Illinois Just Updated Its 811 Digging Law: Here’s What You Need to Know

Thinking of digging in your yard this weekend? A new Illinois law just changed the rules, and if you don't follow them, JULIE won't be the only one mad at you.

Wait... JULIE Is an Acronym?

Am I the only one who thought JULIE was just the name of the "fictional person" you're legally required to call before digging a hole? Like, "Hi JULIE, it's me again, thinking about installing a questionable koi pond."

Turns out JULIE actually stands for Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators. So no, she's not a real person. She's the all-knowing, all-notifying underground utility matchmaker who helps you now blow up your yard (or your street) when you dig.

The Law Just Changed — READ THIS BEFORE YOU TOUCH A SHOVEL

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A new amendment to Illinois' 8-1-1 safe digging las just went into effect, and it's all about not turning your backyard project into a neighborhood power outage.

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The biggest change? The day and time you call 8-1-1 no longer count toward your waiting period. So now, you need to call at least three full business days in advance before you dig. Yes, even if it's "just a little trench for your underground man cave."

Protect Yourself. Protect the Wi-Fi.

Whether you're planting a tree, installing a fence, or burying something we probably shouldn't ask about, call 8-1-1 first. JULIE will alert the right utility folks, who come out and mark underground lines for free.

It's simple. It's smart. And it keeps you from being "that guy" who knocked out the internet while trying to build a backyard pizza oven.

KEEP READING: Illinois Has 9 Different State Animals, Can You Name Them?