Baltimore Residents Urged to Report Potholes for Free Repair

AAA warns of costly damage from potholes, encourages calling 311 to fix issues.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Potholes are causing significant damage to vehicles across Baltimore, leading to flat tires, bent rims, and other expensive repairs. AAA is urging residents to call the city's 311 line to report potholes, which can be fixed for free by city crews and potentially save drivers thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Why it matters

Potholes pose a serious threat to public safety and vehicle maintenance, especially as Baltimore experiences an unusually severe pothole season due to heavy snowfall and prolonged cold temperatures. By encouraging residents to report potholes, the city can more quickly address these infrastructure issues and help drivers avoid costly damage.

The details

According to AAA territory manager Ben Perricone, pothole-related repair bills can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Potholes can cause flat tires, bent steel rims, and other damage, especially when hit at higher speeds or in deeper puddles that conceal the depth of the pothole. Last year, AAA responded to over 580,000 service calls, with more than 82,000 (14%) being tire-related issues often caused by potholes.

  • This year's pothole season in Baltimore has started earlier and more severely due to heavy snowfall and prolonged cold temperatures.

The players

AAA

A non-profit organization that provides automotive and travel services, including roadside assistance.

Ben Perricone

A territory manager with AAA who has warned of the significant damage and costs associated with potholes in Baltimore.

Baltimore City

The local government responsible for maintaining and repairing roads within the city limits.

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What they’re saying

“Potholes can cause tremendous damage to your vehicle. It can be extremely expensive. The tires are all that keep us going and stopping in our vehicles.”

— Ben Perricone, AAA Territory Manager (wbal.com)

“Puddles are the great disguise that potholes use. The main thing is speed. The faster you hit it, the more potential damage. If it's a larger pothole, and you hit it right in the deepest spot, there's potential for more damage.”

— Ben Perricone, AAA Territory Manager (wbal.com)

What’s next

Residents are encouraged to call Baltimore's 311 line to report any potholes in need of repair. The city's crews will then work to fix the reported potholes, potentially saving drivers thousands of dollars in vehicle repair costs.

The takeaway

This pothole season highlights the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance and the need for drivers to be vigilant when navigating Baltimore's roads. By working together to identify and address potholes, the city and its residents can improve public safety and reduce the financial burden on vehicle owners.