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Call Boxes

You always have a way to connect!

Overview

Because vehicles don’t choose to break down conveniently during the Freeway Service Patrol’s (FSP) hours of operation, you can rest assured there is a network of over 400 call boxes on Orange County freeways to help you if the need arises. They can put motorists in touch with an operator at a call center who can assist in dispatching the appropriate service. Motorists may also call 511 Motorist Assistance to reach the call box call center for assistance.

Each call box is solar-powered and equipped with full two-way communication by voice and by typewritten message to assist with speech and hearing-impaired individuals. Some of these call boxes are placed on toll roads and select state highways where the FSP doesn’t patrol!

The call box network in Orange County was launched in 1987 and implemented by the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) program. It was developed to allow motorists to report road hazards, mechanical breakdowns, traffic accidents and other incidents. To this day, more than three-quarters of the calls received by the call center have been made to report disabled vehicles. Funding for the call box network comes from a $1 annual fee collected per vehicle registration by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The Orange County call box network is just another way we help you with your travels.

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

Program Documents

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Fact Sheet - 2024-25
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Call Box Removal Request Form

Service Area and Hours

Call boxes connect you to a private call center that is available 24-hours a day. Some of the call boxes are located where you won’t find FSP coverage. You can find call boxes on the following routes and locations:

  • Orange County freeways

  • Toll roads

  • Transit centers

  • Select state highways including: Carbon Canyon Road, Ortega Highway and Santiago Canyon Road.

Please note that some call boxes are removed during the construction process.

Safety Tips

If you use a call box because your vehicle is disabled, 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.

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