Key Towing Laws in North Carolina
NCGS 20-219.2
North Carolina General Statutes governing non-consensual towing from private property.
Charlotte/Raleigh Regulations
Major NC cities have local towing ordinances with additional consumer protections.
Police Notification (G.S. 20-219.20)
Tow operators must notify local law enforcement via the designated number before moving the vehicle, or within 30 minutes after moving it only if the vehicle was impeding traffic or jeopardizing public welfare, and provide vehicle and location details.
Signage Requirements
Signs must be conspicuously displayed and include tow company name and phone number.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
Unless police directed the tow or the lot has signs posted under G.S. 20-219.2(a), a tower towing at someone else's request must call the local law enforcement agency's designated 10-digit number before moving the car, or within 30 minutes if it had to be moved at once to clear traffic (G.S. 20-219.20).
Signage Requirements
In the counties and cities listed in G.S. 20-219.2(c), including Wake and Mecklenburg counties, Charlotte and Durham, lots must post legible signs at least 24 by 24 inches at all entrances with the towing company's name and phone; towing may start 72 hours after posting.
Your Rights in North Carolina
- Right to get the storage location from local police, by giving the car's description and where it was towed from, when the tow had to be reported (G.S. 20-219.20)
- Right to pay the towing lien, get your car back right away and still contest the charges, in the counties and cities covered by G.S. 20-219.2 (G.S. 44A-4)
- Right to get your car back without signing any waiver of rights, other than a release and receipt form, in the counties and cities covered by G.S. 20-219.2
- Right to written receipt
- Right to file AG complaints
How to File a Complaint in North Carolina
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
North Carolina Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
Visit WebsiteSteps to File a Complaint:
- Document everything: take photos of signage, your parking location, vehicle condition, and all receipts.
- Note the date, time, tow company name, driver name, and truck number if available.
- To file a formal complaint, contact the North Carolina Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
- Consider filing in small claims court if you believe you are owed money for an illegal or improper tow.
Official Sources & Legal References
The fees and rules on this page are drawn from these primary sources - official statutes, administrative codes, and state regulator schedules. We link them so you can verify every figure yourself.
Regulated by North Carolina Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against North Carolina's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
Check your tow bill
Dispute towing fees