North Carolina adds a wrinkle most operators miss: even with perfect signage, you cannot tow until those signs have been up for a set waiting period. For a Charlotte apartment or lot, the timeline matters as much as the sign itself.

What North Carolina law says about towing from private property

Removal of unauthorized vehicles from private lots is governed by N.C.G.S. § 20-219.2, layered with local ordinances. The core requirements:

  • Signs must be at least 24 by 24 inches, prominently displayed at every entrance, showing the towing company's current name and phone number.
  • Towing authority does not take effect until 72 hours after the signs are first posted — a lot that hung new signs yesterday cannot lawfully tow today.
  • Many North Carolina cities require pre-tow notice to local law enforcement; failing to give it is an infraction.
  • An apartment community can tow or boot (for example, for expired registration) only when compliant, visible signage is in place.

How Charlotte operators stay compliant and get paid

North Carolina's rules reward operators who keep clear records of authorization and timing. OpenParking captures both automatically.

  • Plate-level permits. Residents and guests register their plate, so your officer verifies authorization by plate before any tow or boot.
  • Timestamped history. Each permit records exactly when a vehicle was or was not authorized — useful when the 72-hour and notice rules put timing under scrutiny.
  • QR-code signage. The posted sign satisfies your notice obligation and doubles as the guest self-registration and payment page.

Why Charlotte properties choose OpenParking

Guests scan a QR code at your lot, register their plate, and pay directly to you — your property keeps 100% of the parking revenue, paid straight to your bank via Stripe. About five minutes to set up, no contract, $50/month flat with a free 14-day trial.

This page is general information about North Carolina parking enforcement, not legal advice. Confirm current G.S. 20-219.2 and local notice requirements with a North Carolina attorney or your local ordinance before towing.