Can the government actually take your car after an arrest or conviction? Yes. Vehicle forfeiture is the legal process that lets the state or another government agency seize and keep ownership of a vehicle because it was allegedly used in a crime. In a DUI-related case, that can mean losing the car entirely, not just paying towing fees or getting it back after an impound.

Practically, forfeiture is one of the harsher financial consequences because the loss is bigger than a fine, license suspension, or higher insurance bill. If the vehicle is sold or permanently kept by the government, the owner may still be stuck with loan payments, storage charges, or the cost of finding other transportation to work, court, or medical appointments. For someone already dealing with a DWI case, that can turn a bad situation into an expensive one in a hurry.

In New York, there is no blanket statewide rule requiring vehicle forfeiture after every DWI conviction. It tends to come up in more limited situations, often through separate seizure or forfeiture proceedings. If the loss of a vehicle affects an injury claim - say, by making it harder to get treatment or return to work - it usually does not extend deadlines. Claims against city agencies or the MTA still face notice of claim rules, including the 90-day deadline under New York General Municipal Law § 50-e.