FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - If your car breaks down on a Fresno highway, there is a service that can help get you out of trouble at no cost. The Freeway Service Patrol is not designed to be a regular tow truck service, according to the Fresno Council of Government (also known as the Fresno COG), but it can be called on to help if a driver finds themselves stuck on the highway. Richard Phipps with the Fresno COG says the program is only for high-traffic hours in certain areas along Highway 41, Highway 99, Highway 168 and Highway 180 through Fresno. Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. - and 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., drivers with the tow service patrol are making sure no stranded motorists are on the highway causing traffic problems. Phipps says the service is intended to make sure the other drivers on the road do not get stuck in traffic themselves. "The idea is that the service will get the motorist out of danger for sure," Phipps said. "But any services beyond that are between a motorist and a tow truck operator or a family member." Phipps says tow service drivers are not obligated to take motorists to any nearby auto shop or anywhere else other than off the freeways. "It's not a free tow service," Phipps said. "It's simply designed to clear the roadway." Still, Phipps says Fresno is lucky to have a service like this. "The state provides the majority of the funding. Fresno Council of Governments is a regional transportation planning agency," Phipps said. "We provide a local match for the funding that Caltrans gives and then, the California Highway Patrol administers the program in conjunction with a tow truck operator that we contract with." Phipps says Fresno's high traffic congestion levels allow for the program. "Not every region of the state qualifies for these funds." Phipps says if any motorist finds themselves stuck and in need of an emergency tow, they can dial the California Highway Patrol line or call 911.