511 is a great resource for traffic information in Southern California. Here you'll find a live traffic map with CHP, Caltrans, and soon Waze data, information on toll roads, roadside assistance, and carpool lanes.
 

Traffic

TRAFFIC MAP

The 511 live-traffic map provides real-time information through partnerships with CHP and Caltrans to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information throughout Southern California. Soon, 511 will be adding Waze information to further enhance the live-map capability.

TOLL ROADS
/ FASTRAK

Toll roads offer the option of a faster trip, and can be used in LA and Orange counties with a FasTrak® transponder.

FasTrak is an electronic toll-collection system that allows drivers to travel without stopping. Your toll is automatically deducted from a prepaid account using a transponder that is mounted on the inside of your windshield.

FasTrak can be used to pay tolls on all California toll roads, toll lanes and toll bridges. For more information on FasTrak click here. For a map of FasTrak in Southern California click here.

Southern California Toll Road Map

 

Los Angeles County

Metro ExpressLanes

Metro ExpressLanes is a one-year demonstration program overseen by Metro, Caltrans and several other mobility partners to develop multi-modal solutions to improve traffic flow and provide enhanced travel options on the I-110 and I-10 Freeways in Los Angeles County.

The program includes the introduction of congestion pricing by converting High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes; improving transit service and providing other alternatives to driving; updating transit facilities; and providing demand-based parking pricing in downtown Los Angeles.

The ExpressLanes are toll-free for carpools, vanpools and motorcycles, and available for a toll to solo drivers. All you need is a FasTrak transponder.

Benefits include reduced congestion and greenhouse gas emissions (see the Green Fact Sheet), increased travel time savings, and better trip reliability.

For more information and to open an account, visit metroexpresslanes.net.

Orange County

Toll Roads in Orange County

Choosing to drive The Toll Roads (State Routes 73, 133, 241 and 261) and the 91 Express Lanes in Southern California can help cut your daily commute time, save stress and get you to your destination faster. Both the 91 Express Lanes and The Toll Roads accept FasTrak for payment. Additionally, The Toll Roads accept other payment methods.

The Toll Roads (State Routes 73, 133, 241, and 261)

Located in Orange County, The Toll Roads are the largest toll road network in California, totaling 51 miles and accounting for more than 20 percent of the highways in Orange County.

Every weekday, more than 250,000 vehicles use The Toll Roads to avoid congested freeways and side streets. They’re the faster, easier way to get where you’re going and can save you time, gas, stress and vehicle wear and tear.

The Toll Roads offer five ways to pay tolls (FasTrak, three new ExpressAccount™ types and a One-Time-Toll™ option), so there's a custom payment method that will work for every driver - no matter their method of payment, when they want to pay their toll and how much of California they intend to explore. Compare all payment methods. Toll rates are available at The Toll Roads’ website.

The Toll Roads have eliminated the need to stop and pay cash at toll booths. Now every vehicle can travel nonstop thanks to four new ways to pay that were developed for drivers by drivers.

The 91 Express Lanes

The 91 Express Lanes is a four-lane, 18-mile toll road built in the median of State Route (SR)-91 between the SR-55/SR-91 interchange and the SR-91/Interstate (I)-15 interchange. Customers may drive the entire length or enter or exit at the county line near Green River Road. The toll for a partial and full trip is posted on the on-road pricing signs and on toll schedules.

The 91 Express Lanes uses congestion management pricing to adjust tolls quarterly based on the number of vehicles. Since 1995, drivers have chosen this proven transportation alternative for safe, reliable, predictable travel to work, home, shopping and whenever they need to be on time.

Motorists pay tolls through the use of a convenient FasTrak® transponder that automatically deducts the toll amount from a prepaid account. You can use a FasTrak® transponder issued by any of the California toll operators or obtain one by opening an account.

Account holders in a vehicle with three or more people travel toll free except eastbound, Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. During this peak time, carpools of three or more receive a 50% discount on the posted toll. Eligible carpoolers (3+) with a transponder-equipped vehicle must drive in the dedicated HOV 3+ lane when approaching the toll gantries in each section of the Express Lanes (Orange County and Riverside County) to receive the discount.

 ROADSIDE
ASSISTANCE

When your car breaks down it can be a very troubling situation, and imagine when you break down on a freeway. Did your car overheat, have a flat tire, or run out of gas? When a vehicle breaks down on the freeway, it causes congestion and other drivers (looky-loos) become interested in checking what is happening on the side of the road, which can slow traffic down and contribute to accidents.

In an effort to help “speed” things up on our freeways, the Los Angeles County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (LA SAFE) and our Partners have developed motorist aid programs that can help a motorist on the freeway.

Examples of Motorist Services include:

  • Freeway Service Patrol (FSP)
  • Call Boxes
  • 511* Motorist Aid

*regular cell phone minute charges may apply

Los Angeles County

In Los Angeles County the following motorist services are available:

Orange County

In Orange County the following motorist services are available:

Riverside County

Read about the Motorist Aid Services available in Riverside County, including Freeway Service Patrol and call boxes.

San Bernardino County

Read about the Freeway Service Patrol in San Bernardino County, and find out about call boxes.

CARPOOL
LANES

Southern California has more than 700 miles of carpool lanes, helping you and your passengers save time and money, as well as avoid traffic hassles. Using carpool lanes typically saves a minute per mile over driving alone, so grab a friend and get moving.

To avoid a $341 fine, be familiar with Southern California’s carpool lane laws:

  • Carpool lanes in Southern California require two or more people per vehicle, except the El Monte Busway, which requires three during peak hours (6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm).
  • Only enter and exit a carpool lane at areas designated with signs and a broken double yellow or white line. It’s against the law to cross the double yellow lines of a carpool lane.
  • Children count as carpool partners.
  • Motorcyclists can ride alone in carpool lanes.
  • Zero-emission vehicles don’t need to meet minimum passenger requirements; however, proper identification in the form of a sticker from the Department of Motor Vehicles is required.
  • Passenger requirements are in effect for Southern California’s carpool lanes 24 hours a day except on SR-14, which is open to solo drivers in off-peak hours.