N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-211.1

Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 7A-210(2) and 7A-211, the chief district judge may in the chief district judge's discretion, by specific order or general rule, assign to any magistrate of the district actions to enforce motor vehicle mechanic and storage liens arising under G.S. 44A-2(d) or 20-77(d) when the claim arose in the county in which the magistrate was appointed. The defendant may be subjected to the jurisdiction of the court over his or her person by the methods provided in G.S. 7A-217 or 1A-1, Rules 4(j) and 4(j1), Rules of Civil Procedure.