§ 11-63. Removal of vehicles; post-towing notice requirements

Any abandoned, nuisance or junked motor vehicle which has been ordered removed may, as directed by the town, be removed to a storage garage or area by the tow truck operator or towing business contracting to perform such services for the town. Whenever such a vehicle is removed, the authorizing town official shall immediately notify the last known registered owner of the vehicle, such notice to include the following:

(1) The description of the removed vehicle;

(2) The location where the vehicle is stored;

(3) The violation with which the owner is charged, if any;

(4) The procedure the owner must follow to redeem the vehicle; and

(5) The procedure the owner must follow to request a probable cause hearing on the removal;

The town shall attempt to give notice to the vehicle owner by telephone; however, whether or not the owner is reached by telephone, written notice, including the information set forth in subsections (1) through (5) above, shall also be mailed to the registered owner's last known address unless this notice is waived in writing by the vehicle owner or his agent.

If the vehicle is registered in North Carolina, notice shall be given within twenty-four (24) hours. If the vehicle is not registered in the state, notice shall be given to the registered owner within seventy-two (72) hours from the removal of the vehicle.

Whenever an abandoned, nuisance or junked motor vehicle is removed, and such vehicle has no valid registration or registration plates, the authorizing town official shall make reasonable efforts, including checking the vehicle identification number, to determine the last known registered owner of the vehicle and to notify him of the information set forth in subsections (1) through (5) above.

(Ord. of 6-19-90)