N.C. Gen. Stat. § 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. (2015-188, s. 1.)