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. We’re a special team of tow trucks that travel Orange County’s freeways during peak commuting hours to help motorists with disabled vehicles. Our job is to keep the freeways moving and reduce congestion by quickly removing disabled vehicles.
Best of all, FSP services are free to motorists. From a jump start to a gallon of gas, or simply changing a flat tire, our trucks and drivers help people get back on the road. They'll even help take vehicles to a safe location off the freeway without charge.
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 operation of the contracted tow companies, and provides field services whenever law enforcement is required.
FSP hours of operation
Monday through Friday:
6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (major congested interchanges and adjacent freeways)
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. South I-5 only
The FSP does not operate on major holidays.
FSP Service Area
Safety tips
Our FSP drivers are trained to keep motorists safe; however, it is always good to know what to do while waiting for the FSP to arrive. Here are some safety basics:
- If you can, move your vehicle onto the shoulder out of traffic lanes.
- Call the police immediately via cell phone or call box if your vehicle was involved in a traffic accident. Call boxes are located one mile apart.
- Use your cell phone to call 911 or a call box if your vehicle has broken down.
- If you don’t have a cell phone, display a sign stating “Call Police” and wait for help.
- 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.
- Use added caution in bad weather since a passing motorist could lose control.
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.