Cumberland County, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Cumberland County Code Sec. 9-46
- Pre-tow notice window
- At least 7 days
- Appeal deadline
- 15 days to planning director
- Post-tow notice
- 24 hrs (NC plate) / 72 hrs
- Probable cause hearing
- Filed with the magistrate
- Enforcing agency
- Planning & Inspections Department
Summary
Before Cumberland County tows an abandoned, nuisance or junked vehicle under Code Sec. 9-46, it must post or mail written notice giving the owner at least seven days to move it, then notify the owner again once the vehicle is towed and disclose how to request a probable cause hearing before a magistrate.
Upon a determination that an abandoned, nuisance or junked vehicle is located on private or public property in violation of this article, the county planning and inspections department may initiate process to remove and dispose of such vehicles in accordance with the provisions of this article as permitted by G.S. 153A-132 and G.S. 20-219.11. ... Except as set forth in subsection 9-46(2), an abandoned, nuisance or junked vehicle which is to be removed shall be towed only after notice to the registered owner, lessee or person entitled to possession of the vehicle. ... The notice shall state that the vehicle will be removed by the county on a specified date after the notice is affixed or mailed unless the vehicle is moved by the owner or legal possessor prior to that time. The date specified shall be no sooner than seven days after the notice is affixed or mailed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8).
Full Breakdown
Sec. S. S. 11. Pre-towing notice must go by first-class mail if the owner's address can be found, or be affixed to the vehicle if not; it must set a removal date at least seven days out, and the inspector keeps a written record of the mailing. An owner who disputes the vehicle's classification can appeal in writing to the planning and inspections director within 15 days of the notice, which stays the tow until a hearing is held within 20 days of the appeal.
Pre-towing notice can be skipped only for vehicles blocking traffic, blocking access to a business or residence, creating a hazard, or parked illegally (subsection 2). Once a vehicle is towed, the county must notify the last known owner within 24 hours if the vehicle carries North Carolina plates, or 72 hours otherwise, describing the vehicle, its storage location, the charged violation, redemption steps and how to request a probable cause hearing on the towing itself. That hearing request goes in writing to the magistrate (subsection 4). S. Chapter 44A, Article 1, and neither the county nor its towing contractor is liable to the owner for that disposal (subsection 6).
Violations & Fines
Owners who ignore the process still face a separate civil penalty of up to $100.00 per day under Sec. 9-44 for keeping the abandoned, nuisance or junked vehicle in the first place, with each day a distinct violation; unpaid penalties go to the county attorney for collection as a civil debt after 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cumberland County have to warn me before towing my car?
How do I get my towed vehicle back?
Can I challenge whether the county had a right to tow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cumberland County
Compare Cumberland County to another location·View the North Carolina business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.