Gaston County, NC Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

The Police Department administers this article and contracts annually with private tow operators to remove abandoned and nuisance vehicles (§ 11-41). Section 11-42 defines an abandoned vehicle as one left on a street in violation of parking law, on public grounds over seven days, on county property over twenty-four hours, or on private property without the owner's, occupant's, or lessee's consent for more than two hours. A separate 'nuisance vehicle' category (§ 11-44) covers junked vehicles that breed mosquitoes, collect standing water, house flammable material, or are otherwise a safety hazard or unsightly.

Before towing, the county must mail or post notice giving at least seven days before removal (§ 11-45), except where an authorizing official finds a special need for prompt action, such as vehicles blocking traffic, parked in a no-stopping zone, or in a loading zone (§ 11-46). Once towed, the county must notify the last known registered owner within twenty-four hours (in-state plates) or seventy-two hours (out-of-state), describing the vehicle, its storage location, and redemption procedure (§ 11-47). S. 11 (§ 11-48). At any stage the owner may redeem the vehicle by paying towing and storage fees or posting a bond for double that amount (§ 11-49).

Unclaimed vehicles are held at least fifteen days before sale or destruction, and sale proceeds are held thirty days by the county finance officer before reverting to the county general fund (§§ 11-50, 11-51). Enclosed, licensed junkyard, and regularly-used vehicles are exempt (§ 11-54).