Car towed in New York City?
Here’s how to get it back.
Call directly
NYC 311
Dial 311 from NYC or (212) 639-9675 from outside. Confirms if your car was towed and which pound has it.
NYPD Tow Pound - Brooklyn
Brooklyn Navy Yard; entrance at Sands St & Navy St, Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn
24 hours, 6 days: open 7AM Mon through 5AM Sun. Closed Sun 5AM to Mon 7AM.
How to get there
NYPD Tow Pound - Brooklyn
Brooklyn Navy Yard; entrance at Sands St & Navy St, Brooklyn, NY
Estimate your fees
Payment: Cash, certified check (payable to NYPD), ATM debit card, money order, traveler's checks, Discover, AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Estimates based on published rates. Actual fees may vary.
Before you go
Documents: Current vehicle registration, valid driver's license, and current insurance card. Vehicle released only to registered owner, spouse, or authorized representative with notarized signature.
Payment: Credit/debit card must be in the name of the person retrieving the vehicle. Cash always accepted.
TimeLimit: Storage at $20/night. Vehicles not claimed may be auctioned.
Fees: $185 tow fee (regular) or $370 (heavy duty). $20/night storage. Boot fee: $185. If vehicle has $350+ in parking judgments, may be towed by City Marshal (separate fees: boot $136, execution $80, tow $140-$1,500).
Why cars get towed in New York City
Alternate side parking
NYC enforces alternate side parking for street cleaning. Cars must be moved during posted hours or face towing. Check signs on every block — follow the strictest rule.
Snow emergency routes
During declared snow emergencies, vehicles on designated routes get towed. Check NYC.gov or 311 for alerts during winter storms.
Blocking fire hydrants
Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant is strictly enforced citywide. Even a quick stop can result in immediate towing.
Bus lanes and bus stops
Parking in bus lanes or at bus stops during restricted hours leads to quick towing, especially in Manhattan.
Expired registration
Vehicles with expired registration over 60 days can be towed from public streets without prior notice.
Parked in a private lot?
Private lots must post tow company info. If towed from private property, the lot owner arranged the tow, not NYPD. You can stop an NYPD tow in progress by signing a Field Release Agreement and agreeing to pay penalties within 30 days.
Know your rights
NYC Consumer Protection Law regulates private towing. Signs must be posted at entrances with tow company name and phone. Call 311 to report predatory towing.
Your towing rights in New York City
New York state law protects vehicle owners
🪧Signage Requirements
Signs must be conspicuously posted at each entrance to the lot or property. Must include tow company name and phone number.
Details may vary — verify with local authorities.
🚗Right to Retrieve
Owner may retrieve the vehicle if present before the tow truck departs. NYC requires tow companies to release vehicles if the owner arrives before the truck leaves.
Details may vary — verify with local authorities.
🏢Private Property Rules
Property owner must authorize each individual tow. Blanket authorization may not be valid in some jurisdictions. NYC has specific rules under the Traffic Rules.
Details may vary — verify with local authorities.
📝How to File a Complaint
In NYC, file complaints with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) at 311. Outside NYC, contact local police or the NY Attorney General's Consumer Helpline at (800) 771-7755.
Source: NY General Business Law §399-o, NYC Traffic Rules §4-08
Avoid getting towed in New York City
Parking Apps
💰 Meter Rates
Rates vary citywide by zone based on demand, land use, and density
🆓 Free Parking
Free Sundays and major legal holidays (New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas).
💡 Pro Tip
Many blocks have a 30-minute 'no return' rule — you can't restart a session in the same spot immediately. Always follow posted regulations. ParkNYC lets you extend remotely up to the max time.
Pay for parking → avoid towing. It's that simple.
Parked somewhere else?