Helping clear disabled vehicles during peak commute hours to help reduce congestion.
Helping clear disabled vehicles during peak commute hours to help reduce congestion.
Orange County freeways can be stressful, especially when heavy traffic makes a vehicle breakdown even more challenging. That’s where the Freeway Service Patrol, also known as FSP, steps in to assist motorists with disabled vehicles during peak commute hours.
FSP is a partnership between the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), supported by California State Highway, Road Repair and Accountability Act (Senate Bill 1), SAFE DMV, and Measure M2 funding. Service on the 91 and 405 Express Lanes are funded by the Express Lanes.
FSP operators patrol designated Orange County freeways and provide motorists with limited roadside assistance to help move disabled vehicles safely out of traffic and off the freeway. FSP services include jump-starting a battery, changing a flat tire, offering one gallon of gas, refilling radiator water, or taping a hose. If a vehicle issue cannot be quickly resolved on the freeway, FSP may tow the vehicle off the freeway to a CHP-designated drop zone, where the motorist can arrange additional assistance. There are limitations to the vehicles that FSP may tow, such as the vehicle’s weight, involvement in a collision, leaking fluids, and more. If FSP cannot quickly resolve the vehicle’s issue or tow the vehicle to a CHP-designated drop zone, it may be necessary for the motorist to make other arrangements for secondary freeway assistance.
FSP is not intended to replace an auto club, roadside assistance plan or private towing service. FSP services are not guaranteed and may vary based on time of day, location, operator availability, and the type of vehicle or assistance needed. FSP services are intended to help keep traffic moving and are provided at no cost to motorists.
For general questions or comments about the Freeway Service Patrol program, email Motorist Services at MotoristServices@octa.net. Please do not email for service requests, as the email address is not continuously monitored.
See the FAQ below for more information.
FSP patrols designated Orange County freeways during peak weekday traffic hours and provides weekend service in limited high-traffic areas to help keep traffic moving. Please see the map below for our current service areas and hours.
Monday through Friday – 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday (limited service) – 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
FSP does not operate on holidays, including, but not limited to:
Your safety comes first! To help protect yourself and others, please follow these important precautions recommended by the California Highway Patrol:
If your vehicle becomes disabled on the freeway, the FSP may be able to help by:
Yes. Limited assistance is provided free of charge. FSP is supported by California State Highway, Road Repair and Accountability Act (Senate Bill 1), SAFE DMV, and Measure M2 funding. Service on the 91 and 405 Express Lanes are funded by the Express Lanes.
You may thank an FSP driver by completing our quick survey here. Please include the driver’s name and ID number from the business card provided at the time of service, if available. This information helps us identify the driver and properly recognize their service. Please note that FSP drivers are not permitted to accept payment or tips.
FSP drivers rove designated freeway routes during operating hours and may stop to assist motorists they encounter. You can also call 5-1-1 and select “Motorist Aid” to arrange appropriate assistance, which may include an auto club or roadside assistance provider, friend or family member, CHP Rotation Tow, or FSP when available and within service guidelines. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.
The FSP operates on select freeway segments during designated service hours, typically peak traffic hours. See the Freeway Service Patrol Operating Hours and Service Area section for the current coverage map and schedule.
If your vehicle is within FSP towing guidelines, FSP may tow the vehicle off the freeway to a CHP-designated drop zone, where the motorist can arrange additional assistance if needed. Eligibility depends on factors such as vehicle weight, collision damage, and safety conditions.
A CHP-designated drop zone is an off-freeway location identified by the California Highway Patrol where FSP may leave a disabled vehicle on a short-term basis so the motorist may arrange secondary assistance. CHP-designated drop zones may be subject to local parking restrictions and other ordinances, so it is important the motorist removes their vehicle as soon as possible to avoid possible citations or removal by local authorities.
No. The FSP may only tow vehicles to locations designated by the California Highway Patrol. FSP drivers are also not permitted to recommend tow companies or repair facilities for service.
All FSP tow trucks are white with Freeway Service Patrol displayed on the front of the tow truck’s hood and doors. Drivers wear blue uniforms and safety vests with the FSP logo and will greet motorists with a business card and FSP brochure.
Contracted tow companies are responsible for ensuring that their operators are trained in vehicle assistance and towing practices that are consistent with tow industry standards. FSP Operators must also complete CHP-provided initial driver training that includes program standards and guidelines. FSP Operators then must pass a proficiency test, and must complete eight hours of refresher training each year to maintain FSP certification.
FSP is not a replacement for clubs or other private tow service providers and cannot be guaranteed. While FSP tries to help as many motorists as possible, availability depends on the day of the week, time of day, location, number of active traffic incidents, the type of vehicle, and the type of assistance needed. FSP is intended to help keep traffic moving and is not a replacement for an auto club, roadside assistance plan, or private towing service.
FSP assistance may be provided depending on the circumstances. For example, FSP may provide a gallon of gas to a motorcycle, commercial or oversized vehicle but will not be able to tow it off the freeway if needed.
If FSP service is unavailable, or if your needs go beyond the services FSP provides, motorists may arrange assistance through their auto club, friend or family, or call 5-1-1 to help arrange CHP Rotation Tow services. Note: CHP Rotation Tow services are provided by participating private tow companies, and standard tow fees apply.
The California Highway Patrol coordinates with local on-call tow companies to provide tow services on a rotation basis. The Rotation Tow Program is designed to facilitate the safe, efficient and rapid removal of disabled vehicles or vehicles involved in collisions from highways served by the CHP. Standard tow or service fees payable to the responding tow company apply. For more information about the CHP Rotation Tow Program, please visit chp.ca.gov.
