Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

After Paying Parking Ticket By Phone, Drivers Can Remove New Boot Themselves


By

Christopher Robbins

Published May 24, 2011

Modified May 24, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

This episode aired in 1997, and that should make you feel old

 


By

Christopher Robbins

Published May 24, 2011

Modified May 24, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

In what will surely be a blow to the city's sledgehammer-for-hire businesses, a new series of high tech immobilizing wheel boots will be applied to parking violators' cars that will allow them to remove the device themselves once they pay their fine, The Post reports.

Although the new boots are part of a pilot project, drivers across town who thought they could just swing in next to a hydrant to hop in their favorite deli for just one goddamn second will soon see a notice on their windshield telling them to call a toll-free number. After they give their credit or debit card number, they'll get a code to remove the device. Thus no towing will be necessary for vehicles who owe more than $350 in fines (Zimbabwe we're looking in your direction.) It's unclear whether or not the plan will allow for motorists to pay in cash, thus releasing them of a physical record of a day they'd rather forget.

Tagged

boots

nypd

parking enforcement

parking tickets

towing


Christopher Robbins

Twitter

Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Ex-NYPD officer again faces murder charge in George Washington Bridge shooting

The charge against him was upgraded following an “extensive investigation,” the DA’s office said.

By

Samantha Max

Published Oct 27, 2026 at 4:35 p.m. ET

Modified Oct 27, 2026 at 6:17 p.m. ET


Former NYC buildings boss helped reopen mayor's favored restaurant despite health violations

Phone calls played at during the trial of Eric Adams’ former buildings commissioner show he worried about losing his job for helping business owners fast track inspections.

By

David Brand

News

Former NYC buildings boss helped reopen mayor's favored restaurant despite health violations

Phone calls played at during the trial of Eric Adams’ former buildings commissioner show he worried about losing his job for helping business owners fast track inspections.

By

David Brand


1 killed, 4 others injured at Elizabeth, NJ vigil shooting

By

Catalina Gonella

Police arrest man in Queens stabbings that ended with officer shooting woman

By

Ryan Kost

Early Addition: It's been a while since it rained

By

James Ramsay


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .