Discovering your parking spot empty where you left your car can be a stressful experience. In New York City, vehicles can be towed for various reasons, from illegal parking to unresolved violations. If you’re wondering, “Has my car been towed?”, this guide will provide you with the necessary steps to locate your vehicle and understand the retrieval process.
NYPD Towing for Illegal Parking
If you suspect your car was towed due to illegal parking, the quickest first step is to contact the New York Police Department (NYPD). You can reach out to your local precinct or call 311, New York City’s official information hotline. Providing them with your license plate number and vehicle description will help them determine if your car has been towed by the NYPD due to parking violations.
NYPD Towing for DMV Offenses
For tows related to Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offenses, the process involves the Department of Finance (DOF). Here’s what you need to do:
Location and Documentation
Visit a Department of Finance business center. To proceed, ensure you bring the following original documents:
- Valid driver’s license: This is crucial for identification purposes.
- Original vehicle title with your name on the front: Proof of ownership is mandatory.
- If you are not the titleholder: Bring a notarized authorization from the titleholder along with the titleholder’s driver’s license.
Important Note: You will not be able to retrieve your vehicle if your registration or insurance is not currently valid. Ensure these are up to date before attempting to retrieve your car.
Payment and Resolution
At the business center, you will need to address any outstanding judgment debts and associated fees. The DOF business center accepts various payment methods. It’s essential to settle all DMV offenses, parking tickets, and camera violations that are in judgment before you can retrieve your vehicle.
Once your payment is processed, the DOF staff will provide you with detailed instructions on where and how to retrieve your towed vehicle.
Towing by a City Marshal or Sheriff for Unpaid Judgment Debt
If your vehicle was towed by a City Marshal or the Sheriff’s Office due to unpaid judgment debt exceeding $350, follow these steps:
Payment Options
To resolve the financial aspect, you have two primary options:
- Phone Payment: Call (646) 517-1000 to make a payment over the phone.
- In-Person Payment: Visit a Department of Finance business center.
For in-person payments, if your car is financed or leased, remember to bring a notarized authorization and a certified copy of the title.
Vehicle Release Form and Registration Clearance
After completing the payment:
- Vehicle Release Form: If you paid in person, request a Vehicle Release Form from the DOF. This form is not required for phone payments.
- Registration Clearance: If your vehicle registration was suspended because of five or more summonses in judgment within a 12-month period (and no other registration suspensions), you might need a registration clearance. This clearance verifies that you have no parking debt, enabling you to renew or obtain your vehicle registration at the DMV in person.
Similar to NYPD tows for DMV offenses, after payment, you will receive instructions on the location and procedure for retrieving your vehicle.
Conclusion
Finding your car towed is undoubtedly inconvenient. By understanding the reasons for towing and the specific steps required based on who towed your vehicle—NYPD, City Marshal, or Sheriff—you can navigate the process more efficiently. Always ensure you have the necessary documentation, resolve outstanding payments promptly, and follow the instructions provided by the Department of Finance or NYPD to retrieve your car as smoothly as possible. Staying informed and acting quickly are key to resolving a car towing situation in New York City.
