Raleigh, NC Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Raleigh enforces abandoned vehicle laws under both North Carolina General Statute §20-137.7 and the Raleigh City Code. A vehicle is legally abandoned when it is left on public property (including streets) for more than 7 consecutive days, left on private property for more than 30 days without the property owner's consent, left on the right-of-way of a highway for more than 24 hours, or found to be junked (missing parts, flat tires, expired registration for 30+ days, inoperable). Raleigh Police Parking Enforcement and Housing & Neighborhoods Code Enforcement investigate complaints. The process begins with a tag placed on the vehicle providing notice; owners typically have 7 to 10 days to move the vehicle or demonstrate operability before it is towed. After towing, the vehicle is taken to a contracted impound lot, and the owner receives written notice. Owners can reclaim vehicles by paying towing and daily storage fees, which accumulate quickly. Unclaimed vehicles may be sold at public auction after a statutory waiting period. Junked vehicles on private residential property in violation of city code are handled as nuisances and may be cited with daily civil penalties. Residents can report abandoned vehicles through Raleigh's SeeClickFix portal or by calling 9-1-1 non-emergency.