The WV Turnpike Courtesy Patrol is a free service that provides assistance to stranded motorists on the West Virginia Turnpike. The Courtesy Patrol also clears the Turnpike of debris and other hazards and provides temporary traffic control at minor accident scenes to help keep West Virginia Turnpike customers safe and traffic flowing smoothly. The West Virginia Parkways Authority is proud to offer this Courtesy Patrol service to all motorists who travel the West Virginia Turnpike. The program assists over 9,000 people annually.
The Courtesy Patrol offers free, limited roadside assistance to drivers in need, including:
- Changing flat tires
- Jump-starting vehicles
- Making small safety repairs
- Calling tow trucks
- Providing a small amount of gasoline
The patrol vehicles are equipped with emergency lighting and road flares to further increase safety for stranded motorists, and also to help relieve congested traffic at the scenes of incidents and accidents. Patrol operators will also assist the West Virginia State Police and other first responders when needed.
Coverage AreaThe WV Turnpike Courtesy Patrol program is a free service offered to all motorists traveling on the entire 88-mile stretch of the Turnpike, from Charleston to Princeton. Coverage hours are 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For a map of full patrol coverage, click here.
Slow Down. Move Over with Care.
West Virginia state law (WV Code 17c-14-9a) requires that the driver of any vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, when the authorized emergency vehicle is giving a signal by displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, blue, or red and blue lights or amber or yellow warning lights, shall:
1. Proceed with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if possible with regard to safety and traffic conditions; or
2. Proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed not to exceed fifteen miles per hour on any non-divided highway depending on road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe.