Texas Roadside Assistance

I got an email from a friend telling me that Texas prints a roadside assistance number on the back of every Texas drivers license. I had to look and sure enough there it is!
Bottom left corner in very small print.


Now my question was what will they do for you and will it cost any money?

Here is what I found online at the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The toll-free line has been operated by DPS since 1989 for motorists to use when reporting non-life-threatening situations on Texas roads and highways. DPS then passes the information along to the appropriate local police agency or DPS office.

If a tow truck is ultimately dispatched, the motorist is responsible for any costs incurred. Some cities and agencies do have courtesy patrols and roadside trucks to provide non-towing services and they may be dispatched by the local agencies when appropriate.

The number, 1-800-525-5555, is printed on the back of virtually all Texas driver licenses and identification cards. Customers of participating wireless companies ALLTEL, Nextel, Cingular Wireless, Houston Cellular and Verizon Wireless can dial *DPS (*377) free of airtime charges anywhere in Texas. (Note: I do not know if this is a current list of wireless companies or not)

Examples of when a motorist should call the Roadside Assistance Hotline include: stranded with car problems, hazardous road conditions, debris in the roadway, suspicious activity at a rest area, and obviously intoxicated or dangerous drivers.

The Roadside Assistance Hotline is not intended to replace 911 as an emergency number; 911 should still be the first option for emergency situations.

To better assist our communications operators please have the following information ready:

· Your name, cell phone number (and vehicle description if applicable);

· Highway location (mile marker would be helpful); and

· County location, or city location if inside city limits.

So don't give up your AAA, Allstate, or other Roadside Assistance card if you have one.

I do like that it is available if I am stranded on a remote, lonely road somewhere which we have an abundance of here in Texas. It is especially handy if you don't happen to have a roadside assistance card with a company.

Happy and careful traveling to all.