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Freeway Service Patrol

Your friend on the freeways

Orange County freeways can be stressful in the best of times, but add traffic and a mechanical problem, and you could be in dire need of assistance–and a friendly face, which is where the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) steps in. FSP is a unique tow truck team that patrols Orange County's freeways during peak commuting hours to help motorists whose vehicles become disabled on the highway. You may also call 511 from your cell phone and select Motorist Assistance for on-freeway assistance during FSP Operating hours. Our goal is to keep traffic moving and reduce congestion by assisting with minor roadside repairs and removing disabled vehicles from the roadway.

Best of all, FSP services are free to motorists. Our trucks and drivers help people get back on the road with limited essential assistance from a jump start to a gallon of gas or simply changing a flat tire. We'll even help take vehicles to a safe location off the freeway where motorists can seek additional assistance if necessary, all at no charge to the motorist.

The FSP program began in 1992 in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The Orange County Transportation Authority manages the program, and the CHP provides dispatch, oversees the operation of the contracted tow companies, and provides field services whenever law enforcement is required.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Motorist Services at MotoristServices@octa.net, or contact us online.

Freeway Service Patrol Operating Hours

Monday through Friday:

  • 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

  • 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • I-5 - South of Alicia Pkwy,
  • SR-22 - Harbor Blvd. to SR-55
  • SR-91 – East of SR-57
  • I-405 – I 605 to SR-73

FSP Does not Operate During the Following Holidays:

  • New Year’s
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran’s Day
  • Thanksgiving and Day After Thanksgiving
  • Last Week of December for Holiday Break
  • New Year’s Day


Orange County Service Area



Safety Tips

It is always good to know what to do while waiting for help to arrive. Here are some safety basics recommended by the California Highway Patrol:

  1. If you can, move your vehicle onto the right shoulder out of traffic lanes.

  2. If involved in a traffic collision, move your vehicle to a safe location if possible before exchanging insurance information.

  3. Stay inside your vehicle with your seat belt on until help arrives. If you must exit the vehicle, stay as far away from the roadway as possible.

  4. Use added caution in bad weather since a passing motorist could lose control of their vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

Because there are always questions, here are some answers to the basic questions we hear the most.

  • What services can the Orange County FSP provide?

    If your vehicle stops running, the FSP can help by:

    • Offering you a gallon of gas if you ran out
    • Jump start your dead battery
    • Refill your radiator and make minor hose repairs
    • Change a flat tire 
     
  • What if the FSP can’t get my vehicle running?

    It will be towed from the freeway free of charge to a pre-designated on-street location.

  • If my vehicle is towed to one of these locations, will the FSP help me get to a phone?

    Yes. The FSP will take you to the nearest phone so you can notify a friend, relative or auto club.

  • How will I recognize the FSP?

    All FSP tow trucks are white with the FSP logo on the doors. Drivers wear blue uniforms and bright yellow-green safety vests with the FSP logo.

  • Are Orange County FSP drivers certified?

    Yes. Drivers receive their certification only after completing a CHP training program.

  • Can the FSP tow me to a private repair facility?

    No. FSP only tows vehicles to locations identified by the CHP. The FSP is not permitted to recommend other tow companies or repair facilities.

  • Which freeways do the Orange County FSP patrol?

    Check the map for FSP coverage..

  • What happens if FSP is unavailable or if my needs are beyond what FSP may provide?

    If FSP service is unavailable or if the need is beyond what the FSP provides, 511 may assist a motorist by helping to arrange service through their Club Towing, the CHP Rotation Tow program, or by contacting a Friend or Family Member.

  • What Is The CHP Rotation Tow program?

    The CHP Rotation Tow Program allows licensed and approved members of the towing industry to participate in a rotational tow list managed through the California Highway Patrol. The purpose of the program is to equitably distribute highway-related service calls from the public when other services are not available or appropriate and ensure that the public receives ethical and fair treatment from private tow companies who participate in the program.

    The CHP Rotation Tow Program services are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

    There is a charge for Rotation Tow Program services. Rotation Tow providers are to make rates available to customers upon request. PLEASE REQUEST SERVICE RATES WHEN THE ROTATION TOW PROVIDER ARRIVES.

    Tow operators are not required to accept checks but are required by law to accept a valid credit or debit card.

    To learn more about the CHP Rotation Tow Program, please visit chp.ca.gov.

Customer Comments

The FSP and its Operators receive compliments every day. “Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us your feedback - it's much appreciated!"
1/5/2023: Thank you to the FSP Operator for his excellent service with changing the flat tire on the carpool lane. He was confident and put my wife and I at ease. He explained everything in detail. Being stuck on the carpool lane is not pleasant and very nerve racking. He risks his life serving others. The only thing I suggest is that FSP should allow Operators to accept tips. Otherwise, thanks FSP! I will tell all my friends and family about your service!
Survey I.D. # 19010909198
1/8/2023: The FSP Operator really saved my afternoon. I was right off the ramp (on the fork) entry of 405 South Jamboree road. I waited for my AAA service for about forty minutes then decided to move down to the highway where the ground is flatter. I walked up to where I gave my location to AAA to flag down the service driver and waited there for about ten to fifteen minutes, only for them to complete my request and not show up. When I walked back down to my car on the highway (in tears), the FSP Operator was there waiting for me to show up. He saw that I was upset and in a calm reliable manner introduced himself and the service as well as how he found me and how he can help me with my problem, making sure that I can get off the highway safely. He was very quick with the tire change, barely took five minutes. Not knowing about the Freeway Service Patrol I offered him cash and he politely declined. So I asked for his first name so that I can make sure that I can share my experience with his excellent service. I truly appreciate your services and believe that the FSP Operator represents all your values and services. Thank you so much.
Survey I.D. # 19012153783
1/11/2023: I work for Caltrans. I was changing my flat tire in my work vehicle on the west bound 22 when an FSP Operator approached and offered his help. I could have changed the tire without his help, but him springing into action allowed the tire to get changed much faster than it would have been otherwise. I appreciate the FSP Operator’s help, he was awesome.
Survey I.D. # 19013634511
1/19/2023: I am so thankful for the help provided today. The FSP Operator was so kind and empathetic and professional when I was so shaken up after being in an accident. His calm demeanor and the assistance provided were a true godsend in that moment for me. I had been in an accident and he helped me make sure that my car’s tires were not rubbing against the damaged part of my car so I could safely steer and exit the freeway.
Survey I.D. # 19017215185
1/23/2023: The FSP Operator was very helpful and walked me through possible problems and solutions. He jumpstarted my car and this helped me get to a safe location before my tow from State Farm. Thank you!
Survey I.D. # 19018471364
1/23/2023: I wanted to compliment the FSP Operator who assisted me. The FSP Operator who helped me was very polite. He gave me water since my car overheated.
Greg
2/28/2023: I was at the end of a three-car pile-up on the 405 freeway heading north entering the transition of the 55 south. The streets were wet and traffic was heavy and moving about 45 mph. The traffic stopped suddenly and before I knew it, i hit the car in front of me. There were no physical injuries to anyone except being a little shook up. The FSP Operator arrived shortly after and asked if I was OK, assisted me in getting me to move my car to the side of the freeway. He explained what to expect. He was caring, courteous and professional. Thank you for having people like this on your team.
Lee K.
3/22/2023: I was driving southbound on the 405 freeway when my car ran out of gas. I was trying to get ahold of my insurance company for assistance when the FSP Operator pulled up and gave me a gallon of gas, as well as directions on how to get to the closest gas station. I wanted to say how much I appreciated the FSP Operator’s help.
Dina
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