Winston-Salem, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Administrative fee
- $60.00 payable to city
- Towing/storage rate
- set by city-tower arrangement
- Unpaid charges
- become a lien on vehicle
- Reclaim window
- 30 days before abandonment
- Operator type
- must be a 'private tower'
Summary
Winston-Salem lets a city-arranged private tow company impound vehicles without the owner's consent for parking violations or obstructions, then charges owners the tower's towing and storage fees plus a separate $60.00 administrative fee before the city will release the vehicle.
(a)The charges for towing and storing of any vehicle lawfully impounded under this article by a private tower shall be established pursuant to an arrangement between the city and the private tower(s).(b)Separate from any towing and storage charges owed to a private tower, there shall be an administrative fee of $60.00 payable to the city to assist in defraying the expenses incurred by the city in administering owner notification as required by the provisions of this article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
Vehicles towed for parking violations, traffic obstruction, or fire-lane blockage under article VI are removed by a 'private tower' operating under an arrangement with the city, not with the vehicle owner's consent. Recovering an impounded vehicle requires paying the private tower's towing and storage charges, set by that city arrangement, plus a separate $60.00 administrative fee to the city that funds owner-notification costs under § 42-314(b). Both charges become a lien on the vehicle, and it cannot be released until they are paid and proof of ownership is shown. Owners get notice of the tow and a right to a probable-cause hearing before a Forsyth County magistrate.
Violations & Fines
Unpaid towing, storage, and the $60.00 administrative fee remain a lien on the vehicle, which stays impounded; if the owner fails to pay and claim it within 30 days of notice, the vehicle is deemed abandoned and disposed of under § 42-313.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Winston-Salem require my consent before towing my car?
How much does it cost to get a towed vehicle back?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
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