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Parking Rules

Parking Rules in Matthews, NC: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Matthews or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Matthews has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Overnight Parking

Matthews generally permits overnight on-street parking in residential neighborhoods except where signed otherwise. Downtown time limits expire at 6 PM. HOA subdivisions often restrict overnight street parking through private covenants.

Key details: Public streets: Overnight generally allowed. Downtown limits: Expire at 6 PM. 7-day limit: Abandoned vehicle tag. HOAs: Often restrict overnight. Fine: 25-50 dollars typical.

Public street violations limited to clearance and obstruction issues (25-50 dollars). HOA violations subject to private fines and towing per covenant. Abandoned vehicle removal after 7 days.

Matthews is more permissive than most cities when it comes to overnight parking. That said, there are still limits.

Abandoned Vehicles

Matthews enforces NCGS 20-137.7 and 160A-303 for abandoned vehicles. Vehicles left on public streets over 7 days or on private property without owner consent over 24 hours may be tagged, towed, and sold at auction.

Key details: Public streets: 7 days triggers abandoned. Private property: 24 hours without consent. Notice: 10 days before tow. Redemption: 30 days post-tow. Statute: NCGS 160A-303, 20-137.7.

Tow and storage fees typically 150-400 dollars plus daily storage. Unrecovered vehicles sold at auction. Property owners cited for harboring junked vehicles face civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day.

The Bottom Line

Matthews's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Matthews is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Matthews's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.