Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Alaska Statutes Title 28. Motor Vehicles § 28.11.025. Claim of ownership by private property owner

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) In addition to removal of an abandoned vehicle under AS 28.11.020, a vehicle that is left standing or parked on private property without the consent of the private property owner and for a period of 30 days is presumed to be an abandoned vehicle and title to the vehicle may be transferred to the private property owner as provided under this section. A person who claims ownership of an abandoned vehicle under this section shall provide notice of the claim to the vehicle owner of record and to lienholders in the manner prescribed for giving notice by the department under AS 28.05.121. The notice must state the location of the vehicle and the period of abandonment. If the vehicle is not registered in this state or the name and address of the registered or legal owner or lienholder cannot be ascertained, notice shall be given by publication in the manner prescribed in the rules of the court for service of process by publication.

(b) If an abandoned vehicle is not reclaimed within 30 days after notice is given as required under (a) of this section, the title to the vehicle vests with the owner of the private property on which the vehicle is located. Upon application, the department shall issue a new certificate of title to a vehicle whose ownership is transferred under this section.

(c) In this section, “vehicle” means a

(1) passenger car, motor home, bus, truck, truck-tractor, motorcycle, motorbike, or similar motor vehicle that is designed for use primarily to transport a person or to transport or draw property on a highway or vehicular way; and

(2) snowmobile, three-wheeler, four-wheeler, or a similar off-highway motor vehicle designed or adapted for cross-country operation over unimproved terrain, ice, or snow and that has been declared by its owner at the time of registration and determined by the Department of Public Safety to be unsuitable for general highway use, although the vehicle may make incidental use of a highway as provided in this title, but not including implements of husbandry or special mobile equipment, such as construction machinery or earthmoving equipment.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Alaska Statutes Title 28. Motor Vehicles § 28.11.025. Claim of ownership by private property owner - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-28-motor-vehicles/ak-st-sect-28-11-025/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard