How Much Are Impound Fees in North Carolina?
Getting a car out of impound in North Carolina usually means an initial tow of $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
No statewide dollar cap. Tow and storage rates are unregulated at the state level (only 'reasonable, not excessive' + notice/signage rules apply). Municipal fee caps face legal limits - a Charlotte cap was struck down by the NC Supreme Court in 2014. A 2025 bill to create a state fee-cap commission is still pending, not law.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against North Carolina statutes and regulator schedules.
North Carolina Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| 1 day | ~$170-$410 |
| 3 days | ~$210-$530 |
| 7 days | ~$290-$770 |
| 14 days | ~$430-$1,190 |
Estimate = a typical tow + storage. North Carolina has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: No statewide cap; some municipalities regulate
Storage: Varies by jurisdiction
Notification: Tower must notify local law enforcement via the designated 10-digit number prior to moving the vehicle, or within 30 minutes if the vehicle is impeding traffic or jeopardizing public welfare. (§20-219.20)
Sources & Legal References
Regulated by North Carolina Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against North Carolina's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
How to Get Your Car Out Fast
- Call the local police non-emergency line to confirm which lot holds your car and get a case number.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment.
- Many lots require proof of current insurance to release the car - if yours lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first.
- Ask for an itemized receipt and retrieve personal belongings (allowed during business hours in most states).
Think your North Carolina impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above North Carolina's legal maximum, you can dispute it. Build a ready-to-send demand letter on your state's fee limits and send it yourself - in minutes.
Get the documents to dispute my bill →North Carolina Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, expect an initial tow of roughly $150-$350 plus daily storage of about $20-$60 per day, plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. No statewide cap; some municipalities regulate.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in North Carolina?
Daily storage in North Carolina runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: Varies by jurisdiction. Fees accrue every calendar day (sometimes counting partial days), which is why retrieving the vehicle fast saves the most money.
What do I need to get my car out of impound in North Carolina?
Bring a government photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment. Many lots also require proof of current insurance to release the vehicle - if your coverage has lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first so you can release the car.
Can I dispute impound or towing fees in North Carolina?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke North Carolina rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
Does North Carolina regulate towing rates?
NC does not have statewide rate caps. Some municipalities like Charlotte and Raleigh have local regulations. Get written estimates for consensual tows.
How long does a tow company have to notify police in NC?
Under G.S. 20-219.20, a tow company must notify local law enforcement through the designated number before moving the vehicle. If the vehicle was impeding traffic or jeopardizing public welfare, notice may instead be given within 30 minutes after the vehicle is moved. This ensures the vehicle can be located by the owner.