NC H411

Charging law enforcement officers must tow and store vehicles of drivers charged with operating without financial responsibility, using the agency's current rotation system and regulations.

Vehicle owners can obtain release by presenting proof of financial responsibility covering the vehicle for at least six months and paying all towing and storage fees.

Law enforcement agencies must notify the Division of Motor Vehicles within one business day of a tow, and the Division must notify any lienholder within 48 hours of where the vehicle is stored.

Lienholders may access and take possession of the towed vehicle after 14 days upon payment of towing and storage fees.

Vehicle owners may petition the superior court clerk within seven business days to claim "innocent owner" status if they maintained required financial responsibility; if granted, the vehicle is released upon payment of all towing and storage charges.

Law enforcement officers acting in good faith are granted immunity from civil liability for charges filed or damages arising from vehicle disposition under this section.

The act becomes effective December 1, 2021, for offenses committed on or after that date.