The full text of G.S. 20-219.15 (Return of commercial cargo), with plain-English commentary from North Carolina DWI defense attorneys Chris Adkins and Chris Purkey in the side column. Article 7A: Post-Towing Procedures.
§ 20-219.15. Return of commercial cargo.
Notwithstanding G.S. 20-219.10(a) to the contrary, a tower of a nonconsensual tow or tow pursuant to the direction of a law enforcement officer shall promptly return any commercial cargo towed by the tower to the owner of the commercial cargo, or to a designee of the owner, upon request. In the case of a trailer containing commercial cargo, the tower shall allow the trailer containing the commercial cargo to be exchanged with a trailer of similar type that is in working condition and was manufactured within five years of the manufacturing date of the original trailer, or newer, as arranged by the commercial cargo owner. (2025-71, s. 11.5(b).)
Official text of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-219.15 as published by the North Carolina General Assembly (Chapter 20 PDF, retrieved November 10, 2026). Verify the current version on ncleg.gov ↗.
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