Abandoned Vehicles: Cary vs Raleigh
How do abandoned vehicles rules compare between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Cary and Raleigh have similar restriction levels.
Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County's authority to remove abandoned and junked motor vehicles comes from NCGS §153A-132. The statute defines an abandoned vehicle as one left on public grounds in violation of a parking law, left more than 24 hours on county property, left more than 2 hours on private property without consent, or left more than 7 days on public grounds.
View full Cary rules →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
Under North Carolina General Statute §20-137.7 and Raleigh City Code, a vehicle is considered abandoned if left on a public street more than 7 days, on private property more than 30 days without consent, or if it is junked, wrecked, or lacking current registration. Raleigh Police tag and tow abandoned vehicles after notice; owners can reclaim them by paying towing and storage fees.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cary | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Private property | 2 hours w/o consent | - |
| County property | 24 hours | - |
| Public grounds | 7 days | - |
| Junked vehicle test | $100 / 5 yrs / no plate | - |
| Authority | NCGS §§153A-132, 153A-132.2 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cary FAQ
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).
Raleigh FAQ
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