Maryland State Roadside Assistance: Your Complete Guide to Safe Travel

Maryland State Roadside Assistance: Your Complete Guide to Safe Travel

Blog Article

Whether you're a daily commuter on I-495, a traveler headed to Ocean City, or a trucker passing through the I-95 corridor, roadside emergencies can bring your journey to a sudden halt. That’s where Maryland State Roadside Assistance comes in—offering vital support to drivers in distress across the state.

This in-depth guide covers:

• The official Maryland state roadside assistance program

• Services offered by MDOT’s CHART program

• Roadway coverage and eligibility

• When and copyright state roadside assistance

• Alternatives: private vs. public services

• Safety tips and essential contact numbers

???? What Is Maryland State Roadside Assistance?

Maryland’s official state-run roadside assistance program is operated by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) through its CHART (Coordinated Highways Action Response Team) initiative.

This free service is designed to reduce congestion and enhance driver safety on Maryland’s busiest roadways. It is not a full-service towing program like AAA or your car insurance—but it provides essential emergency services to help you get back on the road quickly or to a safer location.

---

????️ What Services Does CHART Provide?

The CHART Emergency Response Team is equipped to handle minor car troubles, clear blocked lanes, and assist motorists with limited mechanical support. Services include:

⚠️ Note: CHART does not tow vehicles to repair shops or homes. They only clear them from hazardous locations to keep traffic flowing.

???? Where Is Maryland State Roadside Assistance Available?

CHART operates on state-maintained highways, which include:

• I-95 Corridor (Northeast to Southwest Maryland)

• I-495 (Capital Beltway)

• I-270 (Montgomery County to Frederick)

• I-70 (Baltimore to Frederick and beyond)

• US Route 50 (from Washington D.C. to the Eastern Shore)

• MD 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway)

• Other major MD highways with high traffic volumes

????️ Coverage is concentrated in high-traffic areas like Baltimore, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Anne Arundel County.

???? copyright Maryland State Roadside Assistance

In case of a highway emergency in Maryland, immediate help is one phone call away.

???? Official CHART Roadside Assistance Number:
1-800-543-2515

This hotline is monitored 24/7, and the response is typically dispatched from the nearest Emergency Traffic Patrol vehicle.

You can also contact #77 from your mobile device while driving on Maryland roads for non-emergency help or to report an incident.

???? Who Can Use CHART Roadside Assistance?

CHART roadside services are available to all drivers—Maryland residents, out-of-state visitors, commercial truck drivers, and more. You do not need to be a member or have insurance coverage to qualify.

However, there are a few conditions:

• You must be on a state-maintained road or highway.

• You must be in a legal stopping area or shoulder (or blocking traffic).

• Assistance is limited to minor fixes to restore safety or mobility.

---

???? Benefits of Using Maryland State Roadside Assistance

Here are the top benefits of using the CHART service instead of relying on private roadside services (when eligible):

✅ It’s Free

No payment is required for services provided by the CHART emergency patrol teams.

✅ Quick Response on Highways

CHART units patrol the most congested routes during peak travel hours and can often arrive faster than private services.

✅ Safety First

CHART responders are trained in emergency scene management and traffic control to keep both you and other drivers safe.

✅ Reduces Congestion

By quickly clearing broken-down vehicles, CHART helps prevent traffic bottlenecks and secondary accidents.

???? CHART Hours of Operation

CHART Emergency Patrols operate daily—with extended coverage during peak hours and on high-traffic routes:

• Monday to Friday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Weekends and Holidays: Limited coverage, but 24/7 on-call availability via the emergency hotline.

???? Emergency incidents (accidents, stalled vehicles, etc.) are responded to 24/7.

????‍♂️ CHART Patrol Vehicle Features

You’ll recognize CHART vehicles by their bright yellow-green color, emergency lighting, and MDOT branding. They are equipped with:

• Traffic cones and flares

• Fuel cans

• Jumper cables

• Tools for minor mechanical work

• Communication systems for coordination with police and towing services

???? These vehicles often patrol in pairs and work alongside Maryland State Police during major incidents.

---

????️ CHART vs. Private Roadside Assistance in Maryland

Here’s a breakdown of when to use CHART vs. private services:

???? Alternatives: Private Roadside Assistance Providers

If you’re off the highway or need more extensive help, here are your best options in Maryland:

1. AAA Maryland

• 24/7 towing, battery service, flat tire repair

• Membership required

• ???? 1-800-222-4357

2. Insurance Providers (e.g., GEICO, Allstate, State Farm)

• Included with many auto insurance plans

• Towing, locksmith, jump starts

• ???? Check your provider’s roadside number

3. Local Towing Companies (Like Icelvis Towing)

• Fast response for off-highway emergencies

• Heavy-duty towing, emergency roadside help

• ???? (Insert local number here)

???? Safety Tips While Waiting for Roadside Assistance in Maryland

1. Pull off the Road Safely
   Use shoulders or emergency pull-offs. Avoid curves or blind spots.

2. Stay Inside Your Vehicle
   Unless it's unsafe, remain in your car with your seatbelt on.

3. Turn On Hazard Lights
   Make your vehicle visible to other drivers.

4. Use Emergency Supplies
   Reflective triangles, flares, or a flashlight can signal distress.

5. Know Your Location
   Note the nearest mile marker, exit number, or landmark.

???? Tips to Avoid Roadside Emergencies in Maryland

• Check your battery before winter and summer seasons.

• Inspect tires regularly for wear and pressure.

• Keep an emergency kit with a flashlight, jumper cables, water, and snacks.

• Maintain fuel levels—never let your tank drop below ¼.

✅ Summary: Be Prepared with Maryland State Roadside Assistance

Maryland State Roadside Assistance through MDOT’s CHART program is a free, reliable, and essential service for anyone traveling on the state’s major highways. Whether you’ve got a flat tire, need a jump, or are stuck in traffic after a breakdown, CHART is your first call for help.

Report this page