 News media contact:
Dylan Rivera
(503) 823-3723
dylan.rivera@portlandoregon.gov
@pbotinfo
News media contact on court-related issues:
Rachel McCarthy
Public Information Analyst
Fourth Judicial District
503-988-4794
Rachel.V.MCCARTHY@ojd.state.or.us
News Release:
PBOT
to start booting vehicles with unpaid parking tickets on Wednesday
(Sept. 6, 2016) The Portland Bureau of Transportation on Wednesday will
begin booting vehicles that have orders to tow issued by Multnomah County
Circuit Court.
“I asked the Council to allow PBOT to boot, rather than tow, vehicles
with outstanding parking citations and fees,” said Commissioner Steve Novick,
who oversees PBOT. “I wanted to make this change largely because the towing and
vehicle storage fees are an unnecessary penalty that is particularly burdensome
for people with low incomes. Booting gives folks the opportunity to pay their
citations or appear in front of a judge at Multnomah County Court to resolve
their outstanding citations, before they start getting hit with additional towing
charges.”
 PBOT Parking Enforcement staff demonstrate booting a vehicle. Photo by Hannah Schafer, Portland Bureau of Transportation.
Frequently Asked
Questions about the City of Portland’s new booting policy for parking
enforcement
What’s the
current process for towing vehicles due to overdue citations and fees?
The Multnomah County Court generates a “tow list” of vehicles with orders
to tow issued by the court. The list is sent to PBOT parking enforcement and if
they come across a vehicle that is on the list, PBOT contacts the contracted
tow company and the vehicle is towed.
What does this change
do?
On Aug. 3, 2016, the City Council gave PBOT code authority to
“immobilize” vehicles for booting. Instead of towing the vehicle right away, it
will be booted for up to 36 hours. This gives people the opportunity to see a
judge, make payment, or set up a payment plan before they accrue the additional
charges associated with tows.
How does a
vehicle get on the tow list?
Vehicles that have unpaid parking citations and fees totaling more than
$500 and/or six delinquent citations are put on the tow list by the Multnomah
County Court.
How is the
Multnomah County Court involved?
As a result of legislation from the 1970s, Multnomah County Circuit Court
handles all of the City’s parking and traffic citations.
How much does it
normally cost for tow and storage?
The current contractual cost of a tow is $168. The cost to store a towed
vehicle past the initial four hours is $25 per day.
Is there an
additional booting fee?
A booting fee is not currently proposed.
How long will
boots stay on vehicles in the ROW?
Boots will stay on vehicles for 36 hours before being towed. If the
customer is making arrangements with the Court and more time is needed, PBOT
will accommodate that. It is not the intention of PBOT to store vehicles in the
ROW for a significant amount of time, however.
Will vehicles
accrue parking citations while it remains on the street?
Not currently proposed.
How do customers
pay the Court or see a judge?
Customers can pay the Court through the normal process in person. Payment
plans can be scheduled with the Court, if needed. Customers can also see a
judge at Drop in Court, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1:30
to 3:30 p.m. without an appointment. PBOT will not boot on Fridays, to allow
vehicle owners to contact the Court during normal business hours and not have
to wait over the weekend to have their vehicle released.
The court provides these additional details for people who have vehicles
immobilized or towed. If your vehicle was immobilized or towed because of an
order to tow issued by the court due to unpaid parking citations, to obtain a
release for the vehicle, you MUST:
- Be the registered owner; AND
- Have a valid government issued photo ID; AND
- Pay, in full, all outstanding citations with cash, a
money order, a cashier’s check or credit/debit card that is in your name. Payment plans may be available, if authorized by a judge.
If you wish to use a credit/debit card that is in another person’s name, the
cardholder must appear with you and present a valid government issued photo ID.
You cannot pay for a vehicle release over the phone or online. You and the
person paying for the release of the vehicle MUST appear in person at the Multnomah
County Circuit Court, Parking Citation Office, Room 106, 1021 SW 4th Avenue in
Portland.
How will the boot
be removed?
After the customer makes arrangements with the Court, PBOT parking
enforcement will remove the boot immediately. PBOT projects the estimated wait
time would be less than an hour.
How much will the
equipment cost PBOT?
$3,500.
View these FAQs online at: www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/588735
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation
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