(A) Any vehicle which has been determined to be an abandoned or a nuisance vehicle may be removed to a storage garage or area by the tow truck operator or towing business contracting to perform services for the town. Whenever a vehicle is removed, the authorizing town official shall immediately notify the last known registered owner of the vehicle, notice to include the following:
(1) Description of the removed vehicle;
(2) Location where the vehicle is stored;
(3) Violation with which the owner is charged, if any;
(4) Procedure the owner must follow to redeem the vehicle; and
(5) Procedure the owner must follow to request a probable cause hearing on the removal.
(B) This notice shall, if feasible, be given by telephone; however, whether or not the owner is reached by telephone, written notice, including the information set forth in division (A) of this section, shall, unless this notice is waived in writing by the vehicle owner or his or her agent, also be mailed to the owner’s last known address.
(C) If the vehicle is registered in this state, notice shall be given within 24 hours. If the vehicle is not registered in this state, notice shall be given to the registered owner within 72 hours from the removal of the vehicle.
(D) Whenever an abandoned or nuisance vehicle is removed, and the vehicle has no valid registration or registration plate the authorizing town official shall make reasonable efforts, including the checking of the vehicle identification number, to determine the last known registered owner of the vehicle and to notify him or her of the information as set forth in division (A) of this section.
(1988 Code, § 15-28)
Statutory reference:
Mandatory provisions, see G.S. §§ 160A-303(c), 20-219.11