Buffalo, NY Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger for boot/tow
- 3 or more outstanding summonses within 18 months
- Abandoned vehicle law
- NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1224
- Notice method
- Phone (if possible) and first-class mail
- Release requirement
- All outstanding summonses, judgments, storage, and towing fees paid
Summary
Vehicles with three or more outstanding parking summonses within 18 months may be towed or immobilized (booted) in Buffalo. Abandoned vehicles are handled under state law.
Any unattended vehicle found parked upon a street or on any City-owned property or property under the jurisdiction or control of the City against which there are three or more outstanding or otherwise unsettled parking violation summonses within an eighteen-month period for which judgments have been issued may, by or under the direction of a police officer, peace officer, parking meter mechanic or parking enforcement officer, either by towing or otherwise, be removed or conveyed to and impounded in any place designated by the Commissioner of Police or the Director of Parking Enforcement or immobilized in such a manner as to prevent its operation, except that no such vehicle shall be immobilized by any means other than by use of a device or other mechanism which will cause no damage to such vehicle unless it is moved while such device or mechanism is in place.
Full Breakdown
Under Buffalo City Code § 307-15.1, any unattended vehicle parked on a street or City property with three or more outstanding, unsettled parking summonses within an 18-month period for which judgments have been issued may be removed to a pound or immobilized with a boot. The owner must be notified by phone (if possible) and first-class mail of the nature and circumstances. Release requires complying with rules on outstanding summonses and paying removal/immobilization fees. Under § 307-8(B), abandoned vehicles are defined and disposed of according to § 1224 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Violations & Fines
Owner must pay all outstanding summonses, judgments, storage, towing, and other fees before vehicle is released. For immobilization (boot), a fee is charged for removal of the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can Buffalo tow or boot my car?
How do I get my booted car released in Buffalo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York parking rules overview
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