A booted or towed vehicle is one of the most stressful - and expensive - outcomes of unpaid parking tickets. Understanding the thresholds and process can help you avoid this situation.
What Is Booting?
A "boot" (also called a wheel clamp) is a device attached to a vehicle's wheel to immobilize it. Booted vehicles cannot be driven until the device is removed by city enforcement personnel.
Booting is used as an enforcement tool when drivers accumulate unpaid parking violations above a city-set threshold.
Booting Thresholds by City
| City | Tickets Required | Min. Unpaid Amount |
|------|-----------------|-------------------|
| New York City | 2+ unpaid | - |
| Chicago | 2+ unpaid | $200+ |
| Los Angeles | - | $50+ unpaid |
| Philadelphia | 3+ unpaid | - |
| Washington DC | 2+ unpaid | - |
| San Francisco | 5+ unpaid | - |
| Boston | 3+ unpaid | - |
| Seattle | 3+ unpaid | $75+ |
Thresholds change periodically - verify with your city.
What Happens When You're Booted?
- You return to your vehicle and find the boot
- A notice is attached with instructions for removal
- Contact the city at the number provided
- Pay all outstanding fines and the boot removal fee (typically $60 - $150)
- A city agent removes the boot within a few hours (timing varies by city)
In NYC, for example, you can pay online and a boot removal agent is dispatched after payment is confirmed. In Chicago, you may need to appear in person.
Booting Fees by City
- New York City: $136 boot fee
- Chicago: $60 - $100
- Los Angeles: $75
- Washington DC: $100 - $150
- Philadelphia: $75
Plus all outstanding fines and any late fees.
What Is Towing?
If a booted vehicle is not addressed within a specified window (typically 24-72 hours), or if the vehicle is in a location requiring immediate removal (fire lane, blocking traffic), it may be towed.
Towing adds:
- Towing fee: $75 - $200
- Storage fee per day: $20 - $65/day
- All outstanding fines and boot/tow fees
A towed vehicle can quickly accumulate $500+ in fees before the underlying tickets are resolved.
Preventing Booting and Towing
1. Never let tickets go unpaid without disputing
Each unpaid ticket brings you closer to the threshold. Pay what you owe or contest within the deadline.
2. Dispute tickets you received in error
A successful dispute removes the ticket from your record entirely.
3. Set up payment plans for large balances
Most cities offer payment plans. Enrolling in a plan typically prevents booting while you're making payments.
4. Check for city amnesty programs
Cities periodically offer amnesty programs with waived late fees. Sign up for your city's parking violation emails or check annually.
5. Monitor your parking ticket status
Most cities allow you to check your outstanding tickets online by license plate or name. Check periodically to catch forgotten tickets.
Getting Your Car Unbooted Quickly
- Call immediately - don't wait to try to remove it yourself (removal attempts can trigger towing)
- Have your payment ready - credit/debit card and the full amount
- Pay online if available - this is often the fastest way to dispatch a removal agent
- Get a receipt - document the resolution
If Your Car Is Towed
- Call your local police non-emergency line to confirm your car was towed (not stolen)
- Find the impound lot - police dispatch can tell you which lot has your vehicle
- Bring cash and ID - many impound lots require cash and your vehicle registration
- Act quickly - storage fees accumulate daily; recovery from an impound lot on Day 3 can cost $200+ more than Day 1