Streetlights: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What do I do when I am unable to find the streetlight on the map?
  2. Do I need the pole number to report a streetlight malfunction?
  3. Where do I find the streetlight pole number?
  4. Do I have to provide my contact information when reporting a streetlight outage?
  5. What should I do if a streetlight is lying on the ground and/or is hazardously leaning?
  6. If a streetlight pole is marked with RED tape “X”, what does that indicate?
  7. How long does it take to repair a streetlight malfunction?
  8. How often is the County streetlight map updated?
  9. Can I request installation of new lights online?
  10. What are the typical types of streetlight malfunctions?
  11. Who should I contact if I have additional questions regarding County streetlights?
  1. What do I do when I am unable to find the streetlight on the map?
    You can report the outage using the  County Streetlight Outage Form.   TOP
  2. Do I need the pole number to report a streetlight malfunction?
    No. You may report the malfunction without the pole number. However, without a pole number, it may take longer to fix the streetlight because the streetlight pole has to be located before it can be repaired.   TOP
  3. Where do I find the streetlight pole number?
    Pole numbers are typically located 5 to 8 feet from the ground level when looking at the streetlight pole.   TOP
  4. Do I have to provide my contact information when reporting a streetlight outage?
    No. The contact information allows Montgomery County to contact you if there is any problem locating the streetlight you reported.   TOP
  5. What should I do if a streetlight is lying on the ground and/or is hazardously leaning?
    Please contact 311 by phone or by the  MC311 web portal.   TOP
  6. If a streetlight pole is marked with RED tape “X”, what does that indicate?
    Montgomery County has contacted the utility company to restore the power to the streetlight.   TOP
  7. How long does it take to repair a streetlight malfunction?
    The average repair time is five business days (approximately one week).   TOP
  8. How often is the County streetlight map updated?
    Web map streetlight points, address data, street names, and municipality data are updated on a monthly basis. However, the GOOGLE MAPS and roadway data are updated on a less frequent basis. Consequently, if you are trying to report a streetlight outage in a new development or sub-division, you may notice that the streetlights and street names may appear in the middle of a field or forest without a roadway. This is because the photo and the roadway data update schedules are not in accordance with the other data sets. However, you may still select and report the streetlight outage even if the GOOGLE MAPS are not up to date.   TOP
  9. Can I request installation of new lights online?
    Yes. You will need to have a signed petition submitted with your request.   TOP
  10. What are the typical types of streetlight malfunctions?
    Streetlight malfunctions include Cycling (light goes on and off), Dim (light not as bright as it should be), Knockdown (light pole has been knocked over), Leaning Pole (pole is far past 90 degrees to the ground), Outage (no light) and Steady Burn (light does not turn off).   TOP
  11. Who should I contact should I have additional questions regarding County streetlights?
    Montgomery County Department of Transportation
    Division of Traffic Engineering and Operations
    Traffic Engineering Design and Operations Section
    100 Edison Park Drive, 4th Floor
    Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
    [email protected]
    Telephone: 240.777.2190 or contact 311
    Fax: 240.777.2080