Suffolk to begin boot & tow program for vehicles with outstanding tickets, fines Friday

The change begins Friday for only commercial vehicles, but by June 1 the program will include the vehicles of all owners who haven't paid three parking tickets, three traffic citations or have over $300 in outstanding fines.

News 12 Staff

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Feb 13, 2020, 10:17 PM

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Updated 1,531 days ago

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Suffolk drivers could be getting an unwanted gift beginning on Valentine's Day -- a boot and a tow for vehicles with unpaid tickets and fines.

The change begins Friday for only commercial vehicles, but by June 1 the program will include the vehicles of all owners who haven't paid three parking tickets, three traffic citations or have over $300 in outstanding fines.

Suffolk County says it is trying to collect more than $30 million that it's owed in unpaid fees and fines.

More than 10,000 residents settled their outstanding penalties during an amnesty program last year, but there are still 48,000 vehicles that qualify for the boot and tow just because of red-light camera citations.

The county adds that more than 58,000 parking tickets still need to be settled.

People leaving the traffic agency Thursday were torn on the program.

"If I owe a low amount of cash and tickets, and I wake up in the morning and see that on my car, I can't get to work," said one driver.

The county has partnered with Paylock and will use roof-mounted license plate readers to identify vehicles and self-release boots that drivers can remove after paying fines.

The boots can be put on cars parked on streets and in parking lots, but not in private driveways.

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