. At the Main Menu, say, "Other Options," then, "Rest Areas." Then tell the system what road you are driving, direction of travel and county or mile marker, and the system will tell you where the nearest rest area is located and what amenities are there.
For example:
Say:

• "Other Options"
• "Rest Areas"
• "Interstate 95"
• "Southbound"

What other information can I get from 511?

There is a lot more information available from Florida's next-generation bilingual 511 Traveler Information System, including:

• Major highway construction
• Commuter services and car pooling
• Transfers to 511 systems in neighboring states
• Information about Florida's Turnpike and SunPass

Do I always have to wait for the phone system to give me all the options?

No. Callers can skip the language and main menu prompts by interrupting the system and immediately asking for any of the main menu options or by naming a city, county or roadway in English. Spanish-speaking callers must first request "Español" before giving other commands. Once you're used to the system, you can make your call quicker by interrupting the system at any time to ask for the information you want or enter a touch-tone code.

Are there any tips to make my 511 call go smoothly?

• Check your cell phone signal strength when placing a call; weak reception may cause 511 to have problems understanding what you say.
• Ask for information using single commands instead of back-to-back commands. For example, if you want information on I-95 in St. John?s County, first say, "I-95" and after the system prompts you, say, "St. John?s."
• Speak as clearly as possible and minimize any background noise -- including radios, open windows, air conditioning and other people talking.
• Say "traffic," "travel times," "public transit," "airports and seaports," or "other options," to get the information you want.
• Say "next," "previous," "stop," or "repeat" to navigate through the phone menus quickly.
• Say "main menu" at any time to start over.
• Say "feedback" to leave feedback or report an incident not already mentioned on a 511-covered roadway.
• Callers can interrupt the voice-activated menus at any time.
• Say "help" if you need more instruction.
• If they system does not understand a caller after three requests, the caller will be automatically transferred to a live help center.

How can I be as safe as possible while using 511?

• Call 511 before you hit the road, at a rest area or have a passenger call to avoid talking while driving.
• Call 511 before you enter a new roadway to become aware of the current road condition.
• Drive slowly and keep your lights on in low visibility and in the rain.
• Always wear your safety belt.
• "Move Over, It's the Law." Drivers are required to move over one lane or slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle that is stopped and has lights flashing on a highway in Florida.
• Call * FHP (* 347) for roadside assistance, including Road Rangers, on many of Florida freeways and Florida's Turnpike.