What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on I-35 or MoPac
By the Auto Repair Home service team· Reviewed by an ASE-certified technician· Updated October 2026· 2 min read
The short answer
If your car breaks down on I-35 or MoPac, turn on your hazards, move to the right shoulder or exit if possible, stay buckled inside if traffic is heavy, and call 911 if you're in a travel lane. Then call a 24/7 mechanic or tow.
Texas Move Over law
Texas requires drivers to move over or slow down for stopped emergency and tow vehicles, but stalled passenger cars are still at risk — stay inside if the shoulder is narrow.
TxDOT HERO program
Highway Emergency Response Operators patrol parts of Austin highways and can help with fuel, flats and jump starts.
