Mobile car washes have become increasingly prevalent in New York City, especially as the weather gets warmer. Some of them are unlicensed, and Councilmember Rafael Salamanca says he’s planning on cracking down on those without a license.  

“These vehicles are a nuisance in our communities. Taking up parking spots, double parking, triple parking… it seems like at every fire hydrant in the city of New York, there’s a car wash,” said Salamanca.  

On July 13, Salamanca plans to propose a bill to the City Council that will put many of these unlicensed outdoor car washes in jeopardy. 

“The Department of Sanitation will have the authority to provide a violation and also remove these unlicensed vans,” said Salamanca.  

Salamanca says he worked with DSNY when drafting this bill, and cites the use of taxpayer-funded water without any reinvestment as a key problem caused by unlicensed car washes. He also says that the unknown chemicals coming from these car washes and running into the city’s sewer system are an issue.  

The council member says that the bill will give those operating unlicensed car wash owners a chance to continue their businesses legally, helping them get the proper licensing.  

The mayor’s office told News 12 that they are reviewing the legislation before it is proposed to the City Council on July 13.