511 Traffic Cameras Complete Guide: All States Including 511FL

The 511 system represents America's largest official traffic information network, with all 50 states operating 511 phone lines and most providing online camera access. However, navigating 50 different state websites with varying interfaces creates friction. TrafficVision aggregates all 50 state 511 camera systems—including 511FL (Florida), 511NY (New York), 511CA (California), and 47 others—into a single unified directory with consistent search and filtering. Use our interactive map to find cameras instantly, save favorites for quick access, or build custom routes along your commute.

What is the 511 System?

National Traffic Information Hotline: In 2000, the Federal Communications Commission designated "511" as the nationwide travel information telephone number, similar to 911 for emergencies or 411 for directory assistance. Each state operates its own 511 system providing:

According to the FHWA, real-time traffic monitoring helps drivers make safer, more informed decisions. Research published in the FHWA Operations Benefit/Cost Database indicates that real-time traveler information systems, like the 511 network, can reduce incident-related delays by up to 40% by enabling faster detection and response.

• Phone Service: Dial 511 for traffic conditions, construction alerts, weather impacts
• Websites: State-specific sites like 511FL.com, 511NY.org, 511.ca.gov
• Mobile Apps: Many states offer dedicated 511 apps
• Camera Access: Most states provide online camera viewing through 511 portals

Who Operates 511 Systems: State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) typically operate 511 services, though naming varies:

• Florida: Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) operates 511FL
• New York: NYSDOT operates 511NY
• California: Caltrans operates 511 (varies by region - 511.ca.gov, 511.org for Bay Area)
• Pennsylvania: PennDOT operates 511PA

Spotlight: 511FL (Florida's Traffic Information System)

511FL Overview: Florida's 511FL system is one of the nation's most comprehensive, covering a state with 22 million residents and 140 million annual visitors. The system includes:

• 1,500+ Traffic Cameras: Covering I-95, I-4, I-75, I-10, Florida Turnpike, and major metro expressways
• Coverage Areas: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Panhandle
• Feed Types: Mix of live video streams and refreshing image feeds
• Real-time Updates: Incident reports, construction zones, travel times

Accessing 511FL Cameras Traditionally: Historically, Florida drivers would:

1. Visit FL511.com website
2. Navigate state-specific map interface
3. Click individual camera icons (which may be clustered)
4. View cameras one at a time in popups

Challenges with Official 511FL Portal: While functional, the official site has limitations:

• Can't easily filter to show only video feeds vs. image feeds
• Difficult to compare cameras across multiple highways simultaneously
• No ability to save favorite cameras across sessions
• Limited search functionality for specific roadways or locations
• Can't view 511FL cameras alongside neighboring state systems for cross-border travel

Learn more about Florida's extensive camera network in our dedicated Florida traffic cameras guide.

State-by-State 511 Camera Coverage

Major 511 Systems (1,000+ Cameras Each)

511CA (California) - 6,000+ Cameras:

• Caltrans operates the nation's largest state DOT camera network
• Bay Area (511.org) and statewide (cwwp2.dot.ca.gov) systems
• Full coverage of I-5, I-10, I-15, I-80, I-405, I-101, SR-1
• Extensive Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego metro coverage

511NY (New York) - 4,500+ Cameras:

• Comprehensive Thruway, I-87, I-90, I-95, I-81 coverage
• Separate NYC DOT system (webcams.nyctmc.org) adds 1,000+ city cameras
• Coverage includes NYC boroughs, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Western NY

511TX (Texas) - 3,200+ Cameras:

• Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio metro coverage
• DriveTexas.org portal aggregates all TxDOT cameras
• I-35, I-10, I-45, I-20 interstate coverage

511FL (Florida) - 1,500+ Cameras (Highlighted Above)

Mid-Size 511 Systems (500-1,000 Cameras)

Growing 511 Systems (100-500 Cameras)

35+ states operate 511 camera systems with 100-500 cameras each, including:

• 511WA (Washington): 400+ cameras, strong Seattle/I-5 coverage
• 511NJ (New Jersey): 350+ cameras, extensive Turnpike/Parkway coverage
• 511VA (Virginia): 300+ cameras, I-95, I-64, I-81 corridors
• 511AZ (Arizona): 250+ cameras, Phoenix metro and I-10/I-17
• 511CO (Colorado): 200+ cameras, I-25, I-70 with mountain pass focus
• 511MN (Minnesota): 150+ cameras, Twin Cities and I-35/I-94

Emerging 511 Systems (Under 100 Cameras)

10+ states have newer or limited 511 camera systems:

• Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire
• Coverage typically limited to largest metro area and major interstate interchanges
• Systems expanding as states modernize infrastructure

Why Fragmented 511 Systems Create Problems

50 Different Websites = 50 Different Experiences: Each state 511 system has unique:

• Map Interfaces: Some use Google Maps, others Mapbox, others custom GIS systems
• Camera Markers: Different icon styles, clustering behaviors, popup formats
• Search Functions: Some allow text search, others require clicking map regions
• Mobile Experience: Varying levels of mobile optimization
• URL Structures: No consistent way to bookmark or share specific cameras

Cross-Border Travel Challenges: Multi-state road trips require switching between systems:

• NYC to Miami trip requires visiting 511NY, 511NJ, 511DE, 511MD, 511VA, 511NC, 511SC, 511GA, and 511FL
• Each state transition means learning new interface, losing context
• Can't compare traffic at state borders (e.g., I-95 at NY/CT line requires two separate sites)

Inconsistent Camera Quality Standards: 511 systems vary in:

• Image resolution (some HD, some low-res)
• Update frequency (30 seconds to 5 minutes)
• Video vs. image feeds (some states all-video, others mixed)
• Nighttime visibility (some cameras have infrared, many don't)

Benefits of Unified 511 Aggregation

Single Interface for All 50 States: TrafficVision consolidates every 511 camera system:

• Consistent Search: Search "I-95" and see cameras from Maine to Florida
• Unified Filtering: Filter by feed type (video/image), state, highway, or city across all systems
• Cross-State Comparison: View cameras from multiple states side-by-side
• Saved Favorites: Bookmark cameras from any state in one account
• Direct Camera URLs: Share specific camera links regardless of state system

Enhanced 511FL Experience Example: Instead of navigating FL511.com:

1. Search "Miami I-95" to instantly see all Miami I-95 cameras
2. Filter to show only video feeds if you prefer motion
3. Save your daily commute cameras to favorites
4. When driving to Georgia, seamlessly view 511GA cameras without leaving site

Long-Distance Travel Simplified:

• Route Monitoring: Plot your entire cross-country route and see all cameras along the way
• State Border Transitions: Check cameras on both sides of state lines
• Weather Tracking: Watch storm systems progress across multiple states
• Alternative Route Planning: Compare traffic on parallel routes that cross state boundaries

How to Access Specific 511 Systems

Traditional Method (State-by-State):

• 511FL: FL511.com or dial 511 in Florida
• 511NY: 511NY.org or dial 511 in New York
• 511CA: 511.ca.gov (statewide) or 511.org (Bay Area) or dial 511 in California
• 511PA: 511PA.com or dial 511 in Pennsylvania
• Other states: Generally 511[STATE].com or 511.[STATE].gov

Unified Method (All States):

1. Visit TrafficVision.Live unified directory
2. Use map view to see all 50 state systems on one map
3. Or filter by specific state (e.g., "State: Florida" for 511FL cameras only)
4. Or search by highway (e.g., "I-95" shows cameras from all states along I-95)

511 System Limitations and Gaps

Not All Roads Have Cameras: 511 systems prioritize:

• Interstate highways (nearly full coverage in most states)
• Major state routes and US highways (partial coverage)
• Urban metro expressways and beltways (extensive coverage)
• Rural roads and local streets (minimal to no coverage)

Camera Density Varies:

• Urban areas: Camera every 1-3 miles
• Suburban corridors: Every 3-10 miles
• Rural interstates: Every 10-50 miles or more

Some States Still Limited: A few states have minimal 511 camera presence, relying more on incident reports than visual monitoring. These gaps are gradually filling as infrastructure modernizes.

Future of 511 Systems

Expansion Trends: State DOTs continue investing in 511 infrastructure:

• Adding cameras to previously uncovered rural interstate sections
• Upgrading image cameras to video streams
• Increasing resolution from standard to HD
• Adding infrared for better nighttime visibility
• Integrating with connected vehicle technologies

511FL Recent Expansions: Florida has added 200+ cameras in the past two years, focusing on I-75 in Southwest Florida and I-10 Panhandle coverage.

The Aggregation Advantage: As states expand their 511 systems, unified directories like TrafficVision automatically incorporate new cameras without users needing to learn new state interfaces.

Explore Specific State 511 Systems

• 511FL: Florida Traffic Cameras (1,500+ cams)
• 511CA: California Traffic Cameras (6,000+ cams)
• 511NY: New York Traffic Cameras (4,500+ cams)
• 511PA: Pennsylvania Traffic Cameras (800+ cams)
• 511TX: Texas Traffic Cameras (3,200+ cams)
• World's Largest Traffic Camera Directory

Frequently Asked Questions About 511 Traffic Cameras