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Report a Problem

Cave-ins

Cave-In

Cave-ins are jagged holes with a deep void, where the pavement has cracked apart and fallen into a deep empty space without a solid bottom. Cave-ins are larger and deeper than potholes and are not geometrically shaped like a defective street cut. Cave-ins are typically caused by problems with the underground infrastructure. Often, large pieces of pavement can be seen in the hole. DOT inspects reported cave-ins and, as warranted, sends the report Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or another utility to make a repair.
Report a cave-in on 311 Online or by calling 311.

Hummocks

Hummock

Hummocks are where the roadway asphalt has pushed up in a wave-like shape. They are commonly located at intersections where there is heavy truck or bus traffic. DOT typically follows up with spot milling and paving, which may performed during the nonpaving season, from mid-December to mid-March.
To report a hummock, call 311.

Ponding

Ponding

Ponding is when water pools at low points in the roadway, generally as a result of inadequate drainage or improper grading.
Report ponding to DEP by calling 311.

Missing Manhole Covers

Missing Manhole Cover

Report missing manhole covers to DEP by calling 311.

Other Street Hardware Defects

Other Street Hardware

Street hardware may be sunken, cracked, missing, tilted, collapsed or may be above or below grade thereby preventing a smooth riding condition. Typically, a DOT inspector will review the defect. If actionable, DOT will issue a corrective action report to the appropriate utility owner.
Report cracked, missing or otherwise defective street hardware.

Defective Street Cuts

Defective Street Cut

Defective street cut restoration is when the street surface is no longer level because a filled-in cut has sunken one inch or more or been mounded too high. Street cuts are usually square or rectangular in shape. Typically, a DOT inspector will review the defect. If actionable, the inspector will issue a corrective action report to the party that performed the street cut, including to other city agencies. If the responsible party cannot be identified, DOT will perform the repair.
Report a failed street cut or old utility cut
See a list of protected streets (no cuts allowed except for emergency work or as authorized by the Commissioner).
Find out who holds a permit to conduct street construction in your neighborhood.

Open Street Cut

Open Street Cut

Open street cuts are when a street excavation has been left uncovered, generally because there is active work in the roadway. Typically, a DOT inspector will review the defect. If actionable, inspector will contact responsible excavator, and in the absence of the responsible party or other response personnel, will stay onsite until parties arrive.
Report an open street cut.
Find the permit-holder for a street construction project.

Potholes

Pothole

A hole in the street with a circular or ovular shape and a definable bottom. The bottom may be the concrete roadway base and may be partially filled with mud, dirt, or loose gravel. Condition does not look manmade and usually is not sitting in an area of collapse. To be 'actionable' the pothole should be at least one foot in diameter and three inches deep. Typically, a DOT inspector will check the pothole. If actionable, DOT will repair it.
Report a pothole online.
Check the status of a repair.
File a claim with the City of New York Comptroller's Office for vehicle damage.

Damaged or Broken Pedestrian or Traffic Signals

Call 311 immediately to report broken traffic lights or pedestrian signals. DOT and its contractors will work to resolve the issue promptly.
Learn more about traffic signals.

Damaged or Broken Street Lights

Use this form to report a streetlight that is not working or get information on how to report a voltage problem (if you see a small flashing red light next to the bulb). Your report will go directly to DOT's streetlight maintenance contractors.

Report a damaged or broken Street Light

Damaged or Missing Traffic Signs

DOT prioritizes repairs to signs which have a direct impact on safety. These include Stop signs, One Way signs, Do Not Enter signs, Yield signs and certain school signs.
Report a traffic sign that is missing, illegible, or vandalized

Street and Sidewalk Construction Problems

Call 311 or use 311 Online to report problems involving construction work on a sidewalk, roadway or highway.

Improper Newsracks

Newsracks must comply with the law regulating their placement on City sidewalks. Newracks must also be maintained in a clean and neat condition.
Complain about a newsrack

Illegal Sidewalk ATMs

Placing an ATM on a public sidewalk is not permitted in New York City. If an ATM is placed on a public sidewalk, DOT will serve the property owner an Encroachment Notice, which requires the owner to remove the ATM within 30 days.
Report an ATM on a public sidewalk online, or call 311

Request a Permit or Service

Bicyclists

Bikes in Buildings

The Bikes in Buildings Program aims to increase bicycle commuting by providing cyclists with secure parking during the workday. The Program is based on the Bicycle Access to Office Buildings Law, which requires commercial office buildings to allow cyclists to bring bicycles into their offices by elevator, upon request. Learn more about Bikes in Buildings

City Racks

Because of the great interest, it may take a considerable amount of time before DOT can investigate new requests.
Request a new bicycle rack
Report a damaged City Rack

Commercial Vehicles

Request a Truck Route Map

Order a copy of the current edition of the New York City Truck Route Map through the mail.

Freedom of Information

Make a request for records pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) you may use this form.
Download the FOIL Request form
Download the FOIL Request Form in Chinese, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian, or Spanish

Motorists

Express Lane Permits

Express Lane Permits enable ambulettes, commuter vans and shuttles and other mass transit fleets to use the high occupancy vehicle lanes leading to the Queens Midtown and Brooklyn Battery Tunnels.
Download the application

Parking

Agency Business Parking Permits

Agency Business Parking Permits are available for City, State or Federal agencies whose employees need to park while conducting official business.
Apply for an Agency Business Parking Permit

Annual On-Street Parking Permits

Annual On-Street Parking Permits are available for not-for-profits to help carry out their mission. The permits allow vehicles limited standing and parking privileges in loading zones and at parking meter
Apply for an Annual On-Street Parking Permit

Clergy Parking Permits

Representative of houses of worship can apply for a parking permit for clergy conducting ministerial duties at their houses of worship, funeral homes and hospitals.
Learn more about the permit
Apply for a Clergy Parking Permit

Disability Parking Permits

DOT issues two types of permits for citizens with disabilities— a New York State permit and a New York City permit. There are different eligibility requirements and different uses for these permits.
Learn more about the permits
Apply for a Disability Parking Permit online
Report a lost or stolen disability permit (pdf)
Report a never-received permit (pdf)
Temporarily change the vehicle on a disability permit (pdf)

NYC Parking Cards

NYC Parking Cards are available in $20 and $50 denominations and can be used in all New York City municipal parking fields and all muni-meters.
Order Parking Cards online

Municipal Parking Field Permits

Purchase a monthly pass to park at certain Municipal Parking Facilities.
Download the application (pdf)

Permits & Franchises

Backfills and Base and Wearing Courses

After finishing street work, permittees are required to restore all street openings and excavations.
Report a Backfill, Base or Wearing Course.

Street Construction Permits

The construction industry and government agencies must apply for permits to perform roadway, building and sidewalk construction on City streets and non-toll bridges.
DOT's Street Works Manual has complete information on street construction permits
Permitees can check the status of active street construction permits throughout New York City.

Certificates of Insurance

Permit applications for street construction must include a notarized statement by the insurance broker or insurance company attesting to the accuracy of the coverage described on the certificate and an acceptable Certificate of Insurance (pdf).
Learn more about the conditions for requirements for street construction permit applications

Banner Permits

Apply to install a banner promoting a public event or a cultural exhibit on any property within DOT's jurisdiction.
Learn more

Holiday Lighting Installation Application

Business Improvement Districts, Local Development Corporations and other groups may use this form to request approval to install temporary festoon/holiday lighting and/or other temporary lighting attached to City street light poles and/or any other electrical equipment.
Apply for a Holiday Lighting permit (pdf)

Concessions Solicitation List

If you are interested in being on DOT's concession solicitation list, please complete this form.

Adopt A Highway

The Adopt-A-Highway program is a tax-deductible opportunity for proud New Yorkers to give back to their community by ensuring clean and beautiful roadways in the New York City area.
Learn more about the Adopt a Highway Program.

Affidavit Of Ownership

Private homeowners can apply for a Sidewalk Repair Permit by mail if they are making a repair themselves and/or if the permit is in response to a sidewalk violation.
Learn more

Revocable Consents

Apply for a revocable consent to permit the use of public space for a private purpose, such as a sidewalk café or steam pipes and telecommunication conduits underground. Most applications must include a plan drawn by a professional engineer or registered architect. The plan review checklist describes the requirements.
Download the application form

Signs and Signals

Sign Sales Program

Order custom-made signs from DOT.

Street Furniture and Hardware

CityBench

DOT installs attractive and durable benches around the city, particularly at bus stops, retail corridors, and in areas with high concentrations of senior citizens
Request a CityBench 

Wood Pole Inspection Form

Use this form for the installation, removal and maintenance of private poles on City property.


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