New York’s Best-Kept Secret: You Can Report Potholes 24/7

Let’s be honest, nothing screams “welcome to New York” like swerving around a crater in the middle of the highway while trying not to spill your Dunkin’. If you’ve ever felt your soul leave your body after hitting a pothole at 45 mph, this one’s for you.

Here’s the wild part: most New Yorkers don’t know that the state actually has a hotline for that.

How Potholes Happen

Potholes are what happens when water gets into the cracks in worn-out pavement, freezes, expands, and basically makes the road fall apart. Add in heavy traffic, sunshine, sleet, salt, snowplows, and temperature swings, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a bumpy mess.

In winter, crews use a cold patch asphalt mix to temporarily fill holes, while permanent repairs are made when the construction season hits.

How the 1-800-POTHOLE Hotline Works

1-800-POTHOLE is a real number, and it’s here to help you report those rim-wrecking, tire-tearing, coffee-spilling road craters. Officially, it’s 1-800-768-4653, and it connects you directly to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

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The hotline is available 24/7, year-round, and you can use it to report potholes on state highways and interstates, including the Thruway.

When you call, try to provide:

• The county or community where the pothole is

• The state route or interstate number

• The closest exit number or reference marker

• The direction of travel

• The nearest landmark or crossroad

Want a follow-up? You can even leave your name and contact info to be notified when the repair is done.

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Just note: This hotline doesn’t cover New York City streets or local/town roads. Those are handled separately by the city or local municipalities.