Towed Car HelpHome / Property managers / North Carolina
Towing rules for property managers in North Carolina
Before you have a car towed from your property in North Carolina, check these rules. They are a summary of state law; your city or county may add more.
Printable checklist
- Placement: Prominently displayed at all entrances
- Sign size: at least 24 inches by 24 inches
- A sign at each entrance
- The towing company's name
- The towing company's phone number
- Store the car within 15 miles
What the sign law says
Applies to: Covered counties and cities only
In covered areas, a lot must be marked as private by signs at least 24 by 24 inches, prominently displayed at all entrances. The sign must show the current name and phone number of the towing and storage company. The rule does not take effect until 72 hours after the required signs are posted.
N.C.G.S. 20-219.2(a) (opens in a new tab)
Applies only in covered counties and cities.
Tow-away signs
- In covered areas, a lot must be marked as private by signs at least 24 by 24 inches, prominently displayed at all entrances. If individual spaces are owned or leased, they must be marked with the owner's or lessee's name. N.C.G.S. 20-219.2(a) (opens in a new tab)
- The sign must show the current name and phone number of the towing and storage company. The rule does not take effect until 72 hours after the required signs are posted. N.C.G.S. 20-219.2(a) (opens in a new tab)
- A car can be towed from a private space only on the written request of the space owner or lessee, and the owner of the car becomes liable for the tow and storage charges. N.C.G.S. 20-219.2(a) (opens in a new tab)
Where your car can be taken
- In covered areas, if a storage place exists within 15 miles, your car may not be taken more than 15 miles from where it was towed. Otherwise the limit is 25 miles. N.C.G.S. 20-219.2(a1) (opens in a new tab)
- A tow company must call the local police 10-digit number before moving a car towed at someone else's request, giving a description, the pickup spot, the storage place and who to contact. If the car is blocking traffic, the call may come within 30 minutes after moving it. This rule does not apply to lots with signs that meet the 20-219.2 rules. N.C.G.S. 20-219.20(a)-(b) (opens in a new tab)
Drivers' rights in North Carolina