Private Parking 'Citation' Has No Statutory Authority
No Kentucky statute authorizes private parties to issue 'fines' for parking on private lots. A 'citation' or 'invoice' from a private operator (LAZ, ABM, ParkMobile lot, ProPark, etc.) is at most a contractual or trespass claim. Under Kentucky contract law, the operator must prove (a) a contract was formed by entry-and-park-with-notice, (b) the signage was conspicuous and conformed to industry custom, (c) the amount demanded reflects actual damages — not a punitive penalty (Kentucky common law voids penalty clauses; recovery is limited to liquidated damages reasonable in light of anticipated harm). Many private demands fail because signage is non-conforming or the amount is punitive.
Legal basis
Kentucky common-law contract / penalty doctrine; KRS §371.010 (Statute of Frauds, where applicable); KRS §367.110+ (KCPA); 15 U.S.C. §1692g (FDCPA, when third-party collector involved)
Sample appeal wording
TO: [Private Parking Operator] [ADDRESS] RE: Notice [INVOICE_NUMBER] — DISPUTE and Validation Demand This is my formal dispute under 15 U.S.C. §1692g (if third-party collector) and the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act (KRS §367.170). Kentucky law does not authorize private parties to issue 'fines' for parking. Your demand is at most a contractual claim. I dispute the existence of any contract and demand you provide: 1. Photographic evidence of conspicuous entry signage on [DATE] at [LOT]; 2. The full terms of any alleged contract; 3. Itemized actual damages — not a punitive fee, which Kentucky common law voids. If you cannot provide the above within 30 days, cease all collection activity and remove this matter from any credit reporting. Continued dunning will be reported to the Kentucky Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection. Signed, [FULL_NAME] Date: [DATE]
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
- Kentucky common-law contract / penalty doctrine
- KRS §367.170
- 15 U.S.C. §1692