NY A08848

Officers may seize and impound vehicles upon arrest or issuance of a summons for illegal racing violations under Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1182, with the vehicle entered into the New York statewide police information network.

Vehicle owners may redeem impounded vehicles only after providing proof of registration, financial security, valid driver's license, and paying removal and storage costs, unless the vehicle was stolen or rented for 30 days or less.

If the vehicle operator was also the registered owner, the owner must provide evidence that criminal charges have been terminated and any fines paid, or obtain a court certificate or district attorney waiver before redemption.

Vehicles impounded for 30 days without retrieval trigger certified mail notice to the owner and lienholder; if unclaimed for an additional 30 days, the local authority may petition the court to forfeit the vehicle to the municipality.

Forfeited vehicles become property of the local authority (municipality or relevant state agency), subject to any liens recorded before seizure, and owners retain access to retrieve personal property and documentation during impoundment.