Save 511 on Your Phone
If you are stuck with your vehicle on the freeway, you can get free help to get your car safely off the freeway.
Call 511 from your phone, and California's Freeway Service Patrol ("FSP") will:
Give you a gallon of gas, if you are empty;
Jump start your car if your battery is dead;
Refill your radiator;
Change a flat tire (NEVER change your own tire on the freeway, the risk is too high);
Among others.
The service covers almost all major freeways of California. As of today, the FSP covers:
Inland Division - Riverside and San Bernardino counties
Southern Division - Los Angeles county
Border Division - San Diego and Orange counties
Coastal Division - Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara counties , San Luis Obispo, Ventura and Moorpark
Central Division - Fresno county
Golden Gate Division - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, and Sonoma counties
Valley Division - Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado and San Joaquin counties
There are limitations. The FSP:
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.
If you are ever stuck on the freeway for whatever reason, start by calling 511 and see if they can help. The worst they can say is no, and you may just get off the freeway safely and with professional help at no charge to you.