An image shared on Facebook claims the American Automobile Association (AAA) is offering free “Tipsy Tow” service to intoxicated people this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Screenshot/Facebook

Verdict: False

AAA is not offering its “Tipsy Tow” service this year in order to comply with COVID-19 social distancing recommendations, according to a AAA spokesperson.

Fact Check:

As the end of 2020 approaches, social media users have been sharing images urging people to use AAA’s “Tipsy Tow” service for this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. AAA has provided intoxicated people in participating areas a tow and safe ride home from New Year celebrations in previous years.

“No excuses. Don’t drink and drive- and don’t ride with anybody who does,” a Dec. 28 version of the image reads. “Tipsy Tow offered by AAA: You don’t have to be a AAA member, from 6pm-6am on New Year’s Eve/Day they will take your drunk self and your car home for FREE. Save this number 1-800-222-4357. RT to save a life.” (RELATED: Viral Video Claims To Show Boston Police Vandalizing Their Vehicle To ‘Blame It On The Protesters’)

The same information appeared in a now-deleted Dec. 29, 2017 tweet that can be seen in a Facebook post shared on New Year’s Eve that year. That Dec. 31, 2017 post recently started recirculating on Facebook, which appears to have made some users mistakenly think the service is being offered this year. AAA spokesperson Ellen Edmonds told Check Your Fact via email that “Tipsy Tow will not be offered in any state this year” for Dec. 31 or Jan. 1 celebrations.

“For the protection of our members and our service providers, AAA is not allowing passengers to ride in our tow trucks to ensure compliance with social distancing recommendations provided by the CDC,”  Edmonds explained. “AAA urges anyone who is planning to drive, not to drink. And when drinking, always designate a sober driver or arrange for alternative transportation to get home safely.”

The American Safety Council website offers “Drunk Driving Avoidance Tips For New Years” such as having a designated driver, taking a taxi or staying over at the host’s house.