Ever returned to your parking spot in Brooklyn only to find your car missing? It’s a frustrating experience many drivers face—and often, it’s because of local laws they didn’t even realize they were breaking. In New York City, towing isn’t just about blocking a hydrant or double-parking. It involves a wide range of specific regulations that are strictly enforced, often without warning.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the key NYC towing laws you need to know, so you can avoid unexpected fines, frustration, and a run-in with a tow truck in NYC.
Can Your Car Be Towed in Brooklyn? What Local Laws Say
1. No Standing
The “No Standing” law in NYC is widely misunderstood. Many think they can stop briefly if someone stays inside the vehicle, but that’s not true. No Standing zones mean no stopping for pickup, drop-off, or waiting—period. These areas are near intersections, hospitals, bus stops, and schools. They’re enforced to maintain smooth traffic flow and safety.
Stopping in a No Standing zone risks immediate towing—even for a few seconds. Officers aren’t required to warn before towing. If spotted, a tow truck can be called instantly.
2. Blocked Driveway
Parking even slightly in front of any driveway—residential or commercial—is a direct NYC law violation. This includes angled parking or letting your bumper hang over the space. Property owners can call the city to have your car removed immediately.
Towing is fast and automatic once a complaint is made. NYPD doesn’t verify if you’re nearby. Blocking access usually means towing within minutes, especially in busy Brooklyn neighborhoods.
3. Expired Stickers
Expired inspection or registration stickers—even by a day—make your vehicle ineligible for street parking in NYC. This applies whether you’re driving or parked legally on the road.
Traffic enforcement agents scan stickers and plates routinely. Once your expired registration is detected, your car may be towed immediately. This violation suggests the car isn’t legally roadworthy, giving the city stronger grounds for removal. Renewing stickers on time is an easy way to avoid towing.
4. Unpaid Tickets
Accumulating $350 or more in unpaid parking tickets flags your car for enforcement. NYC’s Department of Finance can authorize towing without warning. This is a common and avoidable cause of towing.
Vehicles with unpaid fines can be booted or towed on any public street. Once towed, you’ll owe the tickets plus towing and storage fees. It’s important to monitor and pay outstanding fines promptly.
5. Near Hydrant
Parking too close to a fire hydrant leads to quick towing in NYC. The law requires at least 15 feet clearance on either side of a hydrant to allow emergency access.
Some drivers think it’s okay to park briefly near a hydrant with hazard lights or someone inside. That’s incorrect. No temporary exceptions exist. Violations result in tickets and towing regardless of circumstances.
6. Street Cleaning
NYC’s alternate side parking (ASP) rules keep streets clean but catch many drivers off guard. When street cleaning is scheduled, your car must be moved—even if cleaning hasn’t started or just finished.
Ignoring ASP signs leads to fines and possible towing, especially if multiple tickets exist. Enforcement is stricter in busy areas like Brooklyn. Always check posted schedules before parking overnight to avoid fines and towing.
7. Temporary Signs
Temporary No Parking signs—for film shoots, construction, or events—are fully enforceable under NYC law. These can be installed with as little as 24 hours’ notice and override existing parking rules.
If parked where a temporary sign is posted, you may find your car missing. Towing starts soon after signs activate. To avoid this, check nearby poles for new notices, especially if you park daily in the same area. This law often surprises many residents.
Also Read: How Much Does a Towing Service Cost?
Need Help With a Tow Truck in NYC?
If your car has been towed unexpectedly, trying to handle the situation alone can be stressful and confusing. At A1 Towing & Collision Inc, our professional team offers fast and reliable towing services across Brooklyn and NYC. Whether you need emergency towing or help with vehicle recovery, we’re here to assist you quickly and efficiently.
Get back on the road without the hassle—contact us today to schedule your service!
