A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to limit the amount of time a motor vehicle can be impounded after a collision.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 3 of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 20‑166.3.  Limit storage duration for vehicle damaged as a result of a collision.
(a)	Limited Duration of Storage. – A motor vehicle that is towed and stored at the direction of a law enforcement agency following a collision may be held for evidence for not more than 20 days without a court order. Absent a court order, the vehicle must be released to the vehicle owner, insurer, or lien holder upon payment of the towing and storage fees.
(b)	Application. – This section shall not apply to a motor vehicle (i) seized as a result of a violation of law or (ii) abandoned by the owner."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2015, and applies to motor vehicles impounded on or after that date.