Abandoned Vehicles: Apex vs Cary

How long can a car sit on an Apex street before it is considered abandoned?

More than 10 days under state law. NCGS 20-137.7 defines an 'abandoned vehicle' as 'a motor vehicle that has remained illegally on private or public property for a period of more than 10 days without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property.' Apex Code of Ordinances Chapter 20, Article III (Abandoned, Junked and Disabled Vehicles; Towing Service) implements state authorities under NCGS 160A-303 and 160A-303.2 locally. The Apex Police Department uses Form F1313 - Abandoned, Junked and Disabled Vehicle Violation Checklist to determine whether a vehicle qualifies as abandoned, junked, a health/safety hazard, or an aesthetic nuisance. Before towing (unless the vehicle is obstructing traffic), the officer posts a windshield notice of imminent towing. After Article III procedures are completed, the Town sends Form F1313a (Pre-towing Notice and Right to Appeal) by registered or certified mail, giving the owner 11 days to remove the vehicle. Report a suspected abandoned vehicle to Apex Police at (919) 362-8661.

What about a junked or wrecked car sitting in a driveway or yard in Apex?

It is enforceable. Apex Code of Ordinances Chapter 20, Article III covers junked motor vehicles, health or safety hazard motor vehicles, and aesthetic nuisance motor vehicles - all of which can be cited even if the vehicle is on private property. The Apex Police Department uses Form F1313 - Abandoned, Junked and Disabled Vehicle Violation Checklist to document the violation. Important due-process protections apply: 'For vehicles identified as abandoned, junked, health or safety hazards, and aesthetic nuisance vehicles on private property, the officer is not authorized to enter the property to inspect any vehicles without consent (written or verbal) by the property owner, occupant, or lessee, unless pursuant to NCGS 15-27.2.' NCGS 160A-303.2(b) further provides: 'Any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall include a prohibition against removing or disposing of any motor vehicle that is used on a regular basis for business or personal use.' Owners receive Form F1313a (Pre-towing Notice and Right to Appeal) by registered or certified mail with 11 days to remove, and may appeal under Section 20-36(b).

Can Wake County tow a car off my driveway?

Only if you submit a written request as the owner/lessee, OR the Board of Commissioners or an authorized county official has declared the vehicle a health or safety hazard — NCGS §153A-132(c1).

How fast does a car parked on a street become abandoned?

On public grounds it must sit for 7 days before NCGS §153A-132(b)(1) treats it as abandoned. Parking-violation tows (e.g., on NCDOT right-of-way) can happen sooner.

What makes a vehicle 'junked'?

Any one of: partially dismantled or wrecked; cannot be self-propelled; over 5 years old AND apparently worth less than $100; OR does not display a current license plate — NCGS §153A-132(b)(2).