University-Adjacent Lot — No Contract Acceptance, No Liability
In Tuscaloosa (University of Alabama area), Auburn, and other university-adjacent zones, private operators (Park Plus, Premium Parking, ParkMobile partner lots) attempt to bind drivers to terms via small posted signs. Under Alabama contract law (Code of Ala. §7-2-204 by analogy and common-law principles), a contract requires offer, acceptance and meeting of the minds. A driver who never sees the sign, where the sign is obscured, or where the lot lacks any clear notice of charges, has not 'accepted' any contract. Without a valid contract, the operator has no civil claim — only a possible trespass-tow remedy under §32-13-3, which has its own signage requirements.
Legal basis
Code of Ala. §32-13-3 (towing signage); Alabama common-law contract principles; Wells v. Mobile County Bd. of Realtors, 387 So.2d 140 (Ala. 1980) (acceptance and meeting of the minds)
Sample appeal wording
TO: [OPERATOR] Your notice asserts a contractual obligation arising from my use of [LOT_ADDRESS] on [DATE]. I dispute that any contract was formed. Under Alabama contract law, a contract requires offer, acceptance, and meeting of the minds. The signage at your lot was [absent at the entrance I used / obscured / smaller than legible from a moving vehicle]. I had no notice of any terms. No contract was formed. Your remedy, if any, is limited to a trespass-tow under Code of Ala. §32-13-3, which requires conformant signage you did not have. Demand for payment is withdrawn or suit will be defended. [NAME, DATE]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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- Code of Alabama §32-13-3
- Alabama common-law contract doctrine