Dealing with a car boot on your vehicle can be a stressful experience. In urban areas like Manhattan, New York City, parking regulations are strictly enforced, and vehicle immobilization devices such as boots and barnacles are commonly used for illegally parked cars. This guide from cars.edu.vn will explain what car boots and barnacles are, why they are used, and crucially, how to handle the situation if your car is booted.
Understanding Car Boots and Barnacles
Vehicle immobilization devices are tools used by law enforcement and parking authorities to prevent illegally parked vehicles from being driven. The two main types you might encounter are boots and barnacles.
NYPD Boots
In New York City, the NYPD uses car boots, often yellow or blue, to immobilize vehicles with outstanding parking violations. These boots are attached to a wheel and are designed to prevent the vehicle from moving. It’s important to note that NYPD boots do not have keypads for self-removal, meaning you cannot remove them yourself.
Alt text: Yellow car boot clamped on the front wheel of a parked vehicle, illustrating vehicle immobilization by NYPD.
Vehicles with NYPD boots are subject to immediate towing. If you find a boot on your car, you will also find a notice of violation on your windshield with instructions on how to proceed. Ignoring the boot can lead to further complications and costs.
Barnacles
Another type of immobilization device is the “Barnacle.” This device is different from a boot; it’s a bright orange, 16-pound panel that attaches to your windshield using suction cups. The Barnacle obstructs the driver’s view, making it practically impossible to operate the vehicle safely.
Alt text: Bright orange Barnacle windshield device affixed to a car, demonstrating a different type of vehicle immobilization.
Like boots, Barnacles are applied to vehicles parked illegally in various zones, including:
- Bus stops
- Bike lanes
- Sidewalks
- Within 15 feet of fire hydrants
The Barnacle device itself has a label with instructions for payment and removal. This is a key difference from the NYPD boot.
How to Handle a Car Boot or Barnacle
The immediate steps to take when you find a boot or barnacle on your car are crucial to minimizing further inconvenience and expense.
Responding to an NYPD Boot
If your vehicle has been fitted with an NYPD boot, do not attempt to remove it yourself. This could damage your vehicle or the boot and may lead to additional penalties. Instead, follow these steps:
- Read the Notice: Carefully read the notice of violation placed on your windshield. This notice will contain specific instructions on how to proceed.
- Contact the NYPD or Follow Instructions: The notice will likely direct you to contact a specific NYPD precinct or provide a website or phone number for payment and boot removal.
- Pay the Fees: You will need to pay a booting fee of $185, in addition to any outstanding fines, penalties, and interest for parking and camera violations already in judgment. You do not need to pay the ticket that caused the boot immediately to reclaim your vehicle.
- Boot Removal: Once payment is confirmed, the NYPD will dispatch personnel to remove the boot from your vehicle.
- Vehicle Towing: Be aware that if you do not follow the instructions promptly, your vehicle may be towed in addition to being booted, incurring further towing and storage fees.
Responding to a Barnacle
The process for dealing with a Barnacle is slightly different and potentially quicker if you act fast:
- Read the Instructions: The Barnacle itself will have a label with instructions for payment and removal.
- Pay the Removal Fee: You need to pay a $185 removal fee. Crucially, payment must be made at the respective tow pound within two hours of the Barnacle being applied.
- Barnacle Disarming and Removal: After payment, a traffic agent will be assigned to remove the Barnacle when you return to your car.
- Return the Barnacle: Once disarmed and removed by the agent, you are responsible for delivering the Barnacle to one of the designated drop-off locations listed on the device’s label. Failing to return the Barnacle may result in additional charges.
- Towing Risk: If you do not pay within two hours of the Barnacle being applied, your car will be towed.
Fees and Costs Associated with Boots and Barnacles
Regardless of whether your vehicle is booted or barnacled, you will face costs. These can include:
- Boot or Barnacle Removal Fee: $185 (for both boots and barnacles in NYC).
- Outstanding Parking Violation Fines: The original parking tickets that led to the immobilization.
- Penalties and Interest: Applicable to overdue parking violations.
- Towing Fees: If your vehicle is towed after being booted or barnacled.
- Vehicle Storage Fees: If your vehicle is towed, you will accrue daily storage fees at the tow pound.
It’s important to address these fees promptly to avoid escalating costs and to reclaim your vehicle as quickly as possible.
Reclaiming a Towed Vehicle
If your vehicle has been towed after receiving a boot or barnacle, you will need to visit the NYPD’s Towed Vehicle Reclaim page for detailed information on how to locate and reclaim your vehicle. This process will involve verifying ownership, paying all outstanding fees (including towing and storage), and completing the necessary paperwork.
Prevention is Key
The best way to avoid the hassle and expense of car boots and barnacles is to park legally and responsibly. Pay attention to parking signs, time restrictions, and prohibited zones. Promptly address any parking violations to prevent them from escalating and potentially leading to vehicle immobilization.
By understanding how car boots and barnacles operate and knowing the correct procedures to follow, you can navigate these challenging situations more effectively and minimize the disruption to your day. Stay informed and park smart to keep your vehicle free and clear.
