Violation Tow by NYPD
If your vehicle has been booted or towed because it was illegally parked and you owe no unpaid parking tickets in judgment, get your vehicle back directly from the NYC Police Department.

If, however, your vehicle was illegally parked AND you owe more than $101.00 in outstanding tickets that have gone into judgment, your parking tickets must be paid to the Department of Finance before you can get your vehicle back.

The fastest payment method is to go to a Finance Business Center and pay your judgment debt (the fines and penalties on parking tickets that are 100 days old or older). When you have done this, you must ask for a Vehicle Release Form. Take this to the NYPD impound lot to get your vehicle back. You will also have to pay the Police Department's towing fees at the impound lot. The Police Department Pounds accept major credit cards, cash, certified checks, and money orders. 

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Judgment Tow by Sheriff
A judgment tow is when a vehicle's owner has unpaid parking tickets of at least $350, on one or more vehicles registered to his/her name. If the Sheriff towed your vehicle, you should come in and pay your parking fines immediately, or the Sheriff will begin the process of preparing your vehicle for auction after 72 hours.  If you do not pick up your vehicle within seventy two (72) hours of taking it from you, the Sheriff will begin the process of notifying you your vehicle is being prepared for auction unless you do the following: (1) pay for and pick up the vehicle, (2) request a "Sale Hold" by going to any Finance Business Center . The vehicle is generally auctioned anytime after 10 days.

The Sheriff's payment may be made in cash, money order, or certified or cashier's check, made payable to the "NYC Department of Finance." You may also use Discover,  MasterCard or American Express card (if the card is in the registered owner's name). You will also need a Vehicle Release form which you can get from any Finance Business Center to prove you have paid. You must take the Vehicle Release form to the impound lot when you go to get your vehicle back.

The total amount that you will be required to pay can be determined by using the following chart:

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Judgment Tow by the City Marshal
A judgment tow is when a vehicle's owner has unpaid parking tickets of $350, on one or more vehicles registered to his/her name. If a City Marshal towed your vehicle, you have 10 business days to pay your parking fines.  Contact the City Marshal who towed your vehicle immediately. If a City Marshal seized your vehicle in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens, the registered owner/representative should contact the Marshal's office for that borough.  If your vehicle was towed by the Sheriff in Staten Island, please follow the instructions above to get your vehicle back from the Sheriff.

The City Marshal's office will tell you the total amount owed (which includes the judgment amount and any fees) as well as where the vehicle is located.  You will also be told if the Marshal will accept your payment at their office or if payment will be accepted at the towing yard.

You should ask the Marshal's office how much you owe in full. The City Marshals accept cash, certified check, money orders, as well as VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover card payment. The card must be in the registered owner’s name. If you cannot get your vehicle immediately, you should ask for instructions and/or your options. If you do not get your vehicle within seventy two (72) hours of towing, the Marshal will begin the process of notifying you that your vehicle is being prepared for auction unless you do the following: (1) pay for and pick up the vehicle, (2) request a "Sale Hold" by going to any Finance Business Center. In all cases make sure you get the Marshal's office telephone number.

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