Freeway Service Patrol
The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) Program is offered in partnership by San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), California Highway Patrol (CHP), and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The goal of this partnership and of the FSP Program is to keep the freeways moving and reduce the chance of secondary accidents. FSP began full-time operations in January of 2006.
FSP is a roving team of tow trucks that travel on select San Bernardino County freeways, during peak commute hours, to assist motorists with car trouble. From changing a flat tire to providing minor mechanical assistance, FSP drivers provide a variety of services at no cost. If FSP cannot get your car going within a short period of time; it will be offered to be towed at no charge, to a location designated by the CHP.
FSP services are provided Monday through Friday, except on certain holidays. The FSP Program operates in two shifts during the workweek to assist motorists during peak commute hours.
FSP services cannot be requested by contacting the SBCTA. In case of an emergency please dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency FSP services, please call the CHP dispatch public line at (909) 428-5400 or use the nearest Call Box if you feel safe in doing so.
Remember, always remain in an area where you feel safe.
FSP HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday – Friday Hours of Operation:
AM Shift – 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.*
PM Shift – 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
*Saturday/Sunday Hours of Operation:
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.*
*Please note that service and coverage areas are subject to change without prior notice
FSP tow trucks patrol select San Bernardino County freeways looking to help stranded motorists during specified service times. FSP drivers also receive information from the CHP regarding cellular 911 and Call Box callers requesting assistance.
- If you are stuck on the freeway because your vehicle stops running, FSP can:
- Jump-start a dead battery
- Refill your radiator and tape leaking hoses
- Change a flat tire
- 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.
How can I recognize FSP?
All FSP tow trucks are white and easily recognizable by the FSP logo on the doors. FSP drivers wear blue uniforms with yellow safety vests, all with the same FSP logo. 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 FSP tow me to a private repair facility or to my home?
No. The FSP drivers can only tow vehicles 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.
FSP Driver Awards
Each year, SBCTA recognizes drivers that have shown excellence in all areas of the program. Award categories include Top Driver, Drivers of Excellence, People’s Choice, and Rookie of the Year.
The award criteria is listed below as follows:
Top Driver and Driver of Excellence awards are based on the following criteria:
- The driver must perform a minimum of 1,200 assists in the prior calendar year.
- The driver must not have any “write-ups” during the period (occurs when a driver does not follow FSP procedures).
- The driver must not have more than one “late arrival” when starting their “Beat”.
- The driver’s accuracy rating when entering assist data into the data device must be high.
- The driver received numerous compliments from the motorists they assisted.
People’s Choice Award criteria:
- The driver must perform a minimum of 1,200 assists in the prior calendar year.
- The driver must not have any “write-ups” during the period (occurs when a driver does not follow FSP procedures).
- The driver must not have no more than one “late arrival” when starting their “Beat”.
- The driver received the highest number of positive customer surveys within the calendar year.
Rookie of the Year criteria:
- The driver has less than one year of service, but can be in their 4th quarter of the prior calendar year.
- The driver must not have any “write-ups” during the period (occurs when a driver does not follow FSP procedures).
- Ranks the highest among all Rookie statistics.
- Performed excellent service in his/her first year as an FSP driver.
On May 4, 2022, SBCTA Board of Directors recognized the FSP Driver Award recipients for their outstanding efforts, high-level of professionalism, and the excellent customer service they provided to stranded motorists along San Bernardino County freeways:
Top Driver: Cesar Rendon of Carpe Carma LLC, DBA Pomona Valley Towing in Pomona
Cesar has been with the San Bernardino FSP Program for twelve (12) years and assisted 4,319 motorists during the 2021 calendar year.
Driver of Excellence: Carlos Castillo of Royal Coaches Auto Body & Towing in Azusa.
Carlos has been with the San Bernardino FSP Program for eleven (11) years and assisted 1,619 motorists during the 2021 calendar year.
Driver of Excellence: German Fajardo of Royal Coaches Auto Body & Towing in Azusa
German has been with the San Bernardino FSP Program for five (5) years and assisted 4,252 motorists during the 2021 calendar year.
People’s Choice: Robert Stutz of Pepe’s Inc. DBA Pepe’s Towing Service in Colton
Robert has been with the San Bernardino FSP Program for three (3) years and assisted 4,532 motorists during the 2021 calendar year.
Rookie of the Year: Timothy Chilikoff of Royal Coaches Auto Body & Towing in Azusa.
Timothy has been with the San Bernardino FSP Program for one (1) year and assisted 4,031 motorists during the 2021 calendar year.
In calendar year 2018, the FSP program helped more than 85,000 motorists in San Bernardino County. The FSP program has received more than 1,200 survey comments from motorists that have been assisted by our FSP Drivers. Overall, 99.5% of motorists rated their FSP experience as excellent or good.
Testimonials
“Getting stuck on the freeway, I was terrified! A BIG thanks to your kind driver for his help at a time when I was in BIG trouble on the freeway in a very unsafe area. This is BEST tax dollars ever spent!”
“This driver was absolutely professional. He explained who he was, how the program works, and was ready to help me. He made sure I was safe the entire time! Without the help I received from this gentleman today; I would have been stranded for hours, missed my shift for work, and would have incurred costs I cannot afford at this time. I am very grateful for this program.”
“Outstanding! I have never met someone so helpful and courteous. Keep up the great work! San Bernardino County is very lucky to have this program!”
“The driver was phenomenal and very courteous. He made us feel safe in a very unsafe situation. We are so grateful for the Freeway Service Patrol Program.”
Please Note
All FSP tow trucks are white and easily recognizable by the FSP logo on the doors. FSP drivers wear blue uniforms with yellow safety vests, all with the same FSP logo. Drivers also carry an identification card issued by the CHP.
