Getting stopped by the NYPD while riding your motorcycle is stressful enough — but having your bike impounded on top of it can feel like a nightmare. Whether the stop led to an arrest, license issue, or vehicle infraction, the end result is often the same: your motorcycle is now sitting in an NYPD impound lot somewhere in the city.
So what do you do next?
Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can get your bike back as quickly (and affordably) as possible.
Why Was My Motorcycle Impounded?
In NYC, motorcycles can be impounded for several reasons:
- Riding without proper registration, insurance, or inspection
- Riding with a suspended license
- Reckless driving or traffic violations
- Arrests that result in the vehicle being seized
- Evidence holds in ongoing investigations
- Outstanding parking tickets or unpaid fines
Even if the situation seems minor, NYPD officers have the authority to seize and tow motorcycles on the spot depending on the circumstance.
Step 1: Find Out Where Your Motorcycle Was Taken
If your bike was impounded by the NYPD, it was likely taken to one of these official impound lots:
- Brooklyn Tow Pound (Brooklyn Navy Yard)
- Queens Tow Pound
- Bronx Tow Pound
- Or the Manhattan Tow Pound (limited hours or relocated—always check first)
To locate your motorcycle:
- Call 311 or check online at the NYC Vehicle Towed Lookup.
- Have your license plate number ready.
- If it was taken by a precinct for evidence or special circumstances, you may need to contact the specific NYPD precinct that made the stop.
Step 2: Gather What You Need to Retrieve It
Before heading to the tow pound, make sure you bring:
- Your government-issued photo ID
- Valid registration
- Insurance card
- Proof of ownership (title or bill of sale)
- Any court release paperwork, if the bike was held due to arrest or investigation
In most cases, you’ll also have to pay tow and storage fees, which increase daily the longer the bike sits in the pound.
Step 3: Arrange for Proper Towing (Don’t Ride It Away!)
Even if you’re cleared to pick up your motorcycle, you may not be able to ride it away:
- If it’s damaged
- If the registration or insurance is still not valid
- Or if it’s in a facility that requires a flatbed tow-out
That’s where we come in.
Let MAD Transpo NYC Handle the Recovery
At MAD Transpo NYC, we specialize in:
- Recovering motorcycles from NYPD impound lots
- Flatbed towing in all five boroughs
- Handling last-minute pickups
- Transporting your bike back home or to a shop for repairs
We know the pound system inside and out, and we’ll make sure your motorcycle gets back to you quickly and safely — no hassle, no confusion.
📞 Call us at 929-265-0526
📍 Or visit our booking form to request a tow or quote.
Final Tip
Don’t wait too long to act — NYC tow yards charge daily storage fees and may even auction off impounded motorcycles if left unclaimed. If you’re unsure of the process, give us a call and we’ll walk you through what to expect.
Mad Transpo NYC has your back — whether your bike got towed by the city, police, or broke down mid-ride, we’re the motorcycle transport pros you can trust.