You’re heading south on Florida’s Turnpike toward Florida City. The engine sputters. The dash lights up. Speed drops. Traffic doesn’t. Here’s exactly what to do, step by step.
Short answer: signal, get as far right onto the shoulder as you can, turn on your hazards, and stay buckled in unless you can get out safely away from traffic. Then call for help with your exact spot: direction, last exit and mile marker.
What do you do the second your car starts to quit?
- Signal and move right. Use the left shoulder only if you have no choice.
- Ease off the gas. Don’t slam the brakes in a travel lane.
- Hazards on, right away.
- Stop as far off the road as you can, away from curves and ramps.
- Park and set the parking brake.
Stay in the car or get out?
It depends on where you stopped. On a busy highway, the car is often the safest spot. Not always.
| Your situation | Safer move |
|---|---|
| Wide shoulder, guardrail, you can exit away from traffic | Get out on the passenger side and wait behind the guardrail |
| Narrow shoulder, heavy traffic or dark | Stay in, seatbelt on, hazards flashing |
| Smoke, burning smell or leaking fuel | Get out, move far away, call 911 |
| Anyone hurt | Call 911 first |
How do you tell someone where you are?
- Your direction: northbound or southbound
- The last exit you passed
- The nearest mile marker, the small green sign on the shoulder
- Anything you can see from the car
- Your phone’s map pin, shared by text
Who should you call?
- 911 for a crash, an injury, smoke or any danger.
- *347 (*FHP) from a mobile phone reaches the Florida Highway Patrol. FDOT also runs free Road Rangers that give limited help on major highways.
- A tow company when the car needs a tow or a specific shop. Call Dash at (239) 448-6237 for towing or roadside assistance, 24/7.
What does Florida’s Move Over law mean for you?
Since 2024, Florida’s Move Over law covers disabled vehicles too. Drivers must move over a lane, or slow to 20 mph under the limit if they can’t, when they pass a disabled vehicle stopped with hazards on. One more reason to hit those hazards fast. Still, don’t count on every driver doing it.
What should you never do on the shoulder?
- Stand between your car and traffic
- Fix anything while part of the car sits in a lane
- Walk the highway looking for an exit or gas
- Cross the lanes on foot
- Hand your car to a tow truck you didn’t call. Ask who sent it
Tow, or just roadside help?
| Problem | Usual fix |
|---|---|
| Flat tire, spare in the car | Tire change |
| Dead battery | Jump start |
| Out of gas or diesel | Fuel delivery |
| Won’t run, crash damage | Car towing |
| Motorcycle | Motorcycle towing |
| Box truck, RV or semi | Medium or heavy duty towing |
Breakdowns in Florida City and South Miami-Dade
We’re based in Florida City and work Florida’s Turnpike, US-1, Krome Avenue and Card Sound Road every day. We help stranded drivers across Florida City, Homestead, Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Leisure City, Naranja and Princeton. Call (239) 448-6237 for a free estimate.
Broke down on the highway: FAQs
Should I stay in my car if it breaks down on the Turnpike?
If the shoulder is narrow or traffic is heavy, usually yes: stay buckled in with 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?
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 cover my broken-down car?
Yes. Since 2024, drivers must move over or slow down for disabled vehicles stopped with hazards on.
How do I describe my location?
Direction, last exit and nearest mile marker, or share your phone’s map pin.
How much does a tow from the Turnpike cost?
It depends on the vehicle, distance and truck. Affordable and quoted first. Call (239) 448-6237.