What to Do If Your Car Is Towed to an Impound Lot in New York

Whether you missed a no parking sign or risked parking too close to a fire hydrant, your car could be towed. SecretNYC tells you how to return your vehicle and how much it will cost.

Although New Yorkers rely heavily on public transportation, 45% of households own a car. This means that many people have to deal with the crazy parking rules on New York City streets. Sooner or later, their car may be towed.

There's nothing worse than walking down a street where you know you parked, but your car is nowhere to be seen.

So here's what to do if your car is towed in New York.

How to Find a Towed Car in New York

The easiest way to find out what happened to your car is to go to the page NYC.gov Towed Vehicle and look for the license plate. You will have to determine who towed your the car, as it could be either the NYPD or the city sheriff's office.

On the subject: What Time of Day is the Most Dangerous to Drive in New York City

First, find out why your vehicle was towed. For example, look at the signs on the street where you are. parked, or check your insurance/registration. Important:

• your car was towed by the NYPD if you parked illegally or if your registration or insurance had expired;
• your car was towed by the city sheriff's office if you had more than $350 in parking tickets or violations recorded on camera.

You can also call 311 and/or contact your local police station for more information.

Where do towed cars go in New York City?

Most areas have an NYPD impound lot, so your car will be taken to the impound lot in the area where you parked and then towed.

Here are the addresses for each. Be sure to note the opening hours, because if you discover your car is missing on a Sunday, you may be out of luck:

• Bronx: 2444 Exterior Street, Bronx New York 10468. Phone 718-585-1385 or 718-585-1391. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 20:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 15:00 p.m.; Sunday – closed;
• Brooklyn: Brooklyn Navy Yard (corner of Sands and Navy Streets). Phone 718-237-3300. Hours 24 hours, 6 days a week; closed 5 a.m. Sunday to 00 a.m. Monday;
• Queens: 31-22 College Point Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11354. Phone 718-359-6200. Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 15:00 p.m.; Sunday - closed.

How much does it cost to tow a car in New York

The standard towing fee is $185. You may also be charged an overnight Tow Pound fee of $20 per day.

Keep in mind that in most cases you will have to pay a parking ticket. That is, in addition to the cost of towing your car, you will also have to pay a parking fine. It usually comes by mail. Fines range from $50 to $138.

How to pay for a towed vehicle

When you arrive at a New York impound lot to pick up your car, you can pay the fee:

• credit card (Discover, American Express, MasterCard and Visa only);
• cash;
• certified check (made out to the New York Police Department);
• ATM Bank debit card, which allows you to withdraw money only from current accounts;
• money transfer;
• traveler's checks.

In addition, be sure to bring with you:

• valid vehicle registration certificate;
• valid driver's license;
• a valid vehicle insurance card.

Why the car was towed/how to avoid it

Here are some common situations that can lead to your car being towed in New York (not limited to these situations):

• double parking;
• parking in a bicycle or bus lane;
• parking at a bus stop;
• parking in areas where standing, stopping or parking is prohibited.