How To Tipsy Tow On New Year's Eve In Southern California

For the 23rd New Year's Eve in a row, the Automobile Club of Southern California is offering Free Tipsy Tow service, they said.

The community service, which aims to keep drunk drivers off the road, will be available from 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1. Tipsy Tow will be available in the 13 Southern California counties served by the Auto Club.

The Auto Club urges party-goers to plan for a sober ride or use a designated driver if attending a gathering. But if those plans fall through, motorists may, as a last resort, call 1 (800) 400-4AAA for a free tow of up to seven miles.

Callers simply tell the Auto Club operators, "I need a Tipsy Tow," to receive the free tow and ride home.

An Auto Club-contracted roadside service truck will be dispatched. The Auto Club's free service is unique in that it transports both the driver and the vehicle.

"Callers need to keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and the destination is limited to the driver's residence or hotel where they are a registered guest," an AAA spokesperson said.

Reservations are not accepted. For rides that exceed seven miles, drivers can expect to pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor.

Program begins Monday, 12/31 at 6pm and ends Tuesday, 1/1 at 6am in the following counties:

• California (southern counties ONLY – Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Tulare and Ventura. Local motorists must dial 800-400-4222)