What does it mean? (Charlotte, Morganton: DMV, law, gangs)

[Damemeow]

DH and I decided to take a scenic drive west this past weekend to the Morganton festival since we had never been west of Charlotte. While driving we noticed several vehicles parked along the highway and larger back roads. Each had some white article hanging out of the driver's side window (one a sock, one a t-shirt, another a plastic grocery bag)

I kind of assumed it must be a NC universal symbol for "please-don't-tow-my-car-it-broke-down-and-I'll-be-back" but DH said it could mean anything, including some kind of gang symbol.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[Barkingowl]

They could be hunters or fishermen too.

[Hwy 6]

So instead of hanging up shoes, gangs can now only afford to hang up socks? The economy is affecting everyone it seems!

[Damemeow]

Really...do hunters do that? Seriously!?

So it means "don't-tow-my-car-or come-too-close-I am-in-the-woods-on-the-shoulder-of-the-highway-with-a-gun"

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by Damemeow

DH and I decided to take a scenic drive west this past weekend to the Morganton festival since we had never been west of Charlotte. While driving we noticed several vehicles parked along the highway and larger back roads. Each had some white article hanging out of the driver's side window (one a sock, one a t-shirt, another a plastic grocery bag)

I kind of assumed it must be a NC universal symbol for "please-don't-tow-my-car-it-broke-down-and-I'll-be-back" but DH said it could mean anything, including some kind of gang symbol.

Anyone have any thoughts?

hahahaha, no gang symbol Besides the universal, "my car is broken down", in areas near hunting and lakes this also means "we've gone hunting or fishing!". You were near Lake Rhodhiss along that stretch of the road.

[Metallisteve]

It generally means disabled vehicle...or more generally speaking, a non-abandoned vehicle.

[Niagara89]

I agree with the disabled vehicle answer... neon orange paper tags attached in some states also means law enforcement has checked over the vehicle, and there's no need to get on your cell phone and call it into the authorities if you pass it and assume something is wrong.

[SunnyKayak]

Generally if law enforcement has check the vehicle they will leave a hard to scrape off orange sticker on the back glass with a certain amount of days listed on it before the vehicle is towed.

It is universal sign of disable vehicle and you probably are seeing alot of those due to alot more people are running out of gas.


From the handbook

If you need help, tie a white cloth to the left door handle or the radio aerial and raise the hood of the car.

NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles: Driver Handbook: Chapter 4

[mullman]

Originally Posted by Metallisteve

It generally means disabled vehicle...or more generally speaking, a non-abandoned vehicle.

+1

And this is not a NC thing, I have seen the same in rural NY & MA.

[Singe]

Originally Posted by Damemeow

DH and I decided to take a scenic drive west this past weekend to the Morganton festival since we had never been west of Charlotte. While driving we noticed several vehicles parked along the highway and larger back roads. Each had some white article hanging out of the driver's side window (one a sock, one a t-shirt, another a plastic grocery bag)

I kind of assumed it must be a NC universal symbol for "please-don't-tow-my-car-it-broke-down-and-I'll-be-back" but DH said it could mean anything, including some kind of gang symbol.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Decided to do a search on here to see if anyone else had noticed the same thing! I thought i had missed a new law or something. Must be convenient that these broken down cars have a white bag/cloth on their cars. I never have such a thing....maybe I'll snatch Gramps ol' tighty whiteys for an emergency.....