Raleigh, NC Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Public Street
- Abandoned on public street: more than 7 days
- Private Property
- Abandoned on private property: more than 30 days without consent
- Junked Vehicle
- Junked vehicles on private property treated as nuisance
- Cost Recovery
- Owners pay towing and daily storage to reclaim
- Statute Reference
- NC Gen Stat §20-137.7 governs abandonment determinations
Summary
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.
§ 20-137.7. Definitions of words and phrases. The following words and phrases when used in this Part shall for the purpose of this Part have the meaning respectively prescribed to them in this Part, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) "Abandoned vehicle" means 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.
(2) "Demolisher" means any person, firm or corporation whose business is to convert a motor vehicle into processed scrap or scrap metal or otherwise to wreck, or dismantle, such a vehicle. [...]
(4) "Derelict vehicle" means a motor vehicle:
a. Whose certificate of registration has expired and the registered and legal owner no longer resides at the address listed on the last certificate of registration on record with the North Carolina Department of Transportation; or
b. Whose major parts have been removed so as to render the vehicle inoperable and incapable of passing inspection as required under existing standards; or
c. Whose manufacturer's serial plates, vehicle identification numbers, license number plates and any other means of identification have been removed so as to nullify efforts to locate or identify the registered and legal owner; or
d. Whose registered and legal owner of record disclaims ownership or releases his rights thereto; or
e. Which is more than 12 years old and does not bear a current license as required by the Department.
Full Breakdown
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Raleigh?
Can I keep an inoperable car in my driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Raleigh
Compare Raleigh to another location·View the North Carolina parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle abandoned vehicles.