Did you know Washington State offers completely free roadside assistance on state highways? The WSDOT Incident Response Team (IRT) helps stranded motorists at no cost - and it's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To access this free service, simply dial 911 and request WSDOT assistance. The IRT covers major routes in Snohomish County including I-5, SR-99, SR-524, and other state highways. They can help with flat tires, provide fuel delivery, assist with minor mechanical issues, and safely move disabled vehicles out of traffic lanes.
The program exists because every minute a disabled vehicle blocks a lane creates 4-10 minutes of additional traffic congestion. By quickly clearing incidents, the IRT saves Washington's economy over $65 million annually in lost time and wasted fuel. Their goal is to clear incidents within 90 minutes.
There are some limitations to be aware of. The IRT only operates on state highways - not city streets or private property. They clear roadways but cannot tow your vehicle to a repair shop. For major mechanical problems that can't be fixed roadside, you'll still need a private tow. However, for quick fixes on the highway, WSDOT IRT is an invaluable free resource.
Key Points
- Completely FREE service on Washington state highways
- Available 24/7 - call 911 and request WSDOT assistance
- Covers I-5, SR-99, SR-524, and other state routes
- Services: flat tire help, fuel delivery, minor mechanical issues
- Goal: clear incidents within 90 minutes
- Saves WA economy $65+ million/year
- Cannot tow to repair shops - clears roadway only
- State highways only - not city streets or private property
Local Resources
| Resource | Phone | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| WSDOT Incident Response | 911 | Request free highway assistance |
| WSDOT Traffic Information | 511 | Road conditions and alerts |
| Washington State Patrol | 911 | Highway emergencies |