Posts of a Texas roadside assistance phone number on your drivers license are circulating the web and may be spreading the wrong message.
Many Facebook posts are highlighting a phone number located on the back of Texas State drivers licenses.
The post states you can call that phone number for any roadside assistance and it will be offered for free, but that's not the case.
"I have actually read some of that online myself and those are false rumors," Texas Department of Public Safety, Sgt. David Roberts said. "The stranded motorists hotline is not a service where you are going to have someone come out and prepare or tow your car for free at the taxpayers expense."
According to DPS, a person can call the number if they are stranded on the side of the road, feel they are in danger, or are having car troubles. The call will go straight to DPS headquarters in Austin where they will send over law enforcement in the area you are located in.
"It's simply a service that is provided where a local law enforcemnt agency will respond to make sure you are okay and to check on your welfare until the service that you need out there to prepare your car or tow it are sent," Sgt. Roberts said.
Law enforcement will then assess the situation and provide a safe spot to wait while the proper steps are taken in order to get the vehicle off the road or working again.
Sgt. Roberts also encourages anyone that may be feeling unsafe to use the number
"If you are feeling unsafe on the side of the highway and it doesn't warrant a 9-1-1 call don't hesitate to call the number, that being said if it isn't a true emergency don't hesitate to contact 9-1-1 either," Sgt. Roberts added.
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