Dealing with a towed car can be a frustrating experience. In New York City, various agencies, including the NYPD, city marshals, and sheriffs, are authorized to tow vehicles for different violations. If you’re wondering why your car might have been towed and what to do next, this guide will provide you with essential information.
Generally, vehicles that are illegally parked are taken to the Tow Pound located in the same borough where the infraction occurred. These Tow Pounds are situated in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. If you can’t locate your vehicle where you parked it, and it wasn’t towed, there’s a possibility it might have been stolen. To ascertain whether your vehicle was towed, stolen, or perhaps relocated due to events like parades or street fairs, contacting your local precinct is advisable.
For situations where your Car Tow was a consequence of an investigation or an arrest, you should consult the resources available on the Return of a Vehicle and Auto Pounds pages for specific guidance.
Further details regarding towed vehicles can be found on the Department of Finance website, which offers extensive information and online services.
How to Retrieve Your Car from an NYPD Tow Pound
If your vehicle has been taken to an NYPD Tow Pound, you will need to gather specific documents to reclaim it. Ensure you bring the following:
- Current vehicle registration certificate: This is proof of ownership and vehicle details.
- Valid driver’s license: Your identification as the driver and potentially the owner.
- Current insurance card for the vehicle: Confirmation that the vehicle is insured.
It’s important to note that vehicles are released only to registered owners, their spouses, or officially authorized representatives. If you are acting as an authorized representative, you must present written authorization, which includes the notarized signature of the registered owner. Furthermore, a vehicle will not be released if there are outstanding parking judgments against it. These judgments must be settled at the Parking Violations Bureau before you can retrieve your vehicle. Payment for parking tickets cannot be made directly at the tow pound.
Understanding Car Towing Fees
When retrieving your vehicle, be prepared to pay towing and storage fees. The standard fees are as follows:
- Regular Tow fee: $185.00
- Heavy Duty Tow fee: $370.00 (for larger vehicles)
- Overnight Storage fee: $20.00 (per night after the first day)
- Immobilization Device (Boot) Removal Fee: $185.00 (if applicable)
NOTE: Storage fees accrue daily, so retrieving your vehicle as quickly as possible can minimize costs.
The Tow Pound accepts several forms of payment for your convenience:
- Cash
- Certified Check (payable to New York City Police Department)
- ATM Bank Debit Card (linked to checking accounts only)
- Money Order or Traveler’s checks
- Credit Cards: Discover, American Express, MasterCard, and Visa*
*Please be aware that debit/credit cards must be in the name of the person retrieving the vehicle.
In summary, understanding the car tow process, required documentation, and associated fees can make retrieving your vehicle from the tow pound a smoother process. Always ensure your vehicle is legally parked to avoid the inconvenience and expense of car towing.
