Kings County, NY Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Brooklyn handles abandoned vehicles through two pathways. On the public street, NYC Admin Code §16-128 and NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §1224 together define an abandoned vehicle as one: left in a no-parking zone for more than 6 hours; left on a public street for more than 96 consecutive hours with missing plates, flat tires, broken windows, or obvious damage; left more than 48 hours on any highway or major roadway; or left 24 hours with no VIN. NYPD tows to city impound lots in Erie Basin (Red Hook) and the College Point (Queens) Auto Pound; recovery requires proof of ownership and payment of $185 base tow plus $20 per day storage. DSNY removes derelict vehicles flagged through 311 with a 72-hour notice sticker under Admin Code §16-128. On private property, owners must notify NYPD and may tow after 96 hours if signs were posted. Junkyard/scrap dealers in Brooklyn must hold a DCWP Scrap Metal Processor license. VIN-switched or stolen vehicles trigger NYPD Auto Crime Division investigation.