Friendly Reminder That AAA Offers FREE ‘Tipsy Tows’ For Intoxicated Drivers on New Year’s Eve

There are a lot of things to do in L.A. for New Year’s Eve, but one thing you should definitely avoid at all costs is getting behind the wheel of the your car while intoxicated.

As a method of last resort if you’ve had a bit too much to drink, there’s always the fallback of calling a Tipsy Tow from AAA.

Here’s the program’s full description, per the California AAA website:

On New Year’s Eve, AAA’s Tipsy Tow service provides a complimentary ride and vehicle tow for drivers who have consumed too much alcohol in our effort to help remove drunken drivers from the road. Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts, or passengers of a drinking driver may call 1-800-400-4222 for a free tow home. Callers simply tell the AAA operator, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” to receive the free tow and ride home. This free service transports both the driver and their vehicle.

Keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers; is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver; and the destination is limited to the driver’s residence. Reservations are not accepted. Drivers should expect to pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor for long-distance rides beyond the free Tipsy Tow range.

As a matter of practical use, many who have utilized the Tipsy Tow program in the past have noted they experienced long wait times, and there is also a maximum distance the drivers will tow you (I believe it’s 7 miles).

Still, calling and waiting for a Tipsy Tow is always better then operating your car while under the influence.

If you are planning to partake in adult beverages on NYE, then remember to follow some basic practical advice:

• Designate a driver.
• Use METRO or other public transit.
• Uber/Lyft/Taxi/Rideshare it on the way home
• Make sure you eat enough!
• Give yourself a couple hours from when you finish your last drink until you decide to head home.

Have fun, be smart, and be safe!