Sinn Fein has confirmed a senior party member removed a wheel clamp after he found it on his car after a morning session at the gym.
Video on social media appears to show Northern Ireland Assembly member Gerry Kelly kneeling down to remove the device and laying it against a wall.
A pair of bolt cutters can be seen next to the wheel.
A spokesman said it happened on Friday, and added: "He removed the clamp from the front wheel. He left the device nearby and drove off to pre-arranged meetings.
"His solicitor is dealing with the matter and he will be making no further comment at this time."
Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister called on the police to investigate and said Mr Kelly's "audacious taking of the law into his own hands must not go unchallenged".
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"Kelly should resign after this self-serving, law-defying episode," he added.
The veteran republican was convicted over the IRA bombing of the Old Bailey in 1973 and 10 years later took part in a mass escape from the Maze prison.
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