Towing rules in North Carolina
What the state says about towing, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Updated October 6, 2026
Tow company licensing
In North Carolina, cities and counties regulate towing by ordinance, and the state sets rules for private lot towing only. Some cities issue towing or wrecker permits or rotation contracts.1-2
Limits on police and private-property tow fees
The research found no statewide cap in North Carolina's private lot towing law. Counties and cities may regulate private lot towing by ordinance.1
Storage fees
In North Carolina, storage limits are set locally rather than by the state.1
Towed from a private lot
In North Carolina, private lots must post signs at least 24 by 24 inches at every entrance that name the towing company and its phone number. Vehicles must be stored within 15 miles, or 25 miles if there's nothing closer. A release waiver beyond a receipt may not be required.1
Where to complain
Keep your receipt and photos of your car, and ask the tow company in writing to correct a charge you think is wrong.
Get quotes from tow companies in your county
One request instead of calling tow companies one at a time. It's free, and you don't have to hire anyone. Your request may go to contractors nearby.
Sources
Tow companies in North Carolina
North Carolina has 1,668 tow companies listed, and 1,220 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county and call one directly, or schedule a tow and we'll pass it to tow companies near you.
Cite this page
“Towing rules in North Carolina.” FindTowingTruck.com, updated October 6, 2026. https://findtowingtruck.com/nc/rules/