Put a Boot On It! City Unveils Pilot Program For Scofflaw Drivers

Calling it a "new and improved tool" to collect unpaid tickets and fines, the city started a new booting pilot program that will replace tows in some cases.

Starting Monday in Brooklyn only, drivers having more than $350 in parking, red light camera or bus lane violation tickets in judgment may have their vehicles booted.

The program was touted as a win, not just for a cash-strapped city, but also for scofflaw drivers since the boot allows car owners access to personal belongings, such as car seats, prescription drugs and important paperwork left in a vehicle.

The new boots come with tough new enforcement in the form of vans with license plate identification technology to catch drivers with outstanding tickets.

To get a boot removed, drivers will need to pay any outstanding tickets in full plus a $180 boot and a $70 sheriff’s execution fee and then receive a release code to remove the device.

Boots can be returned at three locations: Williamsburg Service Center, 713 Kent Ave.; Kings County Parking 581 Clarkson Ave.; or Midwood Parking Garage, 1712 East 14th St.