N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 28-419.7.1: § 28-419.7.1 Commencement of forfeiture.

A forfeiture action pursuant to this article shall be commenced by the filing of a summons with a notice or a summons and complaint in accordance with the civil practice law and rules. Such summons with notice or a summons and complaint shall be served in accordance with the civil practice law and rules on the vehicle operator, the owner of the tools, if different from the vehicle operator, and owner of the vehicle, and on all owners of the subject vehicle listed in the records maintained by the department of motor vehicles, or for vehicles not registered in the state of New York, in the records maintained by the state of registration. Except as otherwise provided in this article, a vehicle and/or tools that are the subject of such action shall remain in the custody of the department or other appropriate agency pending the final determination of the forfeiture action.