Contact

Barbara VaughanBechtold
Program Manager
(916) 340-6226
bvaughanbechtold@sacog.org

Capitol Valley Regional SAFE

The CVR-SAFE program is a multi-county partnership that provides highway call boxes for seven counties, enabling motorists to call for roadside assistance.

Call Boxes

Cars on freeway SACOG manages the Sacramento region’s highway and bike trail call box program, a cooperative effort that has put call boxes on about 750 miles of highway in a seven-county area. The boxes provide motorists in need with a direct link to roadside assistance and if necessary the California Highway Patrol, via a private call answering service. In addition, motorists can request roadside assistance by calling 511 toll free. These “mobile call boxes” provide the same access as using a roadside call box.

The program is a joint venture of Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba, and El Dorado counties, which together operate the Capitol Valley Regional Service Authority for Freeways and Expressways (CVR-SAFE), also known as Capitol Valley Regional SAFE (CVR-SAFE). SACOG also manages the call boxes in Glenn County. This program is financed by an annual $1 charge on all registered vehicles in the participating counties.

To view call box locations, usage, and 511 Roadside Assist signage locations go to: CVR-SAFE call box and 511 signage map.

History of Call Box Program

Call boxes are the yellow telephone boxes installed along highways. They provide direct access to motorists who need assistance. Whether it’s a flat tire, an empty tank of gas or an auto accident, chances are that one day you will need help on the highway. Use of the call box is free. Motorists are responsible for paying for towing and most other roadside assistance charges.

The highway call box program in the Sacramento region began in 1991, with state legislation that enabled five counties to join forces in a cooperative regional call box program. Sacramento, Yolo, Yuba, Sutter and San Joaquin Counties combined to form the Capitol Valley Regional Service Authority For Freeways And Expressways (SAFE). El Dorado County joined the Capitol Valley SAFE in 2000. SACOG began managing the call boxes located in Glenn County in 2000. Together, these seven counties provide call boxes along highways and 511 “mobile call box” service in a more efficient and cost-effective way than if each county was working on its own. Elsewhere in California, the majority of call box programs are operated by individual counties.

Installation of the call boxes began in April 1994. Currently, there are approximately 350 call boxes and over 100 “Roadside Assist” call 511 signs installed on about 750 miles of highway in seven counties.

The call box program is financed from an annual $1 charge on all registered vehicles in the participating counties. The Council of Governments provides the staffing and management for the Capitol Valley Regional Service Authority For Freeways and Expressways (a.k.a. Capitol Valley Regional SAFE, CVR-SAFE).

Updates

On May 29, 2025, the CVR-SAFE Board approved the release of the Draft FY 2025-26 CVR-SAFE annual budget for public review and comment. If you would like to comment or to get more information on the CVR-SAFE program please contact Barbara VaughanBechtold, Program Manager.

Draft CVR-SAFE Budget FY 2025-26

Current Budget - FY 2024-25

CVR-SAFE FY 24-25 Budget

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