Wilmington, NC Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Wilmington's abandoned-vehicle article, City Code §§ 5-110 through 5-116.5, gives an 'authorizing city official' (a police officer, code enforcement officer or inspector designated by the city manager) power to declare and remove three distinct categories of vehicle. Section 5-110 defines an 'abandoned motor vehicle' as one that is illegally parked on a street or highway, left more than twenty-four hours on city-owned or -operated property, left more than two hours on private property without the property owner's, occupant's or lessee's consent, or left more than seven days on any public street or highway. A 'health or safety hazard vehicle' is a disabled vehicle that, for more than forty-eight hours, has become a breeding ground for pests, a fire or explosion hazard, an entrapment risk to children, or otherwise dangerous. A 'junked motor vehicle' is an unregistered vehicle that is partially dismantled, inoperable, or more than five years old and apparently worth less than $100.

Section 5-111 makes it unlawful for the registered owner or person entitled to possession to cause or allow a vehicle to become abandoned as defined; upon investigation the authorizing official may order it removed. Owners get advance notice before towing under § 5-114: by first-class mail if the owner's address can be found, or otherwise by a notice affixed to the vehicle giving at least seven days before removal. An owner who disputes the determination can appeal in writing to the city manager, who must schedule a hearing within thirty days, staying removal until the appeal is decided. Section 5-115 lets the city skip advance notice where prompt action is needed, such as a vehicle obstructing traffic, parked in a bus zone or loading zone, or blocking access to a business or residence.