Highway breakdown guide
Broken down on CA-14? Start here
The 14 is the freeway that links the Santa Clarita Valley to Palmdale and Lancaster. Two CHP area offices cover parts of the 14, which Caltrans lists as running from I-5 near Newhall to Avenue D north of Lancaster. This guide covers the first steps, the law that protects you, and what to tell dispatch.
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Good to know on CA-14 (Antelope Valley Freeway)
- Caltrans' named-highway list defines the Antelope Valley Freeway as Route 14 in District 7, running from I-5 south of Newhall to Avenue D north of Lancaster.Source: Caltrans — 2020 Named Freeways, Highways, Structures and Other Appurtenances (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
- Caltrans' SR-14 interchange list shows exits serving Santa Clarita, Acton, Agua Dulce, Palmdale and Lancaster, among them Crown Valley Road in Acton and Avenue J in Lancaster.Source: Caltrans — Exit Numbers, State Route 14 Freeway Interchanges (updated 2018) (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
- The CHP's Antelope Valley Area, based at 2041 West Avenue I in Lancaster, patrols about 30 miles of State Route 14 from Acton to the Kern County line.Source: CHP (545) Antelope Valley Area (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
- The CHP's Newhall Area covers the I-5 and SR-14 interchange at the south end of the route.Source: CHP (540) Newhall Area (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
- Under Vehicle Code 21809, a driver approaching a stationary tow truck with flashing amber lights, or any stationary vehicle showing hazard lights, must change into an available lane that is not adjacent if practicable. If that is unsafe, the driver must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed. A violation is an infraction with a fine of up to $50.Source: California Public Law — Vehicle Code section 21809 (Move Over law) (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-10-07)
What to do if you break down on the 14
Call 911 first if anyone is hurt or any part of your car is still in a traffic lane. If you can roll clear, steer to the right shoulder, switch on your hazards and keep your seat belt fastened. Stay inside the car. Then call dispatch and give the last exit you passed and which way you were heading.
Move Over: what other drivers must do
California law tells drivers to change lanes away from a stopped vehicle that has its hazard lights on, if that is practicable, and otherwise to slow to a reasonable and prudent speed. Your hazards are what trigger that rule, so turn them on early. Do not count on every driver to obey it.
Two CHP areas share the route
The CHP's Newhall Area covers the I-5 and 14 interchange at the south end. The Antelope Valley Area patrols the route from Acton to the Kern County line. Whichever office you are in, dispatch only needs the nearest exit.
Waiting on the shoulder
While you wait, your hazard lights tell other drivers there is a problem and show a tow truck where you are.
From a customer on this road
“showed up super quick”
A flat tire on the 14 outside Palmdale.
Amber R. on Yelp · August 2025
CA-14 (Antelope Valley Freeway) questions
Should I stay in my car on the shoulder of the 14?
If you are out of the lane with hazards on, staying belted in your seat is the usual advice. If your car is in a lane or anyone is hurt, call 911 first.
Is it illegal to pass a stopped car with its hazards on?
Not to pass, but California's Move Over law says drivers must change lanes if practicable or else slow to a reasonable and prudent speed. The fine for ignoring it is up to $50.
Broke down on CA-14?
Dispatch answers 24/7. Call and we'll confirm your price before the truck rolls.