Discovering your parking spot empty can be a stressful moment for any car owner in New York City. Your immediate thought might be: “Was My Car Towed?”. The good news is, in many cases, a towed car can be retrieved. This guide will walk you through the steps to determine if your vehicle was towed and, if so, how to get it back.
Understanding Why Your Car Might Be Towed in NYC
Before figuring out the retrieval process, it’s helpful to understand why vehicles are towed in NYC. Common reasons include:
- Illegal Parking: This is a frequent cause, encompassing violations like parking in no-parking zones, blocking fire hydrants, or expired meters.
- DMV Offenses: Issues related to your vehicle’s registration or insurance can lead to towing.
- Unpaid Judgment Debt: If you have significant unpaid debt, especially over $350, City Marshals or the Sheriff’s Office may tow your car.
Finding Out If Your Car Was Towed
If you suspect your car has been towed, the first step is to confirm. For vehicles towed by the NYPD, you can typically inquire through official channels. It’s advisable to contact your local police precinct or use the city’s online resources if available to check your license plate. This can help you quickly determine if your car was indeed towed and by which authority.
Retrieving Your Car Towed by NYPD
The process for retrieving your vehicle depends on why it was towed by the NYPD.
For Illegal Parking
If your car was towed for illegal parking violations, you will need to address any outstanding parking tickets associated with your vehicle. Typically, this involves going to a Department of Finance business center. You’ll need to bring your valid driver’s license and the original vehicle title with your name on it. If you’re not the titleholder, you’ll need notarized authorization from them and their driver’s license. Be prepared to pay any fines and fees at the business center. Once payment is settled, you will receive instructions on where to retrieve your vehicle.
For DMV Offenses
For tows related to DMV offenses, the process is similar to illegal parking in terms of location and required documentation. Visit a Department of Finance business center with your valid driver’s license and original vehicle title (or notarized authorization and the titleholder’s driver’s license if needed). Crucially, ensure you have valid registration and insurance; you won’t be able to retrieve your car without them. At the business center, you’ll need to resolve any judgment debts, fees, outstanding parking tickets, and camera violations. After settling all dues, you’ll be informed about the location and procedure for vehicle retrieval.
Retrieving Your Car Towed by a City Marshal or Sheriff’s Office
If a City Marshal or the Sheriff’s Office towed your car due to unpaid judgment debt exceeding $350, the retrieval process differs slightly.
For Unpaid Judgment Debt
To start the process, you’ll need to address the payment. You can call (646) 517-1000 or visit a Department of Finance business center. If your car is financed or leased, bring notarized authorization and a certified copy of the title. After paying in person at the business center, request a Vehicle Release Form. Note that a Vehicle Release Form is not required if you make payment over the phone.
In cases where your registration was suspended due to multiple summonses within a year, you might need a registration clearance. This clearance, obtained after confirming you have no parking debt, allows you to renew your registration at the DMV. After completing payment and necessary clearances, you will receive instructions on where and how to pick up your vehicle.
Conclusion
Discovering your car has been towed is undoubtedly inconvenient. However, by understanding the reasons for towing and the specific procedures based on the towing authority in NYC, you can efficiently navigate the retrieval process. Acting promptly, gathering the necessary documents, and settling any outstanding payments are key steps to getting your car back and getting back on the road.
