Quick answer: signal and get onto the right shoulder if you can, turn on your hazards, and stay in the car with your seatbelt on unless there’s a safe place well away from traffic. If your car is stopped in a live lane, call 911. Then call a tow with your highway, direction and nearest exit.
Breaking down on Highway 1, 91, 99 or a bridge is more dangerous than on a city street. Traffic is fast and there’s often little room. Here’s what to do.
1. Get out of the traffic lanes
Signal, slow down and steer onto the right shoulder if you can. If you can make it to the next exit, that’s even better.
2. Make yourself visible
Turn on your hazard lights straight away. At night, keep your parking lights on. If you have reflective triangles and it’s safe, place them well behind the car.
3. Decide whether to stay in the car
On a highway, it’s usually safest to stay in the car with your seatbelt on. Only get out if there’s a safe place to stand well away from traffic, such as behind a barrier. Exit on the side away from traffic.
4. If you’re stuck in a live lane, call 911
A car stopped in a travel lane is a serious hazard. Call 911 so police can protect the scene.
5. Describe your location clearly
- Highway number and direction, such as “Highway 99 southbound”
- The nearest exit or landmark, such as “just past the Steveston Highway exit”
- A map pin, if you can share one
6. Call a tow
Call or text 604-265-5888. We’ll give you a price and an honest arrival time, and let you know when we’re close.
Check conditions before you drive
DriveBC shows live road conditions, closures and highway cameras for the Lower Mainland. It’s worth a quick look before a long drive or in bad weather.
Slow down, move over
In BC, drivers must slow down and move over for stopped vehicles with flashing lights, including tow trucks: to 70 km/h where the limit is 80 km/h or more, and 40 km/h where it’s under 80 km/h. The fine is $173 and 3 penalty points.
Read staying safe while you wait for a tow or see emergency towing.