Finding your car towed in New York City can be a stressful experience. This guide will help you understand the steps to locate and retrieve your vehicle, depending on who towed it and why. Whether your car was towed by the NYPD for illegal parking or DMV offenses, or by a City Marshal or Sheriff’s Office for unpaid debts, here’s what you need to do.
If Towed by NYPD for Parking Illegally
If your vehicle was towed for illegal parking by the New York Police Department (NYPD), you will need to contact them to determine its location and the steps for retrieval. Typically, you should:
- Contact your local NYPD precinct. You can find the contact information for your precinct online or by calling 311.
- Provide your vehicle information, such as license plate number, make, and model, to help them locate your car.
- Once located, the NYPD will inform you of the impound lot where your vehicle is being held and the necessary steps to retrieve it, which usually involves paying outstanding parking tickets and towing fees.
If Towed by NYPD for DMV Offenses
When the NYPD tows your car due to Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offenses, the process involves the Department of Finance. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Location: Visit a Department of Finance business center. Make sure to bring your valid driver’s license and the original vehicle title with your name on the front. If you are not the titleholder, you’ll need notarized authorization from the titleholder and their driver’s license. It’s crucial to have valid registration and insurance to retrieve your vehicle.
- Payment: At the business center, you will need to pay or dispute any judgment debt and associated fees. They accept various payment methods. Be prepared to settle all DMV offenses, parking tickets, and camera violations that are in judgment before you can get your car back.
- Vehicle Retrieval Instructions: After you have made your payment, the Department of Finance will provide you with instructions on where and how to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot.
If Towed by a City Marshal or the Sheriff’s Office for Unpaid Judgment Debt
If your car was towed by a City Marshal or the Sheriff’s Office because of unpaid judgment debt exceeding $350, follow these steps:
- Payment: You need to address the unpaid debt. You can call (646) 517-1000 or visit a Department of Finance business center in person. If your car is financed or leased, bring notarized authorization and a certified copy of the title.
- Vehicle Release Form: If you pay in person, request a Vehicle Release Form after making your payment. This form is not needed if you pay by phone.
- Registration Clearance (If Necessary): If your vehicle registration was suspended due to having five summonses in judgment within a 12-month period and no other registration suspension, you might need a registration clearance. This clearance confirms you have no parking debt and allows you to renew your registration at the DMV.
- Vehicle Retrieval Instructions: Similar to NYPD tows for DMV offenses, after payment, you will receive instructions on where and how to retrieve your vehicle.
By following these steps, you can navigate the process of finding and retrieving your towed car in New York City efficiently. Remember to act quickly and gather all necessary documents to minimize delays and additional fees.
