Traffic Rules & Parking Regulations

The following Traffic Rules and Parking Regulations are effective on August 1, 2026. Any person who owns, operates, and parks a motor vehicle on the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú (ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú) property submits fully to all rules and regulations. Employees and ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú (including online students, Charter School employees and UCS students) are responsible for knowing the traffic rules and parking regulations governing the operation of motor vehicles on the campus of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. Anyone operating a motor vehicle in violation of the university parking policy will be held responsible for any such infringement. Failure to comply may result in university disciplinary action, fines, vehicle immobilization, or towing.

Vehicle Registration Requirements

All vehicles operated on ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú campus must be appropriately registered with the University Police Department and display a current ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú or University Charter School decal or hang tag; 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Registration is no guarantee of a parking space near the place where one works, attends class or visits. The responsibility of finding a legal parking space rests with the vehicle operator. Lack of space, rain, or inclement weather is not a valid excuse for violation of these regulations. Parking for all decal/hang tag holders is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vehicle Registration  

All members of The ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú community, including students, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú employees, University Charter School employees, UCS students, and visitors who operate vehicles on campus, are required to register any vehicle driven on campus with the University Police Department. The registration process begins with completing the .  

Visitor & University Charter School Registration

University Charter School employees, UCS students and Visitors should secure a permit from the University Police Department located at the Craiger House Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Special arrangements can be made for those who are unable to come during business hours.

Decal Validity & Registration Notices

Decals are valid from August 1st – July 31st each year. 

Vehicle registration announcements are released during the first week of each semester.

Decals will only be mailed to University Addresses if paid online. Drivers are responsible for notifying Campus Police if they do not receive their decal within seven business days of registration.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Taking Limited On-Campus Classes

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú attending on-campus classes only one night a week are required to purchase decals. Online students who park on campus are also required to possess a decal.

Registration fees

Permit Type	Cost
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Employees	$10 annually
Residential ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú	$15 annually
Commuter ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú	$25 annually
Fitness Center Member	Free (expires annually)
Community Member	Free (expires annually)
Physical Therapy	Free with proper documentation
UCS Employees	$10 annually
UCS ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú	$10 annually
Visitors	Free (expires daily)

Decal Limits

Decals shall not be transferred between vehicles. Each vehicle must be registered.

All student registrants, including USC students, are eligible for up to two (2) decals.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and University Charter School employees can purchase up to three (3) decals.

To Obtain a Decal

To obtain a decal, you must: 

•  
• Vehicle must have a license plate (tag) 

Decal Display, Ownership & Validity

Decals are valid from the date of purchase through the end of the summer term and must be displayed in the vehicle’s lower corner of the driver’s side rear window at all times. All decals expire annually on July 31. Decals remain the property of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and shall be surrendered if requested by University Police. All lost or stolen decals must be reported to University Police immediately. For students, failure to report the loss will be considered a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Decals shall not be sold, exchanged, or purchased from any person other than the University Police Department. Possession of a lost, stolen, forged or altered decal will result in revocation of parking privileges and considered a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Providing false or incorrect information to obtain a parking decal is a violation of the University Traffic Rules and Parking Regulations and is subject to a fine of $100.00, revocation of parking privileges and referred to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Student Life Committee for disciplinary action.

Additional Decal Regulations

• All on-campus drivers must renew decals each year at the beginning of the Fall Semester (August 1st).
• Unauthorized possession or use of an employee or student decal may result in disciplinary action for any parties involved.
• Unlawful possession and use of a Handicapped Parking Decal will result in immediate suspension of campus parking privileges, a $300 fine, and referral to the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Student Life Committee for disciplinary action.
• Decals must be properly displayed and clearly visible in the lower corner of the driver’s-side rear window any time the vehicle is being operated or parked on ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú property, including weekends and holidays, etc. Decals located in other places on the vehicle will result in a citation.
• Vehicle owners must provide the University Police Department with their current license plate registration. When a new tag is issued, owners must provide this information immediately.

Special Note: Any person who owns, operates, and parks a motor vehicle on ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú campus is required to have a parking decal, no exceptions.

Parking Areas

Restricted Parking Hours

From 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, vehicles must be parked only in the zone identified by the letter displayed before the decal number. Parking is permitted behind Tutwiler Library.

Parking Zones by Decal

Decal	Permitted Parking Areas
G	Gilbert Hall parking areas only
RS	Selden/Reed parking lots only
P	Patterson, Gilbert and Caf lots
S	Stickney residence hall lot and designated lower Wallace Hall lot
H	Designated Hoover parking lot and lower Wallace lot. May also park in the McConnell Guest House lot or behind Tutwiler Library.
C	Designated commuting zones and overflow parking areas
Handicap	Parking in a handicapped parking space requires a state-issued handicap placard or handicap license plate.
Employee	Green zones and white zones for overflow
UCS	Designated areas of Lyon Hall and UCS Smith Campus

Residential Parking Restrictions

During restricted hours, residents of Patterson, Gilbert, Selden/Reed, Hoover and Stickney are prohibited from parking in the following zones: Bibb Graves, Lyon Hall, Hughes Gym, Foust, Pruitt, and Webb. 

However, Hoover residents may park in the lower Wallace Hall parking lot, behind Tutwiler Library and in McConnell Guest House lots during restricted hours. 

Parking Enforcement

The University Police will strictly enforce these parking regulations, and citations issued for violations are not subject to appeal. Exceptions may be granted to students participating in special class projects; however, students must contact the University Police Department for approval before parking in these areas. 

Visitor Parking

Campus visitors may park in any designated parking space except green or yellow zones. Handicapped parking spaces may be used only when a valid handicapped placard is properly displayed. Visitors must obtain a temporary parking permit from the University Police Department located at the Craiger House. 

Requesting a Visitor Parking Pass

Any Student or Employee expecting a guest or visitor can request a Visitor parking pass via email. All requests must be submitted to [email protected] NO LATER than 48 hours prior. Requests must be submitted with a completed Visitor Parking Form. Once all materials have been submitted, a printable parking pass will be emailed the next business day. A limit of 3 per driver will apply. 

Any guest/visitor requiring a parking pass with less than 48 hours’ notice must print and complete the form and pick up a parking pass at Craiger House during decal hours. 

Prohibited Parking

• Parking is not permitted on the grass under any circumstance. 
• Before 7:00 A.M. and after 6:00 P.M., parking is not restricted. Decals are still required during this period. 
• No parking zones (painted yellow lines) and handicap zones are enforced 24 hours a day. 

Residential Parking Reminder

Remember, residential parking is restricted, and anyone who is found parked outside their restricted parking area will be subject to receive a citation for violating the Parking & Traffic Rules and Regulations. To park on campus, residents must purchase a student parking decal. 

Motorcycles, Motor Scooters, Motorbikes, Golf Carts and Trailers

• The above will not be operated or parked in a manner that creates a hazard to traffic, pedestrians, and recreational areas. 
• The above will not be operated in buildings or on lawns or sidewalks. 
• They will not be parked in a manner that obstructs entrances to buildings or driveways. 
• Helmets are required on all motor-driven cycles. 
• Special permission for parking trailers, boats, or RVs on campus must be given by the Chief of University Police.ÌýÌý 

Golf Carts/Utility Vehicles

• Only University-owned golf carts will be allowed to operate on campus unless medical conditions warrant or during days with special events.ÌýÌý
• All authorized operators of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú owned golf carts/utility vehicles must abide by the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle Regulations.ÌýÌý

Bicycles and Personal Electric Mobility Devices/Electric Scooters

• Each bicycle and PEMD/Electric Scooter used on campus must be registered. Although there is no registration fee, this will give the University Police valuable information in the unfortunate event that your bike or scooter is stolen. You will be provided with a bicycle decal upon registering your bicycle. Bicycle & scooter registration should be completed through the .
• Bikes & scooters secured in such a way that interferes with academic and residence hall entrances or exits are a potential liability if the building must be evacuated. Therefore, bicycles or scooters secured in doorways or on stairwells will be impounded, and owners will be assessed a $25 fine. 
• Bicycles not secured to bicycle racks will also be impounded, and owners will be fined $10. This includes bikes secured to trees, shrubbery or signage. 
• Impounded bicycles will be retained for a maximum of 90 days, after which they will be disposed. 
• Bicycles and scooters should be removed from campus when the University is closed for more than one week to avoid impounding. 
• Please be courteous to pedestrians and obey traffic laws if traveling on roads. 
• Wear a helmet to protect yourself in the event of an accident.ÌýÌý

Violations and Fines  

Registration and Decals

• All city and state regulations and all directive signs governing the use of vehicles shall be observed at all times.  
• The registrant of a vehicle is held responsible for the safe operation and proper parking of his/her vehicle, regardless of who may be the operator. A ticket is not excused on the plea that another person was driving the vehicle, or that the ticket was never seen.  
• Failure to register a vehicle (no decal including expired decal):
  • 1st Ticket $50.00
  • 2nd Ticket $75.00
  • 3rd Ticket $100.00
  • 4th Ticket $125.00ÌýÌý
• Providing false information to a obtain decal will result in cancellation of driving privileges and referral to the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Student Life Committee for disciplinary action.  

Improper Parking 

• Fines related to improper parking will increase with subsequent violations of the same type. 
• Accumulation of three parking tickets of any nature will result in immobilization of vehicle and suspension of driving privileges on campus for the remainder of the semester; if the owner/driver receives more than three tickets, the violation fee will increase by an additional $25 per offense.ÌýÌý

Offense	1st Ticket	2nd Ticket	3rd Ticket	4th Ticket
Parking in Faculty/Staff	$25.00	$50.00	$75.00	$100.00
No Parking Zone Parking	$50.00	$75.00	$100.00	$125.00
Double Parking	$25.00	$50.00	$75.00	$100.00
Parking on Grass	$25.00	$50.00	$75.00	$100.00
Restricted Time Zone Parking	$25.00	$50.00	$75.00	$100.00
Blocking Traffic Lanes, Driveway, or Crosswalk	$50.00	$75.00	$100.00	$125.00
Parking in Fire Lanes or Blocking Hydrants	$50.00	$75.00	$100.00	$125.00
No Decal/Failure to Properly Display/Expired	$50.00	$75.00	$100.00	$125.00
Parking in Handicap	$100.00	$200.00	$300.00	$400.00

The University Police shall tow a vehicle abandoned in a non-movable condition or unattended on a street, road, or parking lot for a period of seven days.  

NOTE: Violation of any parking regulation could result in the vehicle being TOWED or immobilized. This includes Parking Bans. Vehicle immobilization device removal fee is $100.00.  

Speeding

University officers have the option of issuing a University ticket or Uniform Traffic Complaint depending on severity. Fees associated with University tickets are as follows:  

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense
$75.00	$150.00	$225.00 plus loss of driving and parking privileges on campus

NOTE: The speed limit on campus is 15-25 MPH unless otherwise posted.  

Other Moving Violations

• Wrong way on a one-way street.
• Running a stop sign.
• Driving on wrong side of street.
• Failure to stop for pedestrians at properly marked cross-walks.
• Operating a motor vehicle on grass or sidewalk.

Moving violations can result in being issued a Uniform Traffic Citation.ÌýÌý

NOTE: Any of the moving violations are $25.00 for the first offense. Driving privileges will be revoked on third offense.ÌýÌý

Other Moving Violations – Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a violation of more than one moving violation in one action. Persons operating a motor vehicle in a manner harmful to life or property will be charged with reckless driving and will be fined $25.00. All fines listed are referred to University issued tickets, not for Uniform Traffic Citations. 

Littering

University Fines  

Criminal Litering

$100.00

Loud Noise – radios/horns/mufflers: $25.00  

Other: $25.00  

Ticket Information

All tickets are payable within 5 days. After 5 days a $10 late fee will be added. Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays are excluded. Failure to pay fines will result in grades being tagged and/or legal action by the civil authorities.  

Any three citations in one given semester will result in disciplinary action. 

Appeals Process

Any person who receives a University parking ticket and believes there are valid reasons to appeal the ticket, may file a online no later than 72 hours from the time of issuance of the ticket. Verbal parking appeals are not accepted by telephone or in person at the University Police Department. Failure to file an appeal within the time allotted renders the ticket and associated fines as final. A person filing an appeal before the Appeals Committee will be notified of the verdict reached. ALL APPEAL DECISIONS ARE FINAL. Failure to pay fine after 5 days will result in added cost to the violator.  

Each ticket must be appealed separately. Combining tickets on one appeal is not accepted and the appeal will not be considered.  

The following reasons are NOT acceptable grounds for dismissing a parking or traffic citation.  

1. Lack of knowledge of the Traffic and Parking Regulations;
2. Inability to find a proper parking space/no parking space available;  
3. Inclement weather;  
4. Late for class;  
5. No permit displayed/failure to obtain proper permit;  
6. Permit used by another person/operation of the vehicle by another person;  
7. Failure of officers to ticket previously for similar offense;  
8. Disagreement with the Traffic and Parking Regulations;
9. Claims of not receiving a hard copy of ticket on vehicle;
10. Claims of not receiving decal in the mail.

Traffic Accidents  

Any accidents, which occur on campus and result in damage to property or persons, must be reported immediately to the University Police Department. Failure to do so will result in loss of parking privileges and/or criminal charges of Leaving the Scene of an Accident.  

Student Responsibility  

If a student moves from one residence hall and commutes, or if a commuting student moves to a residence hall, it will be his/her responsibility to notify the University Police Department immediately. It is also the responsibility of on-campus drivers to obtain a decal.