> **Quick Answer:** Put it in neutral and push or coast to the nearest curb immediately. If you cannot move the car, turn on your hazard lights, stay inside with your seatbelt on, and call 911. Do not stand behind or beside the car in moving traffic. Once you are clear of traffic, call a tow truck and figure out why it stalled.
## What Do I Do in the First 30 Seconds After My Car Stalls in an Intersection?
Get out of the intersection first. That is the only priority. Shift to neutral, and if the car will roll, steer it to the nearest curb or parking lot entrance while it coasts. If you have passengers, put one person behind the car to watch for traffic while you steer, but only if the intersection is not actively moving vehicles through.
If the car will not roll or traffic is coming from multiple directions, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside with your seatbelt fastened. A moving car hitting yours is far more survivable if you are buckled in than if you are standing next to the vehicle. Do not get out to push alone in a live intersection.
Once your hazards are on, call 911. Tell them you are stalled in a traffic intersection, give the street names, and ask for traffic control. Police can block the intersection faster than any other option.
## Can I Try to Restart the Car While I Am Still Blocked?
Yes, try it once, but give it no more than 10 seconds. Turn the key or press the start button. If it fires up, drive immediately to the nearest parking lot and stop there. Do not attempt to diagnose anything while you are still blocking traffic.
If it does not start on the first attempt, stop trying and focus entirely on getting the car moved. A stall caused by a failed fuel pump, a vapor lock on a hot day, or a crankshaft position sensor failure will not respond to repeated cranking, and the delay puts you at greater risk. If you noticed the engine sputtering or losing power before it died, a failed fuel pump is a real possibility. [Here is how to recognize the signs and what comes next.](/fuel-pump-failed-on-highway-signs-and-next-steps/)
## How Do I Signal Other Drivers and Stay Safe Until Help Arrives?
Hazard lights are step one, and they need to be on before anything else. If you have road flares or a reflective triangle in your trunk and the car is now safely off the road, place them behind the vehicle at roughly 100 feet. Most drivers do not carry these, which is a mistake worth fixing after today.
Keep your seatbelt on if you stay inside. If the car is still partially in a lane and you cannot get it moved, get out on the passenger side away from traffic, move to the sidewalk, and stay well clear of the vehicle. A car hit from behind at 35 mph can move 20 to 30 feet instantly.
Do not stand at the driver's door talking to other drivers or looking under the hood while you are exposed to a live lane.
## Who Do I Call to Get the Car Towed After a Stall?
Call your roadside assistance provider first. AAA, GEICO roadside, S
*Photo: Pexels*
tate Farm roadside, and Allstate all dispatch tow trucks, and using a covered tow costs you nothing out of pocket. If you are not covered, call a local tow directly. Expect to pay $75 to $125 for a short local tow in most U.S. cities.
Give the dispatcher your exact cross streets, not just a neighborhood. Tell them the car is in or near a traffic intersection so they know to prioritize. Most tow trucks arrive within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas. If you want to understand what your insurance actually covers for a situation like this, [this breakdown on towing coverage is worth reading before you get billed.](/does-insurance-cover-towing-if-car-is-not-driveable/)
While you wait, try to recall what happened just before the stall. Did the engine sputter? Did a warning light come on? Did the car feel like it ran out of fuel? That information helps the mechanic start in the right place.
*Photo: Pexels*
## Common Questions
**Q: Is it safe to stay in my car if it stalls in an intersection?**
A: Yes, if traffic is moving and you cannot get the car out of the way, staying inside with your seatbelt on is safer than standing outside. Get out only from the side away from traffic, and move to the sidewalk.
**Q: Why did my car stall in the middle of an intersection?**
A: Common causes include a dead alternator killing the battery while driving, a failing fuel pump cutting fuel delivery, a faulty crankshaft position sensor, or overheating. If any warning lights came on before the stall, note them for the mechanic. A flashing check engine light just before the stall is a strong clue. [See what a flashing check engine light usually means.](/check-engine-light-flashing-should-i-pull-over-now/)
**Q: Do I have to call 911 or can I just call a tow truck?**
A: If the car is fully clear of traffic and you are safe, a tow truck call is fine. If the car is blocking a lane or you cannot move it, call 911 first. Police can control traffic while you wait, which is far safer than relying on other drivers to notice your hazards.
**Q: Will my insurance cover the tow if my car stalled?**
A: If you have roadside assistance through your insurer or AAA, yes, it typically covers the tow. If you only carry liability or basic coverage without a roadside add-on, you will likely pay out of pocket. Check your policy before you need it.
**Q: Can a car that stalled in an intersection be jump started, or does it need a tow?**
A: Depends on the cause. If a dead battery or bad alternator caused the stall, a jump start might get you moving long enough to reach a shop, but the car will likely stall again. If the fuel pump failed or a sensor died, jumping it will not help and you need a tow. [This article covers exactly when a dead battery situation needs a tow versus a jump.](/car-battery-died-in-parking-garage-tow-or-jump/)
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*Need roadside help? Visit [Tow With The Flow](https://towwiththeflow.com/car-stalled-in-intersection-what-to-do-right-now/) for real answers when your car breaks down.*
Car Stalled in Intersection: What to Do Right Now
Photo: Pexels