511 Freeway Assist connects Bay Area motorists to Freeway Service Patrol (FSP)—free jump-starts, tire changes, fuel, and short relocations to CHP-approved safe spots. FSP is not a substitute for commercial freeway towing when you need a shop, home, or flatbed after a serious failure.
What Freeway Service Patrol Does
The Bay Area Freeway Service Patrol is a joint program of MTC SAFE, Caltrans, and CHP. White trucks with FSP logos patrol major freeways during funded hours, responding to CHP dispatch and roving for stranded motorists.
FSP services are free at the time of help: jump-starts, flat tire changes when a usable spare exists, up to a gallon of fuel, radiator top-offs, minor quick repairs, debris removal, and pushing or towing a vehicle off the freeway to a CHP-identified safe location.
FSP explicitly does not provide commercial towing to your home, dealership, or body shop. When field repairs fail, CHP may contact an auto club or towing service—and you may need to hire a private operator for destination towing.
Request help by dialing 511 and saying Freeway Assist. Use 911 first for injuries or lane-blocking hazards. Bridge and tunnel calls route to Caltrans.
Related resources: Service options • Get a quote • Related guide
When to Call a Private Tow Truck
Call commercial dispatch when the failure exceeds FSP field limits: transmission or engine seizure, collision damage, multiple flat tires, missing spare, fuel-system faults, or any EV high-voltage warning that prevents a safe restart.
Commercial trucks, RVs, buses, and many medium-duty vans exceed FSP equipment limits immediately—size the truck upfront with GVWR and axle configuration.
If FSP already relocated you to a CHP drop lot, call private dispatch from that lot with a GPS pin and destination address.
AWD and lowered vehicles should request flatbed from the first call—see our AWD flatbed towing guide.
Related resources: Service options • Get a quote • Related guide
CHP Role and After-Hours Tows
Officers manage traffic safety and may summon FSP during operating hours.
Outside FSP hours, 511.org notes motorists may use the CHP Rotational Tow Program at standard rates—or contact a private dispatcher directly.
Assess hazard
911 for blocking; 511 Freeway Assist for eligible shoulder breakdowns.
Call private tow
Share mile marker, FSP notes, and flatbed need when FSP cannot finish.
Related resources: Service options • Get a quote • Related guide
Dispatch Tips After FSP
Lead with what FSP already tried: failed jump, no spare, overheating after coolant top-off, or successful shoulder move to an FSP lot. That prevents sending a jump truck when you need a flatbed.
Share freeway, direction, mile marker, vehicle description, and whether the car rolls.
Stay with the vehicle until the private operator arrives unless CHP orders you to a safer location.
Bay Area hub lines: Peninsula 650-881-2400, East Bay 510-800-3800, South Bay 408-800-3800.
Call FSP/511 when
- Non-blocking breakdown
- Need jump, tire, or fuel
- During published FSP hours
Call private tow when
- Transmission or engine failure
- Collision damage
- Home or shop destination
Related resources: Service options • Get a quote • Related guide
Coverage and Hours
511.org lists FSP Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on many corridors—verify fsp-bayarea.org before you rely on patrol.
- Dial 511, say Freeway Assist
- FSP is not a tow to your home
- EV HV faults need private flatbed
Related resources: Service options • Get a quote • Related guide