Towing, Booting Has Resumed In MOCO As Parking Enforcement Gears Up Again

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Booting and towing has returned to Montgomery County after a nearly 20-month hiatus due to the pandemic. It was initially suspended to accommodate for the financial burden many were feeling last year, and returned Nov. 1.

Drivers with more than three unresolved tickets may have a boot placed on their car which they can get off by calling a phone number provided by the county, paying their debt, and entering a code onto the boot that releases it.

People who have cars that are "immobilized" for more than 72 hours, have a debt of $1,500 or more, are in violation of rush-hour zone restrictions, or have a car in an unsafe or abandoned condition may be towed right away, the county said.

"The decision to reinstate parking enforcement was made following the lifting of the Maryland State of Emergency," the county said in a news release. "County businesses are welcoming patrons back and have voiced concerns about vehicles blocking entrances and disrupting traffic flow in downtown areas. Enforcement will focus on vehicles that are continuously illegally parked and abandoned cars."

Residents can pay parking tickets by calling 240-453-0113, paying online, or paying cash at one of the parking stores that are open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except county holidays:

• 809 Ellsworth Ave. in Silver Spring (inside the Town Square Garage)
• 4720 Cheltenham Drive in Bethesda (inside the Cheltenham Garage)

This story has been updated.

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