Illegal parking in NC could cost you thousands. What to do if your car gets towed

Parking illegally in North Carolina can result in hefty fines.

There is no cap on towing fees in the state, meaning you could be charged thousands of dollars for parking in prohibited areas.

But a bill introduced in July could cap towing fees and limit how far cars can be taken, WFAE reported. The bill currently sits in the House Finance Committee.

Here’s what you need to know.

Where is it illegal to park in NC?

According to state law, it’s illegal to park:

• In front of a driveway
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• In a fire lane
• Within 25 feet of an intersection

State law also prohibits drivers from parking on a highway or main road in a way that blocks traffic, unless your car is disabled.

What is the penalty for parking illegally in Charlotte?

Drivers who park their cars illegally could receive citations with fines ranging from $25-$100 depending on the infraction, according to the City of Charlotte website.

Vehicles can also be towed if they are parked in hazardous locations or on streets during traffic hours.

What is the penalty for parking illegally in Raleigh?

In Raleigh, the penalty for parking illegally depends on the violation, but the standard fine is $20, with an additional $20 fee for not paying within 21 days.

What happens after your car gets towed?

If your car is towed, North Carolina law requires that you be notified by phone or by mail within 24 hours with the following information:

• A description of your vehicle
• The place where your vehicle is stored
• The violation you are charged with, if any
• The procedure you must follow to get your vehicle back
• The procedure you must follow to request a probable cause hearing on the towing

What to do if your car gets towed in NC

If your car get towed, you can get your vehicle back by paying the towing fee or posting a bond for double the amount of the towing fee, according to state law.

If you suspect your vehicle has been towed but are unable to locate it, you can search for it using the N.C. Department of Public Safety’s towed vehicle database.

The database gives you the option to search by owner name, vehicle plate number, or vehicle ID number, and will provide the name and address of the tow company holding your car.

This story was originally published March 26, 2026 at 9:51 AM.

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.