What should I do if my car breaks down on a Perth freeway?

Immediately turn on your hazard lights, move as far left as possible onto the shoulder, exit the vehicle on the passenger side (away from traffic), stand behind the safety barrier if available, and call for help. Do not attempt repairs on the freeway.

Should I stay in my car on the freeway if I break down?

Get out of the vehicle if it is safe to do so. A stationary car on a freeway is a significant risk. Exit on the passenger side, move away from the vehicle, and stand behind the safety barrier. Only remain in the vehicle if exiting would put you in greater danger (e.g. no barrier, fast-moving adjacent traffic).

Do I need to call police for a freeway breakdown?

For a simple breakdown with no injuries, you don't need to call police — call a tow truck and your insurer. However, if your vehicle is causing a hazard, blocking a lane, or if anyone is injured, call 000 immediately.

Which freeways does Tow Rite cover in Perth?

Tow Rite covers all Perth freeways 24/7 including the Mitchell Freeway (north and south), Kwinana Freeway, Reid Highway, Tonkin Highway, Graham Farmer Freeway and Great Eastern Highway.

Car Broke Down on a Perth Freeway? What to Do

Stranded on a Perth freeway right now?

Move left, hazards on, then call 0405 888 555. We're 24/7.

A freeway breakdown is one of the most dangerous situations a driver can face. At 100–110 km/h, other drivers have very little time to react to a stationary vehicle. Knowing what to do — and doing it calmly — can make the difference between a stressful inconvenience and a serious incident.

Hazard Lights On — Immediately

The moment you feel something wrong — engine cutting out, tyre blow, sudden loss of power — activate your hazard lights immediately. This is the single most important action you can take. Other drivers need maximum warning time at freeway speeds.

Move Left — All the Way to the Shoulder

Steer left steadily and move as far off the carriageway as possible. Aim for beyond the white edge line, onto the sealed shoulder, and as close to the safety barrier as you can safely get. Every metre further from live traffic reduces your risk significantly.

Exit on the Passenger Side

If it is safe to exit the vehicle, do so via the passenger (left) side — away from traffic. Do not open the driver's door into the live lane. Once out, do not stand behind the car or between the car and traffic. Move to behind the safety barrier immediately.

Use a Warning Triangle or Stay Visible

If you carry a warning triangle in your boot, place it 50–100 metres behind your vehicle on the shoulder. Stay visible by waving your arms if help is approaching. Keep your hazard lights running — they are your primary warning to other drivers.

Call for Help

Once you're in a safe position, call a tow truck. On major Perth freeways, Main Roads WA has Incident Response Service (IRS) vehicles patrolling — they can assist with minor issues. For a full tow, call Tow Rite on 0405 888 555. Tell us your direction of travel and the nearest exit or kilometre marker.

Stay Behind the Barrier Until Help Arrives

Do not return to your vehicle or stand near it while waiting. Remain behind the safety barrier or as far from the lanes as possible. Keep your phone with you. If you have children, ensure they are with you behind the barrier — never left in the vehicle.

Notify Your Insurer

Once you and your vehicle are safe, notify your insurance company. If you used Tow Rite and your vehicle is comprehensively insured, we will have already initiated the process — but a direct call to your insurer to open the claim is the next step.

Perth Freeways Tow Rite Covers

Mitchell Freeway

Joondalup to Perth CBD

Kwinana Freeway

Perth CBD to Mandurah

Reid Highway

Bassendean to Malaga interchange

Tonkin Highway

Cannington to Ellenbrook

Graham Farmer Freeway

East Perth to Leederville

Great Eastern Highway

Perth to Mundaring and beyond

Key Safety Rules to Remember

Never walk on the freeway — always stay on the shoulder or behind the barrier
Keep your hazard lights on even after help arrives
Do not attempt to change a tyre on a freeway — wait for professional assistance
If your car is in a live lane and cannot be moved, get out immediately and call 000
Give your direction of travel and the nearest exit number when calling for help

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Main Roads WA help me on the freeway?

Yes. Main Roads WA operates Incident Response Service (IRS) vehicles on major Perth freeways during peak hours. They can assist with minor issues and help secure the scene. For a full tow, you'll still need to call a tow truck.

What if my car breaks down in a tunnel?

Graham Farmer Freeway tunnels have emergency phones at regular intervals. Follow the directions of tunnel operators. Do not stop in a tunnel if you can reach an exit. Emergency services and tow trucks are dispatched by the tunnel operations centre.

Is towing from a freeway more expensive?

There may be additional charges for freeway recovery depending on the complexity and time involved. Tow Rite gives you an upfront quote before we dispatch. If your vehicle is insured, the cost is typically covered directly.

How long will I have to wait for a tow truck?

Tow Rite aims to respond within 30 minutes across the Perth metro area. For freeway callouts from our Malaga base, we can often reach the Mitchell Freeway corridor within 10–15 minutes.

Need a Tow from a Perth Freeway?

24/7 freeway response. Police checked operators. Free quote before dispatch.

Call 0405 888 555 WhatsApp Us