The Automobile Club of Southern California will be offering free tow service to help keep drunken drivers off the road during the New Year's holiday.
The Tipsy Tow program will be available to intoxicated drivers, starting at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve and continuing until 11:59 p.m. New Year's Day in the 13 counties served by the Auto Club.
A first-time drunken driving conviction can cost $13,500 or more in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and increased insurance costs, according to the Auto Club.
Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver can call 800-400-4AAA for a free tow to the driver's residence of up to 7 miles away. Callers should tell operators they Tipsy Tow and a tow truck under contract to the Auto Club will be dispatched.
The service does not include rides for passengers and is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver. For distances longer 7 miles, drivers will be expected to pay the normal rate charged by the tow truck operator.
