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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


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!"
The FSP Operator was a true lifesaver. My sister-in-law and I took our four kids to the beach, and on the way back, my tire popped. I pulled over on the side of the road, which was uphill and had a high traffic and speed area. We were all so scared and hot while sitting in the car, but out of nowhere came the operator, and he truly made us feel so comfortable. He realized there were six of us and we wouldn't fit in his tow truck, so he called another operator to assist. We can't explain the relief we felt. He was terrific, and when I tried to give him a tip, he refused and said this is his job, and he would not accept a tip. It was our kid's first time in this situation, and the FSP Operator was the best; my kids felt safe and relieved once they arrived and helped us. He is the best!!! Thank you for a job well done! Thank you so much for helping and assisting us when we were so scared (as AAA was hours out). We are beyond grateful!!
Survey I.D. # 13525966701
I got a flat tire on the 405 North just before the Beach Blvd. offramp. With the construction & K-rails, there was no shoulder to speak of to pull over. I was sure I was going to die & get hit from behind in that slow lane. Out of nowhere, FSP appeared within 10 minutes of getting the flat tire! I was on the phone with Auto Club but didn't need them! I would have died before they could get to me! The FSP Operator had to empty my trunk into the back seat to fetch my spare tire. He guided me back to a safer position, changed my tire, and off I went! The FSP Operator didn't just change my tire; he saved my life today! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! God bless you. I don't know how you fit your wings under your shirt!!! Thank you, too, OCTA, for all you do for us!!!
Myra D.
Oh my God! All I can say is: Where did he come from??? I was so THANKFUL to see him as I was trapped on the ramp on the 22 Freeway, which was unnerving! I hadn't even reached a live AAA rep yet, and the FSP Operator appeared! He was so friendly and courteous; he shared the brochure, business card, and info about the program. We were done in no time! Thank you guys, for providing this invaluable service, especially for us women! I made it home safely and am grateful! P.S. As I pulled back into traffic, not even 200 yards away, the FSP Operator was assisting yet another stranded vehicle. Kudos to HIM and to you all too!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!
Survey I.D. # 13523900789
Wow! What a fantastic service! My car stopped in the middle of the busy, high-speed Ortega Highway offramp with my child in the car. I was too nervous about getting out of the car with so many cars rushing by and honking, and I was terrified. I was on the phone with BMW Roadside assistance when out of nowhere, and to my great relief, I saw an FSP tow truck pull up behind me. I immediately felt safe, and the driver was an incredible FSP operator. He was calm and confident and made sure I was comfortable. Based on my experience, I genuinely think FSP operators are heroes in disguise! Thank you so much for providing this service!!
Survey I.D. # 13548077244
The FSP operator went out of his way to get me out of a dangerous Zone. I was too close to the wall on one side, and on the driver's side could not exit because the cars were too close. The driver helped pull me up and into the tow truck. He went above and beyond his duty. He was very respectful and courteous. Thank You for your service!
Survey I.D. # 13533426454
I was in a car accident, and the other car that was in the accident with me took off and left me by myself on the side of the freeway. I'm a woman and have never been in an accident, so I was nervous, and the FSP Operator stayed with me until my husband arrived. Then we called our tow truck, and he was on his way. I'm so grateful the FSP Operator stayed there with me.
Survey I.D. # 13540821341
I was out of gas and trying to connect with AAA roadside assistance. Meanwhile, the FSP operator pulled over and checked for my safety and the issue. Then he helped me with a gallon of gas and ensured I could start the vehicle. And after I confirmed that I was good with the service and that I could fill the gas in the closest gas station, he informed me that the service was free and provided me with the FSP / 511 pamphlet. I was so surprised by the timely service by Orange County FSP. Thank you!
Survey I.D. # 13545425877
THANK YOU!! Thank the FSP Operator for attending to my 19-year-old daughter and immediately calling paramedics. She had pulled over her Subaru to the center divider of the 73 since she had extreme stomach pain and could not drive. The FSP Operator immediately called an EMT to assess the situation and ensure she was OK. We got there in time to take her to the hospital ourselves, and she did end up having emergency surgery to remove her appendix. To have someone there to help was amazing! Thank you for your services!! It could have saved her life if it had burst.
Christy Z.
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