911 is for EMERGENCIES - 311 is for LA City Services

Posted on 10/20/2026

When to call 911 vs. 311

In the City of Los Angeles, call 911 only for immediate, life-threatening emergencies or crimes in progress, and call 311 for non-emergency city services or information.

As an alternative to 311, you may also call LASAN’s 24-hour Customer Care Center at 800-773-2489 for Sanitation-related concerns.

The LAPD non-emergency phone number is 1-877-ASK-LAPD (1-877-275-5273).

When to Call 911 (Emergencies)

Call or text 911 for immediate help when someone's life, safety, or property is in severe, active danger:

Medical Emergencies: Severe chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, sudden weakness or stroke symptoms, or severe allergic reactions.
Fires and Hazards: Any active fire, gas leak, or immediate danger to structures.
Crimes in Progress: Active burglaries, assaults, gunshots, or violent disturbances.
Traffic Incidents: Major vehicle accidents with injuries or dangerous/impaired drivers.
Trapped Persons or Animals: A child or animal locked inside a hot vehicle.

When NOT to Call 911 (Use 311 or Non-Emergencies)

Do not use 911 for routine issues, general questions, or non-violent matters that do not pose an immediate threat:

City Services & Infrastructure Issues: Downed tree branches, potholes, graffiti, illegal dumping, or blocked storm drains (call 311 or use the myLA311 app).
General Information: Asking for city government phone numbers, hours of operation, or public services (call 311).
Non-Urgent Reports: Noise complaints, lost pets, minor property damage where the suspect is long gone, or parking violations (contact the Los Angeles Police Department non-emergency line instead of 911).

What to Do If You Call by Mistake

Do not hang up. Hanging up makes the dispatcher think an emergency is happening and may cause them to send police to your location.
Stay on the line, tell the call-taker that it was an accidental dial, and confirm there is no emergency.

Making a false 911 call or falsely reporting an emergency is a crime in the City of Los Angeles and throughout California.

Legal Penalties

Misdemeanor Charge: Falsely reporting an emergency or crime is typically a misdemeanor. It can result in up to 1 year in county jail, expensive court fines, and mandatory reimbursement to the city or county for the costs of the emergency response.
Felony Charge: If the false 911 call or "swatting" incident results in great bodily injury or death, the offense can be elevated to a felony, carrying a sentence of up to 3 years in state prison (or higher depending on specific charges).
Civil and Financial Liability: Individuals who misuse the 911 system or make false claims can be held financially responsible for the full cost of dispatched police, fire, or paramedic services.

The LAPD non-emergency phone number is 1-877-ASK-LAPD (1-877-275-5273).

WHAT IS 311? (MyLA311)

MyLA311 connects residents, local businesses, and visitors to popular City services and information through its call center, website, & mobile app. Their mission is to connect people to City services and information, quickly and easily, via the communication channel of their choice.

How to Reach 311 in Los Angeles

If you are located in Los Angeles, you can access local services through MyLA311:

Phone: Dial 311 or (213) 473-3231 (or (866) 452-2489 within the greater LA area).
Website: Submit online requests at the MyLA311 Portal.
Mobile App: Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Hours: Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Weekends and holidays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.