You are heading south on I-95 past PGA Boulevard when the engine coughs, the dashboard lights up like a holiday display, and the car starts losing speed. Traffic behind you does not care about your day. Here is exactly what to do, in order.
Short answer: if your car breaks down on I-95, signal, move as far right onto the shoulder as you can, turn on your hazard lights and stay buckled in unless you can get out safely away from traffic. Then call for help with your exact location: direction, last exit and mile marker.
What should you do the moment your car starts to fail?
- Turn on your signal and move toward the right shoulder. Avoid the left shoulder unless you have no other choice.
- Slow down gradually. Don’t slam the brakes in a travel lane.
- Turn on your hazard lights as soon as you can.
- Stop as far off the road as possible, ideally past the white line and away from curves.
- Put the car in park and set the parking brake.
Should you stay in the car or get out?
It depends on where you stopped. On a busy highway, the car is often the safest place to be, but not always.
| Your situation | Safer choice |
|---|---|
| Wide shoulder, a guardrail, and you can exit on the side away from traffic | Get out on the passenger side and wait behind the guardrail, well away from the car |
| Narrow shoulder, heavy traffic or darkness | Stay inside with your seatbelt on and hazards flashing |
| Smoke, a burning smell or leaking fuel | Get out, move far away from the car and call 911 |
| Anyone is hurt | Call 911 first |
How do you tell someone where you are on I-95?
Help can only reach you as fast as you can describe your spot. Before you call, note:
- Your direction: northbound or southbound
- The last exit you passed, for example PGA Boulevard or Northlake Boulevard
- The nearest mile marker, the small green sign on the shoulder
- Anything nearby you can see from the car
- Your phone’s map pin, which you can share by text
Who should you call?
- 911 if there is a crash, an injury, smoke or any immediate danger.
- *347 (*FHP) from a mobile phone reaches the Florida Highway Patrol. FDOT also runs free Road Rangers that offer limited help on major highways.
- A tow company when the car needs to be towed or you want a specific shop. Call us at (561) 594-5862 for towing or roadside assistance, 24/7.
What does Florida’s Move Over law mean for you?
Since 2024, Florida’s Move Over law also covers disabled vehicles. Drivers must move over a lane, or slow down to 20 mph below the posted limit if they can’t, when they pass a disabled vehicle stopped with its hazard lights on. That is one more reason to switch your hazards on right away. Still, don’t count on every driver doing it.
What should you never do on the I-95 shoulder?
- Stand between your car and traffic
- Try a repair while any part of the car is in a travel lane
- Walk along the highway to look for an exit or a gas station
- Cross the lanes on foot
- Hand your car to a tow truck you didn’t call. If one shows up, ask who sent it
Do you need a tow or just roadside help?
| Problem | What usually fixes it |
|---|---|
| Flat tire, spare in the car | Tire change |
| Dead battery | Jump start |
| Out of gas or diesel | Fuel delivery |
| Engine won’t run, crash damage | Light duty towing |
| Box truck, RV or semi | Medium or heavy duty towing |
Breakdowns on I-95 in Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach County
We’re based in Palm Beach Gardens and work I-95 every day, along with Florida’s Turnpike, PGA Boulevard, Northlake Boulevard, US-1 and Military Trail. We tow and help stranded drivers across Palm Beach Gardens and nearby cities, including Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach. Call (561) 594-5862 for a free estimate.
Car broke down on the highway: FAQs
Should I stay in my car if it breaks down on I-95?
If the shoulder is narrow or traffic is heavy, usually yes: stay buckled in with your hazards on. Get out only if you can exit away from traffic and wait well off the road.
What number do I call for help on a Florida highway?
Call 911 for emergencies. From a mobile phone, *347 reaches the Florida Highway Patrol. For a tow, call a tow company directly.
Does the Move Over law apply to my broken-down car?
Yes. Since 2024, Florida drivers must move over or slow down for disabled vehicles stopped with hazard lights on.
How do I describe my location on I-95?
Give your direction, the last exit you passed and the nearest mile marker, or share your phone’s map pin.
How much does a tow from I-95 cost?
It depends on the vehicle, the distance and the truck needed. Call (561) 594-5862 for a free estimate.