NCDOT Highway Divisions: Report Road Defects

The Bottom Line

If a road defect like a pothole, missing sign, or damaged guardrail caused or contributed to your accident, you should report it to the appropriate NCDOT highway division. Documenting the defect and filing a report creates a record that may be important if you pursue a claim against the state.

Why Road Defects Matter for Your Accident Case

Road conditions play a role in thousands of NC car accidents each year. When a government-maintained road has a defect that contributed to your accident, the responsible agency -- usually NCDOT for state roads or the city/county for local roads -- may bear some responsibility.

Common road defects that cause accidents include:

• Potholes and pavement failures -- can cause drivers to lose control or swerve into other lanes
• Missing or obscured road signs -- including stop signs, speed limit signs, and warning signs
• Faded lane markings -- especially dangerous at night or in wet conditions
• Malfunctioning traffic signals -- stuck on green in multiple directions or completely dark
• Missing or damaged guardrails -- leading to more severe outcomes in run-off-road accidents
• Poor drainage -- standing water on roadways during rain
• Construction zone hazards -- uneven lanes, inadequate warnings, or debris

NCDOT Highway Divisions

North Carolina's road system is maintained by the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT), which is organized into 14 highway divisions. Each division is responsible for maintenance, repair, and construction of state-maintained roads within its assigned counties.

The division office is your point of contact for:

• Reporting road defects and hazards
• Requesting road maintenance or repair
• Obtaining information about construction projects
• Reporting problems with state-maintained bridges
• Requesting traffic studies for dangerous intersections

Find Your NCDOT Division

How to Report a Road Defect

You have several options for reporting road problems to NCDOT:

1. Call NCDOT Customer Service -- (877) 368-4968 (877-DOT-4YOU). Available Monday through Friday during business hours.

2. Online reporting -- Visit ncdot.gov and use the "Contact Us" or road condition reporting tool.

3. Contact your division office directly -- Use the directory above to find your local division office phone number.

4. County or city roads -- If the road is maintained by your city or county rather than NCDOT, contact your local public works department instead.

When reporting, provide:

• The road name and route number
• The nearest intersection or mile marker
• A description of the defect
• Whether it creates an immediate safety hazard
• Your contact information for follow-up

State Roads vs. Local Roads

Not all roads in North Carolina are maintained by NCDOT. Understanding which agency is responsible for the road where your accident occurred determines where to file a complaint or claim:

Frequently Asked Questions