What Counts as an Abandoned Vehicle in NC?
Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-137.7 and § 160A-303, an abandoned vehicle is generally defined as one that meets one or more of the following conditions:
- Left on public property (like a street or highway) for more than 7 days.
- Left on private property without the owner's consent for more than 24 hours.
- Left on a city street or public place with an expired registration or inspection for more than 30 days.
- Partially dismantled, wrecked, or otherwise inoperable and left in view of the public.
Municipalities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro may have slightly stricter local ordinances, so it's worth checking your city's code enforcement page for exact timelines.
How to Report an Abandoned Vehicle in North Carolina
The reporting process depends on where the vehicle is located. Follow the right channel to avoid delays.
1. Abandoned Vehicles on Public Streets
Contact your local police department's non-emergency line or the city's code enforcement office. In most NC cities, you can also submit a request through a 311 service portal. Provide:
- The exact location (address, cross streets, or GPS pin)
- Make, model, and color of the vehicle
- The license plate number and state
- How long the vehicle has been sitting there
2. Abandoned Vehicles on Private Property
If someone has left a car on your property, you can request a tow after 24 hours. You'll typically need to:
- Contact a licensed tow operator or the local sheriff's office.
- Provide proof of property ownership.
- Allow the tow company to run a license plate lookup and notify the registered owner via certified mail before the vehicle is sold or scrapped.
3. Abandoned Vehicles on State Highways
For vehicles left along I-40, I-85, US-1, or any state-maintained road, contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol at *HP (*47) from your mobile phone.
What Happens After You Report It?
Once a report is filed, an officer or code enforcement officer will inspect the vehicle. If it meets the abandoned criteria, they'll place a tag or sticker on it giving the owner a notice period (usually 7 to 10 days) to move it. If ignored, the vehicle is towed to an impound lot.
The registered owner is then notified by mail. If unclaimed within 30 days, the vehicle can be sold at public auction or transferred to the towing company to recoup fees.
Practical Example
Say a rusted sedan has been parked in front of your Asheville home for three weeks with flat tires and an expired 2021 tag. You'd call Asheville's non-emergency police line, report the plate number and location, and code enforcement would tag the vehicle. If the owner doesn't respond within 7 days, the city arranges a tow.
Can You Contact the Owner Directly First?
Yes — and sometimes that's the fastest resolution. Many abandoned vehicles aren't truly abandoned; the owner may be sick, deployed, traveling, or simply unaware their car is causing a problem. A quick, respectful message can often solve the issue without involving law enforcement.
This is where PlateQuery is useful. You can look up a North Carolina license plate, leave a message tied to that plate, and give the owner a chance to move the vehicle before it's ticketed or towed. Browse or search plates on the North Carolina plate directory to get started.
FAQ: Abandoned Vehicles in NC
How long before a car is legally considered abandoned in NC?
Seven days on public streets, 24 hours on private property without permission, or 30 days with expired registration on a public roadway.
Can I tow an abandoned car off my own property?
Yes, but you must use a licensed towing service and follow proper notification steps. Do not attempt to move or dispose of the vehicle yourself.
Who pays the towing and storage fees?
The registered owner is responsible. If unclaimed, the towing company recovers costs through auction.
What if the vehicle has no license plate?
Report it immediately — a missing plate often signals abandonment or theft, and law enforcement can trace it through the VIN.
Are there fines for abandoning a vehicle in NC?
Yes. Owners can be fined and are still liable for towing, storage, and disposal fees, even after the vehicle is sold.
The Takeaway
Handling an abandoned vehicle in NC doesn't have to be complicated. Start by documenting the vehicle, then decide whether to contact the owner directly or go straight to code enforcement. For many situations — especially when a car is almost abandoned or blocking your driveway — reaching out first is faster and friendlier. PlateQuery lets you send a message to the vehicle's owner using just the plate number, so you can resolve parking issues, warn owners about expired tags, or flag a car before it becomes an official tow.