Motorist Aid

In partnership with Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol, SANDAG is committed to improving safety for stranded motorists and reducing traffic congestion in the San Diego region through free roadside assistance on major freeways and highways.

The SANDAG Motorist Aid program includes the Freeway Service Patrol and Call Box programs. When motorists call 511 and say, “Roadside Assistance,” or pick up the phone from a yellow call box found along rural state highways, they are connected to the motorist aid call center. Freeway Service Patrol will be dispatched to their location in an average of nine minutes.

In addition to free roadside assistance, motorists can also call 511 for traffic and transit information.

Freeway Service Patrol

Freeway Service Patrol can:

  • Provide a gallon of gas
  • Change a flat tire
  • Jump start a vehicle
  • Add water to the radiator
  • Tow a vehicle to a safe, pre-determined location designated by the CHP (Drivers cannot tow vehicles to a private facility or home and are not permitted to recommend service companies or repair shops.)

Peak Service: 

Monday-Friday: 5:30-9:30 a.m. and 2:30-6:30 p.m.

Midday and Weekend Service:

Monday-Friday: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Service is not available on federal holidays. Midday and weekend service is not available on SR 905 or SR 11. Calls made outside of hours of operation will be connected to other roadside assistance operators.

Services are available on most major freeways and highways in the San Diego metropolitan area. See the service area map for details.

Freeway Service Patrol coverage area map showing peak, midday and weekend service on majority of San Diego freeways. Peak service is only on the 905/11 freeway.

Although drivers are not allowed to accept tips or payments, satisfied motorists can show their thanks by completing our survey (code is found on the flyer provided by the driver) and leaving a review on Yelp.

Call Box

SANDAG operates and maintains more than 370 call boxes along rural state highways in the San Diego region. These emergency phones link travelers in need to a 24-hour call center.

The Call Box program is operated in accordance with statewide Motorist Aid Guidelines, developed in coordination with Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol. 

System operation is made possible by a $1 annual fee on vehicle registrations in each participating county. 

To report a damaged or inoperative call box, email motoristaid@sandag.org.