(A) Any abandoned, nuisance, or junked motor vehicle which has been ordered removed may, as directed by the county, be removed to a storage garage or area by the tow truck operator or towing business
contracting to perform such services for the county. Whenever such a vehicle is removed, the county official shall immediately notify the last known registered owner of the vehicle, such notice to include the following:
(1) The description of the removed vehicle;
(2) The location where the vehicle is stored;
(3) The violation with which the owner is charged, if any;
(4) The procedure the owner must follow to redeem the vehicle; and
(5) The procedure the owner must follow to request a probable cause hearing on the removal.
(B) The county shall attempt to give notice to the vehicle owner by telephone; however, whether or not the owner is reached by the telephone, written notice, including the information set forth in §§ 92.01 through 92.05, shall also be mailed to the registered owner’s last known address, unless this notice is waived in writing by the vehicle owner or his or her agent.
(C) If the vehicle is registered in North Carolina, notice shall be given within 24 hours. If the vehicle is not registered in the state, notice shall be given to the registered owner within 72 hours from the removal of the vehicle.
(D) Whenever an abandoned, nuisance, or junked motor vehicle is removed and such vehicle has no valid registration or registration plates, the authorizing county official shall make reasonable efforts, including checking the vehicle identification number, to determine the last known registered owner of the vehicle and to notify him or her of the information set forth in §§ 92.01 through 92.05.
(Ord. passed 10-16-06)