511 Freeway Aid

511 Freeway Aid puts the power of a roadside callbox in your cell phone. By dialing this service, motorists can help decrease traffic congestion and non-emergency phone calls to 911 while remaining safe inside his or her vehicle.

How Do I Get Help?

When in a non-emergency situation (flat tire, car stalled, out of gas, etc.), motorists can utilize the 511 Freeway Aid system by dialing 511 on their cell phones. By saying “Freeway Aid,” the system will connect the motorist with an operator who will determine the motorist’s location, and provide appropriate roadside assistance services.

Who Will Help Me?

Services such as the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) operate during peak commute hours (complete FSP schedule) and will provide free roadside assistance such as changing a tire, jump-starting a battery, or providing a free tow off the highway. During non-FSP hours, the motorist can obtain aid from Rotational Tow through the CHP, which offers standard rates. On regional bridges and tunnels, the call will be dispatched to Caltrans. In this way, 511 Freeway Aid links the three agencies – MTC, CHP, and Caltrans - with a program to rapidly deploy appropriate roadside services and get motorists moving again as soon as possible.

When Should I Call 911?

511 Freeway Aid provides only non-emergency roadside assistance. Visit the California Highway Patrol's site for information about when to call 911.

More About Freeway Aid

Freeway Aid was born out of the decreasing use of yellow roadside call boxes due to the influx of personal cell phones. Now, however, Freeway Aid successfully merges the FSP and Call box programs through 511 to maximize the benefits of all three programs. With 511 Freeway Aid, motorists on regional freeways can more rapidly access and summon non-emergency services, while at the same time decreasing inappropriate calls to 911.