Though New Yorkers mostly take public transportation, 45 percent of households actually own a car (according to HunterUrban.org)! Which means that a lot of people have to deal with NYC’s crazy street parking rules, and may sooner or later, get towed.
No feeling is worse — besides seeing a 15+ minute wait for the next train, perhaps — than walking down the street you know you parked on but your car is nowhere in sight.
So here’s what to do if your car gets towed in NYC, coming directly from someone who it recently happened to (and went through the process first-hand)!
How do I find my towed car in NY?
The easiest way to find out what has happened to your car is to head to the NYC.gov Towed Vehicle Page and search your license plate number. You will also have to determine who towed your car, as it could be either the NYPD or the City Marshal/Sheriff’s Office.
First, figure out why you were towed (ie: look at the signs on the street where you parked, or check your insurance/registration). Basically:
- You were towed by NYPD if you were parked illegally or if your registration or insurance was expired
- You were towed by the City Marshal/Sheriff’s Office if you have had more than $350 in parking ticket or camera violations
You can also call 311 and/or contact your local police precinct to find out more.
Where do towed cars go in NYC?
There is a NYPD Tow Pound in most boroughs, so your car will have been brought to the one within the borough where you were parked and then towed. Here are the addresses of each, but be sure to note their hours since if you realize your car is missing on a Sunday, you may be out of luck:
- Bronx: 2444 Exterior Street, Bronx New York 10468. Call 718-585-1385 or 718-585-1391.
- Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sunday
- Brooklyn: Brooklyn Navy Yard (corner of Sands Street & Navy Street). 718-237-3300.
- 24 hours, 6 days a week; closed 5 a.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday.
- Queens: 31-22 College Point Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11354. 718-359-6200.
- Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sunday
How much is a towed car in NYC?
A regular tow fee is $185. You may also be charged for overnight storage at the Tow Pound, which is $20 per day.
Now don’t forget, most times you also have to pay a ticket for your parking violation. So besides the cost of your car being towed, you’ll also have to pay your parking ticket. This typically comes in the mail and can be paid online or by mail. Tickets can range in price from $50 to $138.
How do I pay for my towed vehicle?
When you go to the NYC Tow Pound to pick up your vehicle, you can pay the fee via credit card (Discover, American Express, MasterCard, and Visa only), cash, certified check (payable to New York City Police Department), ATM Bank Debit Card that allows withdrawals from checking accounts only, money order or traveler’s checks.
Also make sure you bring:
- Current vehicle registration certificate
- Valid driver’s license
- Current insurance card for the vehicle
Why did my car get towed/how do I avoid it?
According to NYC.gov, these are common occurrences that will get your vehicle towed in NYC (though it’s not limited to only these situations):
- Double parking
- Parking in a bicycle lane or bus lane
- Parking in a bus stop
- Parking in no standing, no stopping, or no parking zones