Hundreds of Ventura County Call Boxes Coming Down – What’s Next for Your $1 Annual Fee?
Daniel Jordan 
Ventura County to Remove All Highway Emergency Call Boxes by September 2025
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) plans to remove all 427 emergency call boxes along county highways by September 1, 2025. This decision comes after a sharp drop in usage and reported challenges in maintaining the system, as reported by the VCTC in public statements and local news coverage.
The call box program, supported by a $1 annual “Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies” (SAFE) fee on every registered vehicle in the county, once provided a critical safety link for stranded drivers. The fee and program were established under state law in the late 1980s and early 1990s to help motorists before cell phones became common. The Ventura County Star and others have detailed how the number of calls dropped from over 5,800 in 2005 to under 850 in 2024. Most motorists now rely on cell phones for emergency help.
What Happens to the $1 SAFE Fee?
The VCTC has no announced plans to end or refund the $1 SAFE fee at this time. The fee is not sent to the general fund but is intended by law to support motorist aid programs, according to the California Streets and Highways Code. VCTC staff have stated publicly that they will explore alternatives for using these funds in ways that align with the original mission of roadside safety and assistance.
Ideas for How the Money Could Be Spent
Since the fee’s original purpose was to help motorists in need, here are some off-beat and creative ideas sent in by CLAIR News readers for how the annual savings—estimated by VCTC at $350,000 to $400,000—could be used to continue supporting drivers in Ventura County:
- Emergency Cell Phone Charging Stations
Solar-powered charging points at rest stops and commuter lots for drivers who need to charge their phones during an emergency.
- Mobile Roadside Restroom Trailers
Portable restroom units that could be deployed during major traffic jams or at special events, providing relief for stranded motorists.
- Nighttime Roadside Lighting
Solar-powered lights at pull-outs, rest areas, and ramps to increase visibility and safety at night.
- Pop-Up Windshield Repair Events
Events at busy parking lots where drivers can receive free minor windshield repairs to prevent cracks from worsening.
- Temporary Pet Relief Areas at Rest Stops
Shaded, fenced areas at rest stops to allow traveling families to safely walk their dogs, reducing unsafe roadside stops.
- Rapid Pothole Reporting and Repair
A system for real-time driver reports and rapid repairs of potholes to help prevent flat tires and accidents.
- Emergency EV Charging Roadside Assistance
On-demand mobile charging for stranded electric vehicles, in partnership with local companies.
- Live Traffic Drone Service for Real-Time Updates
Deploy drones to monitor highways and provide live video updates to motorists through news outlets and apps.
- Smart Mile Markers with QR Codes
Install mile markers with QR codes that connect drivers to live traffic, emergency help, and instant location sharing.
- Pop-Up Micro Markets at Rest Areas
Seasonal farmers markets or food trucks at rest stops to offer healthy, local food options for travelers.
As announced by the VCTC, staff are reviewing possible alternatives to the call box system and plan to return to the Commission with recommendations. Martin Erickson, VCTC’s Executive Director, stated in a public announcement that the agency’s goal is to continue helping motorists while using financial resources responsibly.
As the call box era ends, the focus is shifting to new ideas that use modern technology and creative solutions to keep Ventura County’s drivers safe and supported. Residents can expect further updates as the VCTC explores how best to use the SAFE funds in the coming months.
