The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has assigned new easy-to-remember three-digit dialing codes. One is dedicated to community and referral services and the other is for state and local governments to use for traffic and transportation information.

The new phone codes — 211 and 511 respectively — enable callers to connect to a location in the phone network that would otherwise be available only by dialing a seven- or a 10-digit number. The codes most commonly used today are 411 for directory assistance, 911 for emergency services and 311 for non-emergency police services. There are only eight such codes and the others are used primarily by local exchange carriers for internal use.

In March 1999, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) petitioned the FCC for the assignment of a nationwide three-digit code to be used by state and local governments, at their discretion, to deliver travel-related information to the public — things like status of road construction, accident locations, and alternate traffic routes. The goals of using the new 511 code are to reduce congestion and pollution, lower fuel consumption, provide better traffic management, and enhance roadway safety.

According to the U.S. DOT, at least 43 states, 42 major metro areas and more than 100 transit agencies currently operate traveler information systems, using the telephone as the primary means of communication. In the Washington, D.C.-New York City corridor, there are 11 different phone numbers by which to obtain traffic and transit information.

With growing utilization of mobile telephones across the country, the simpler codes should make it easier to make information available to drivers. It is important to note that mobile phone companies recommend users who are driving to use hands-free devices, and never dial while the car is in motion.

Counties and other local governments are not mandated to use the new dialing codes and are free to continue using existing numbers.