Car owners who do not pay their tickets could soon get the boot.

The city is launching a pilot program that uses special self-release boots to immobilize cars whose drivers have racked up more than $350 in unpaid parking tickets.

Instead of having to deal with the inconvenience of having their cars towed, car owners would call a toll-free number and pay their fines by credit card. They would then get a code allowing them to unlock the boot.

Drivers would have to return the device within a preset time limit or face another penalty.

The New York City finance commissioner says he expects a pilot program to begin in the next few months.

(Source: NY1)