(a) Upon satisfaction of the notice and reporting requirements prescribed in this chapter, a vehicle may be disposed of by removal to a scrap processing yard or auto wrecker for disposal or by public auction 20 days after notice of the auction is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the area or municipality in which the vehicle was found and presumed abandoned. The notice of auction must describe the vehicle and specify the place, date, and time at which it will be sold. A copy of the notice of auction shall be conveyed to the department.
(b) A vehicle disposed of under this section by public auction must be titled under AS 28.10, and may not be subsequently sold without a certificate of title issued by the department.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a person who disposes of an abandoned vehicle under this section may initiate a civil action against a person named in AS 28.11.010, if liable, for costs exceeding receipts for the disposal of the vehicle.