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Transport · France
Updated September 2026

🛞 My car broke down on the road — who do I call?

Direct answer

On a motorway: hazard lights, high-visibility vest, everyone behind the barrier, then call — from the emergency phone at the roadside (it tells them exactly where you are) or your phone. Assistance de votre assurance auto / Automobile Club (automobile-club.org) is the breakdown service for France (members or pay-per-call); on many motorways the road operator's patrol or a contracted tow comes first at a fixed tariff. Danger to traffic, an injured person, a blocked lane: 112 — emergency (112). Disputes about a tow invoice or a repair afterwards: ANTS / DREAL — contrôle technique (34 00).

Call firstAssistance de votre assurance auto / Automobile Club
Report to112 — emergency
If that failsANTS / DREAL — contrôle technique

🗣️ What to say

"My car [plate, model] has broken down at [road, direction, km marker / exit / nearest sign]. [Number] people, [in a safe place / on the hard shoulder]. [Symptoms]. Please send assistance; my number is [phone]."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Safe firstVest, warning triangle at the legal distance, passengers behind the barrier, never stand between vehicles.
  2. Where you areKm marker, exit numbers, the app's location. Emergency phones give the position automatically.
  3. Call Assistance de votre assurance auto / Automobile ClubOr your insurer's assistance line — many policies include roadside assistance you forgot about.
  4. Motorway rulesOn some motorways only the concession's tow may attend; the tariff is regulated. Ask the price before agreeing to anything beyond the towing.
  5. AfterwardsInvoice dispute: ANTS / DREAL — contrôle technique. Abroad: your assistance cover works EU-wide; call the international number.

📇 All contacts

Assistance de votre assurance auto / Automobile ClubBreakdown assistance 24/7 through your policyWhen you break down🔗 www.automobile-club.org
112 — emergencyPolice, fire and ambulance, any EU country, freeDanger to life, fire, gas smell, someone hurt📞 112
ANTS / DREAL — contrôle techniqueRegistration, licences, inspection disputesInspection appeals and vehicle data📞 34 00🔗 ants.gouv.fr
Médiation de l'AssuranceFree mediation with insurersAfter the insurer's written refusal🔗 www.mediation-assurance.org

❓ Frequently asked

Is the emergency phone free?

Yes, and it connects to the road operator, who dispatches help. Use it over your mobile on motorways.

The tow company charged a fortune

Regulated tariffs apply on motorways; ask for the tariff sheet and complain to ANTS / DREAL — contrôle technique for anything above it.

Electric car out of charge

Same procedure; breakdown services tow EVs to a charger and some carry mobile chargers. Do not push an EV.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “car breakdown who to call France”
  • “breakdown service France”
  • “motorway breakdown emergency phone”
  • “towing fee too high complaint”
  • “roadside assistance abroad”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🚗Hit and run→🔧Vehicle inspection→🚲Bike stolen→🚇Transport card lost→

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