NYC Snow Plows Damage Parked Cars, Flee Scene

City snow plow drivers slammed into at least five parked cars after a recent snowstorm and then left the scene, according to police and car owners.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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In multiple incidents across New York City, snow plow drivers from the city's Sanitation Department struck parked cars and then drove away without stopping. Residents in the Bronx, Queens, and other neighborhoods captured video footage of the hit-and-run incidents, which caused significant damage to the vehicles. The car owners are now dealing with the aftermath, including the need for repairs and insurance claims.

Why it matters

These hit-and-run incidents by city snow plow drivers raise concerns about accountability and public safety. Residents expect city services to be provided responsibly, and the failure of plow operators to take responsibility for the damage they cause undermines public trust. The incidents also highlight the challenges faced by car owners during major snowstorms, when parking options are limited and the risk of damage is high.

The details

According to police sources and car owners, snow plow drivers struck at least five parked cars in the Bronx, Queens, and other neighborhoods after a recent snowstorm. The drivers did not stop after the collisions, leaving the car owners to deal with the damage. Residents were able to capture video footage of some of the incidents, which showed the plows striking the parked cars and then driving away. The damage ranged from torn bumpers and scraped paint to more significant issues like flat tires.

  • On January 26, a woman reported that an NYC Sanitation truck struck her vehicle in the Bronx and drove off.
  • Also on January 26, a car was hit by a plow in Little Neck, Queens, just after midnight.
  • On January 27, a plow hit a car's rear bumper in Bayside, Queens, at around 8:50 a.m.
  • Around 1 a.m. on January 26, a plow hit a parked Lexus sedan in Maspeth, Queens.
  • On January 26, a plow struck a Range Rover in the Bronx, with nearby employees trying unsuccessfully to stop the driver.

The players

Rodica Chiacu

A 63-year-old Bronx resident whose 2022 Range Rover was struck by a city Sanitation Department truck while parked on the street.

Mosharaf Hussain

A 63-year-old Queens resident whose 2010 Lexus sedan was hit by a plow around 1 a.m. on January 26 in Maspeth.

NYC Sanitation Department

The city agency responsible for operating the snow plows that struck the parked cars in multiple incidents across New York City.

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What they’re saying

“How can you do that? You work for the city. I have a good car. I'm very upset.”

— Rodica Chiacu (New York Post)

“I feel stupid. I knew I shouldn't be parking on the right hand side. I had no other options.”

— Anonymous car owner, Owner of a 2017 Nissan Rogue (New York Post)

“The city Sanitation truck hit my car. He backed up, then he went again and that's when he hit my car. I've never had a problem like this before.”

— Mosharaf Hussain, Owner of a 2010 Lexus sedan (New York Post)

What’s next

Police are investigating the incidents and reviewing video footage to try to identify the snow plow drivers responsible. The car owners will need to file insurance claims to cover the repair costs.

The takeaway

These hit-and-run incidents by city snow plow drivers underscore the need for greater accountability and responsibility from public service providers. Residents expect their local government to uphold high standards of care, especially during extreme weather events when the risks to property are heightened. The city must address these issues to maintain public trust and ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.