The New York Police Department (NYPD) is for the first time using a windshield boot to combat illegal truck parking in the city.

On April 4, 2024, NYPD’s Chief of Transportation announced that officers are for the first ever time using a windshield boot or a “Barnacle Device” in order to immobilize illegally parked trucks.

Officials said that on April 5 that four of the “Barnacle Devices” were used on commercial vehicles in a Queens neighborhood after complaints from residents about illegal parking.

“This allows us to hold those accountable, reduce parking congestion and address cars that are a nuisance and hazard to the community,” officials said.

According to the Barnacle company website, the device uses suction cups to adhere to the windshield with 1000 pounds of force. In order to remove the device, a driver must call the number or visit the website on the device and pay the fine. After the fine is paid, the driver receives a release code to remove the device. The driver must then return the device to a drop box to remove the hold on their credit card.

NYPD shared several images of parked trucks with the windshield boot devices applied.