The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is a free service that provides motorist aid on major freeways in the San Joaquin region. Recently expanded due to increased funding from SB 1 (the state gas tax fund), the program operates on 36 miles of freeways and averages 6,000 assists per year.
Managed in partnership with SJCOG, CHP, and Caltrans, the program utilizes a fleet of roving tow and service trucks designed to reduce traffic congestion by efficiently getting disabled vehicles running again, or by quickly towing those vehicles off of the freeway to a designated safe location.
Quickly removing motorists and their disabled vehicles from the freeway reduces the chances of further incidents caused by onlookers and impatient drivers. In addition, FSP helps save fuel and reduce air polluting emissions by reducing stop-and-go traffic.
The service is absolutely FREE to motorists. If you get stuck on the freeway, FSP will:
- Offer you a gallon of gas, if you run out
- "Jump start" your car, if the battery is dead
- Refill your radiator and tape leaky hoses
- Even change a flat tire, if you have a spare
If they cannot get your car going in a short period of time, they will tow it off the freeway (free of charge) to a safe drop location approved by the CHP.
Please note, the FSP driver...
- Cannot tow your vehicle to a private repair service or residence
- Does not recommend tow service companies, repair or body shops
- Does not tow motorcycles
- Does not assist vehicles which have been involved in accidents, unless directed by CHP
- Will report any accident to the CHP
FSP drivers patrol continuously during the hours listed above. For immediate assistance, please call 5-1-1. Always remain near your vehicle in an area where you feel safe. FSP drivers cannotprovide assistance to unattended vehicles.
Interstate 5/205/580 - I-5 Mossdale Road to I-205 W Grantline Road, and I-205 Grantline Road to I-580 Patterson Pass Road
Monday - Friday: 5:30 - 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Interstate 5, State Route 4/99 - I-5 between Eight Mile Road to Charter Way and Charter Way to SR 4 and SR 99, and I-5 between Charter Way to Mossdale Road and Mossdale Road to SR 120 Airport Way
Monday - Friday: 5:30 - 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.
State Route 99/120 - SR 99 between Kettleman Lane to Arch Road, and Arch Road to SR 120 Airport Way and Airport Way to SR 99 Main Street
Monday - Friday: 5:30 - 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.
The San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) operates the FSP program in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The statewide program was established in 1993 with the passage of the Freeway Service Patrol Act. The San Joaquin FSP services began in 1996 and plays an important role in achieving the goal to keep the freeways moving, reduce the chance of secondary accidents, and to help make the freeways safer and less congested.
SJCOG is responsible for contracting with tow service operators and prepares budgets and annual reports. Caltrans is responsible for administering state FSP funding and providing statewide guidance, planning, and program coordination. The Stockton CHP is responsible for training, certifiying, and supervising the tow serivce operators as part of the daily field operations in San Joaquin County.
FSP service is contracted through Stanislaus Towing.
How is the FSP program funded?
State funding is provided by Caltrans. The $25 million annual budget is divided among 23 counties with FSP programs based upon population, freeway miles, and freeway delay.
The local match is provided by the Service Authority for Freeways and Expressways (SAFE) program.
With the passage of SB 1, Caltrans was able to direct an additional $25 million per year to the statewide FSP program. This means $405,000 for the first year in additional funds for new or expanded services in San Joaquin County.
How do I use the FSP service?
The FSP tow trucks patrol on selected San Joaquin County freeways looking to help stranded motorists during the specified service time. Motorists can dial 5-1-1 from their mobile device to request immediate roadside assistance.
How can the Freeway Service Patrol help?
If you are stranded on the freeway, the FSP can:
- Jump-start a your engine if you have a dead battery
- Tape leaking hoses and refill your radiator with water
- Change a flat tire
- Provide a gallon of gas if you run out of fuel
- Assist with other minor repairs
If FSP cannot get your car going within a short period of time; it will be towed, at no charge, to a location designated by the CHP.
What should I do if my car breaks down on the freeway?
First, make sure you and your vehicle are in a safe location, such as the shoulder. You may call for roadside assistance from any roadside call box or by dialing 5-1-1 from your cell phone. When the FSP operator is not on duty, you will be connected with a call center to reach other roadside assistance operators.
How can I recognize the Freeway Service Patrol?
All FSP trucks are white and easily recognizable by the FSP logo on the doors. FSP drivers wear blue uniforms and brightly colored FSP safety vests. Drivers also carry an identification card issued by the CHP.
Are FSP drivers certified?
Yes. Drivers receive their certification after completing a CHP training program.
Can the Freeway Service Patrol tow me to a private repair facility or to my home?
No. The FSP drivers can tow vehicles only to CHP-designated locations off the freeway. Also, FSP drivers cannot recommend service companies or repair/body shops.
Can I pay or tip the tow truck driver?
No. Drivers are not allowed to accept any compensation including tips or gratuities. However, you can support your driver by completing the customer survey card provided by the driver or complete the online survey to tell us about your experience.
-
For help on the highway:
If you need roadside assistance,
dial 5-1-1 from your cell phone
and say Roadside Assistance.
Have a question or concern?
Contact Yvette Davis, Senior
Program Specialist, by email
or call (209) 235-1092.
Have you been helped by FSP?
Take our online survvey or call
(800) 52-SHARE (7-4273)
to tell us about your experience.