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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

Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback. Our operators it!
10/4/2023 This is a GREAT service and saved me and my autistic adult son from a very dangerous situation! I felt like a super hero drove up and saved us. We got a flat in the carpool lane on the freeway and were stuck against the center divider while the cars in the fast lane sped by us at close proximity. The FSP operator was so helpful and efficient. I am so grateful and hope that he will be commended for his outstanding service, knowledge, competence, and kindness.
Survey I.D. # 19105700830
10/4/23 The caller would like to file a compliment for the Freeway Service Patrol Operator who assisted him on Wednesday October 4 2023. He stated that he was driving northbound on the 57 freeway, when right before the 91 freeway, his vehicle's electric systems began shorting out, losing his power steering and then dying out, right after he was able to pull over to the shoulder. As he was on the phone waiting for AAA to answer, the FSP Operator pulled up behind him and knocked on his window offering to help get him off of the freeway, which the caller gladly accepted. The caller said that after getting off the freeway, the Operator checked his battery and said it was not a case of just needing a jump and apologized for not being able to assist any further. The caller truly appreciated his help and said that he provided great customer service and was incredibly helpful, making a bag situation better.
Miguel L.
10/9/23 Caller stated that on Saturday 10/07/2023 at about 10:00 AM he was driving on the freeway in the city of Long Beach when he got a flat tire. The caller stated he was on his way to Arizona with his grandaughters when all of a sudden they heard a loud explosion coming from the side of his vehicle. He stated he realized his tire had popped and he was in the middle lane. He stated he was able to get to the safe lane but you can imagine how scary it was for his grandaughters who were crying. The caller mentioned not even a minute passed by and a Freeway Service Patrol agent S arrived with such a warm and calming demeaner. The agent was able to calm everyone down including his grandchildren. The agent introduced himself and stated he is there to help and provided him information of what the service provides. The caller stated he was amazed at the type of service California has because he was on his way to Arizona. The agent was very quick and efficient and had the tire replaced in no time. The caller is so thankful he would like to mail out a letter expressing his gratitude as well as his grandchildren.
David L.
10/10/23 The FSP Operator was a lifesaver for this physically disabled driver and passenger that was likely unable to change my own tire. He got me going ASAP in a professional, safe, and courteous manner. I didn't call and wasn't aware of the Freeway Service Patrol. Dreading the task, I was still getting out the car jack out when the Operator pulled up and took over the tire change. I am so grateful! I was barely delayed for my appointment and destination in Laguna Niguel. It was also my 73rd birthday and this was the best gift ever! Thank you FSPOC and Operatorl!!!!
Steve & Patricia C.
10/20/23 He was a life saver that day. I am not an Orange County native but I was driving over from Riverside to Santa Ana for a new job. Getting a flat tire on your first day of work was very stressful and I do not know how to change a tire. An FSP Operator got to me within two minutes and was very helpful and kind to me. I did not know about the FSP service before but now I have his card in my wallet. Thank you so much!
Survey ID # 19112641835
10/16/23 From the bottom of my heart, I am extremely grateful for this service and for The FSP Operator. He was kind, professional, and prioritized my safety. As a female stranded on the side of the I-5 freeway, I was a little afraid and unsure of what to do. Thankfully, the FSP Operator arrived just a few minutes after my flat and took excellent care of me and my car. He even advised me on how to drive with my spare tire. This service is extremely helpful, and I had no idea existed! Thank you Orange County Transportation Authority for funding this and thank you FSP Operator for your kindness and professionalism!
Survey I.D. # 19110784850
10/11/2023 The FSP Operators were very helpful and explained the service and assistance that they can be provided free of cost. Prior to this I did not have any knowledge about these services. I was stopped at the side of the road at 5:30 a.m. with my emergency light and they pulled over and offered assistance. I am very grateful and blessed they were able to assist me in changing my flat tire ; they did it in a timely matter and it was so fast that it did not delay my route to work. Once again i appreciate the assistance and will make sure to pass information to family and friends of the services that are available. The Operators were very friendly, kind, helpful, respectful, knowledgeable, and proactive.
Survey I.D. # 19107627017
10/5/23 The FSP Operator appeared when I was trying to schedule roadside assistance through my insurance, and right when I submitted the request he showed up to help me out. It was so awesome because the app told me it would take anywhere from one to one and half hours to get a tow truck through my insurance. He informed me how he was going to help and provide me with a brochure right away. It was such a relief, and I really appreciate the service and professionalism he provided.
Survey I.D. # 19106073120
10/3/23 The FSP Operator was able to put my mind at rest when my car didn't start after putting gas in the tank. He said it was likely too empty for my fuel pump, but everything should be fine after a quick tow off the freeway. I'm thrilled that he was correct! Thanks again!
Survey I.D. # 19105317204
10/16/23 My tire was flat as I was driving on the 55 freeway, I pulled over to the nearest shoulder area close to exit 9 and I realized that I didn't have a car jack for my spare tire. I was unaware of the FSP service, so I called my girlfriend who was nearby to bring a car jack. The FSP Operator showed up shortly after while we were looking at the tires and he nicely explained to us that he can change the tire for us. He seemed genuinely concerned for our safety as I was parked on triangle of the exit, and he explained to us that this was a dangerous spot to park. He also explained that this service is always free and to call 511 if I were to be in a similar situation. I am highly thankful for him and his swift service into getting me back to work on time, I would recommend having more operators like him!
Survey I.D. # 19109719943
10/3/23 I hadn't experienced a service need on the freeway. I was scared. I didn't know if I had a spare. My anxiety was high. FSP came to my rescue without even calling. He just appeared. Calmed me down with his demeanor, knowledge and action. He was my hero. I hope they all stay safe. What great action in a dangerous environment. Cars are going so fast. Thank you so much! I appreciate all of them.
Survey I.D. # 19105581323
11/22/23 The FSP Operator was very friendly. I was stranded on the 73 (just got off work) and my gas tank was empty. This was the first time this has happened and I was very stressed. When he approached me, he was very professional and explained how the service is and offered me a gallon of gas. I am forever grateful. He even explained that they don’t service the 73 freeway. The fact that he stopped for me and offered his service was very kind of him. Thank you for going out of your way for me. I did not know about the service but I’m glad I was told about it now and will always have this number saved in case anything like this happen again.
Survey I.D. # 19119789166
11/18/2023 My family and I were involved in a distressing situation when our car tires blew out, leaving us stranded and blocking a carpool lane on 11/18/2023. The FSP Oprator’s response was nothing short of remarkable. Despite the challenging circumstances on one of California's busiest freeways, he arrived promptly and efficiently to assist us. His professionalism, expertise, and calm demeanor immediately alleviated our anxiety, making us feel safe and secure during a potentially dangerous situation. Not only did the FSP Operator expertly changed our blown-out tires, but he also took the initiative to ensure the thorough cleanup of debris, allowing for the swift and safe resumption of traffic flow. His dedication to his role and the well-being of motorists on the freeway was evident throughout the entire process. I believe it is crucial to recognize individuals like the FSP Operator, who go above and beyond their duties to ensure the safety and satisfaction of those they serve. His actions exemplify the high standards of professionalism and commitment to public safety that we should all strive to uphold. We cannot find enough words to express our gratitude and appreciation for what the FSP Operator did for us on our dangerous situation on the busiest freeway in California. Thank you for the dedication of individuals like the FSP Operator who contribute to the safety and well-being of human beings.
Survey I.D. # 19119092208
11/15/2023 I am really grateful for the fast, and excellent, professional attention received from the FSP operator. He showed a great concern for our safety ( I was taking my daughter to CSUF). He acted very fast in order to get us out of the freeway into a safe location ( to the Fullerton Park & Ride) The FSP Operator did an excellent job 👌👌👌 I really appreciate it 🙏
Survey I.D. # 19118473630
12/20/23 The FSP Operator was awesome. My son and I just pulled over to the side of the road trying to figure out what was going on and I look in the rear view mirror and there was a tow truck. The FSP Operator explained the service and helped us out. We were off the freeway in five minutes. I have never heard of this service, but after learning about it I thought OCTA was very smart. We were on the side of the freeway for five minutes and we were already causing a slow down. This service got us off the freeway to a safe place and traffic resumed. As a commuter I thought this was a great idea. Not to mention my son was in the car with me and I definitely did not want him on the side of the freeway. Great job and great idea. Thank you. Also, I tried to offer the driver money, but he would not take it. Very nice guy and very good at is job.
Survey I.D. # 19128054140
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