Alaska Two-Year Civil Limitations Bar
Parking citations in Alaska are civil infractions. Under AS 09.10.070 (general two-year limitations period) and AS 09.10.053 (contract actions — five years), if the Municipality fails to commence judicial collection on an unpaid parking citation within the applicable limitations period, the debt is unenforceable in court. While administrative late fees may continue accruing, court collection (e.g., wage garnishment, judgment) is barred. This is especially powerful against old citations the Municipality 'rediscovers' years later.
Legal basis
AS 09.10.070 (2-year limitations — torts/penalties); AS 09.10.053 (5-year — contracts); AS 09.10.140 (limitations on enforcement of judgments — 10 years)
Sample appeal wording
[Municipality / Collection Agency]\nRe: Notice of Statute of Limitations Defense\n\nDear Sir/Madam,\n\nI received your collection notice dated [DATE] regarding alleged parking citation #[CITATION_NUMBER] from [ORIGINAL_DATE].\n\nUnder AS 09.10.070, civil actions for penalties and forfeitures must be commenced within two years of accrual. The cited violation occurred more than [YEARS] years ago. Any civil action to enforce this debt is now BARRED by the statute of limitations.\n\nThis letter constitutes formal notice of my limitations defense. Continued collection efforts on a time-barred debt may violate:\n- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 USC 1692)\n- Alaska Consumer Protection Act (AS 45.50.471 — treble damages)\n\nI demand you cease collection activity and remove this account from any credit reporting within 30 days. Failure to comply will result in regulatory complaints and civil action.\n\n[NAME]\n[CERTIFIED MAIL #]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
Beat It writes this argument automatically
Scan your PCN — our AI checks if this ground applies to your specific ticket, drafts a properly-cited appeal letter, and submits it to the council on your behalf. Only pay if you win.
Scan my ticketSources
- AS 09.10.070
- AS 09.10.053
- FDCPA — 15 USC 1692