Mebane, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Section 14-71 lets the city contract annually with private tow truck operators or towing businesses to remove, store and dispose of abandoned, nuisance and junked vehicles. Section 14-76 requires pre-towing notice: first-class mail to the registered owner's known address, or, when the address can't be found or the vehicle is abandoned, a notice affixed to the windshield giving at least seven days before removal. Section 14-77 allows the city to skip that advance notice when prompt action is needed, such as a vehicle obstructing traffic, sitting in a no-stopping zone, or blocking access to a home or business, with the finding entered in the city's daily records.

After a tow, § 14-78 requires the city to attempt phone notice and mail written notice, within 24 hours if the vehicle is registered in North Carolina or 72 hours if not, describing the vehicle, the storage location, the charges, the redemption steps, and how to request a hearing. Section 14-79 entitles the owner to a probable cause hearing before the county magistrate, who must set the hearing within 72 hours of a written request, under the procedures of G.S. 20-222. Section 14-80 lets the owner redeem the vehicle at any stage, including before that hearing, by paying the towing fee and storage charges, or posting a bond for double that amount to the tow operator.

Section 14-81 has the tow operator dispose of an unclaimed vehicle in coordination with the city and under G.S. 44A-1 et seq., and § 14-83 shields the operator and city from liability for a lawful disposal.