North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 20. Motor Vehicles § 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.