Queens motorists who fail to pay tickets could find a “boot” on their vehicle by the end of summer, under a pilot program operated by the city Department of Finance.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently approved a $70 million deal with the boot operator, Paylock, to kick-off the three-to-six-month trial program, law enforcement sources said.
Under the plan, a city sheriff will verify vehicles with more than $350 in judgments and then authorize Paylock workers to boot the car, the sources said.
Motorists who find their cars booted  can call a toll-free number to pay their fines over the phone, or may pay in cash at authorized payment centers, the sources said.
Once the payment is verified, Paylock will give the motorist a code they can use to release the boot.
Motorists will be responsible for the outstanding tickets, a $180 boot fee, a $70-a-day city fee and a five percent surcharge on the total bill, authorities said. Motorists who pay with a credit card will face an additional charge.
Drivers are required to return the boot after it has been removed from the vehicle.
Booted vehicles will remain in their original parking spaces for two days, authorities said. After two days, the vehicles will be towed to a designated location and the owner will be charged a $185 towing fee in addition to the aforementioned fees.
“Cars unclaimed by motorists under the booting program will be held for city auction – just like those towed by city marshals,” law enforcement sources said.