§ 9-31. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned motor vehicle means a motor vehicle left:

(1)

Unattended upon a street or highway for longer than twelve (12) hours in violation of a law or ordinance prohibiting parking;

(2)

Unaccompanied on property owned or operated by the city for a period longer than twenty-four (24) hours;

(3)

Unaccompanied on any public street or highway for a period longer than seven (7) days; or

(4)

On private property without the consent of the owner, occupant or lessee thereof for longer than two (2) hours.

Derelict vehicle means a motor vehicle:

(1)

Whose certificate of registration has expired and/or the registered owner no longer resides at the address listed on the last certificate of registration on record with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

(2)

Whose major parts have been removed so as to render the vehicle inoperable and incapable of passing inspection as required under existing standards;

(3)

Whose manufacturer's serial plates, vehicle identification numbers, license number plates and any other means of identification have been removed so as to nullify efforts to locate or identify the registered and legal owner;

(4)

Whose registered and legal owner of record disclaims ownership or releases his rights thereto.

(5)

Any derelict vehicle includes but not limited to any motor vehicle, truck, bus, trailer or any unit which is driven or pushed and/or powered by internal combustion engine or electric power.

(6)

A vehicle that does not display a current state inspection sticker as required by the State of North Carolina.

Junked motor vehicle. A junked motor vehicle is an abandoned motor vehicle that also:

(1)

Is partially dismantled or wrecked;

(2)

Cannot be self-propelled or moved in the manner in which it was originally intended to move;

(3)

Is more than five (5) years old and worth less than one hundred dollars ($100.00); or

(4)

Does not display a current license plate.

(5)

A vehicle that does not display a current state inspection sticker as required by the State of North Carolina.

(Code 1980, § 6-2-1; Res. of 5-4-94; Res. of 3-7-00; Res. of 10-3-00, §§ 1, 2)

State law reference

Similar provisions, G.S. 20-137.7, 160A-303.

Cross reference

Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2.