Newark Puts Brakes On Towing Cars After Residents See MVC Delays

NEWARK, NJ — Newark is putting the brakes on towing cars for 30 days amid the coronavirus pandemic, with some exceptions, city officials announced Tuesday.

Mayor Ras Baraka signed an executive order placing a 30-day suspension on towing cars that have expired licenses or lack registration from the streets of Newark, unless the vehicle creates a dangerous situation or it is engaged in criminal activity. In either case, a police officer must be present.

The executive order does not affect streets outside Newark, or highways and parkways that come under the jurisdiction of other law enforcement agencies, like the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway.

According to city officials:

“During this 30-day period, towing companies will not tow vehicles that have expired licenses or lack registration. The order is designed to reduce COVID-based financial stress on Newark drivers whose access to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is limited at centers where they renew licenses and registration. However, motorists will receive a summons for an expired license or lacking registration, and will have to address those summonses in Municipal Court.”

“We have received a lot of complaints from Newark residents about how New Jersey Driver’s Licenses, Permits, Non-Driver IDs, and Temporary Tags have not been renewed or given waivers,” Baraka said.

“Newarkers have already been seriously impacted by the COVID pandemic,” Baraka added. “We have a moral and legal obligation to relieve their stress and assist them as much as possible, and this order is a critical measure in helping to do so.”

• See related article: Newark Teen's Car Was Towed (These Cops Made Sure He Got A Break)

Any motorists whose vehicles are towed in violation of this order should contact the city’s Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311 to get their vehicle returned to them, officials said.

City officials added:

“Newark residents, particularly essential workers, have had great difficulties renewing expiring licenses and registrations at MVC centers, because of long lines, short staffing, center closings and re-openings, and individuals seeking to capitalize off of the long lines at the MVC Center in Newark, who arrive in the evening to hold spots in line which they then sell to city residents.”

Read the full executive order below.

• See related article: Gargantuan Line Reported At Newark MVC
• See related article: Newark Motor Vehicle Center Closes After Worker Tests For COVID-19

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