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How to Avoid Parking Citations
Regulatory authority
The California Vehicle Code (Section 21113) gives the University the authority to regulate parking on campus. In addition to these specific regulations, parking citations may be issued for any violation of local ordinances, city or county codes.

Common parking violations
Below are twelve suggestions for avoiding common violations when you park on campus.

1. payment for parking is required
All vehicles parked on campus must display a valid campus parking permit. No permit is needed if parked in a metered space but the meter must be paid. If you are a visitor to campus, please click here for information regarding visitor parking. If you will be parking on campus using an ADA (Disabled) placard, please see our Disabled Parking policy.

2. look at your permit
The permit will state the type of lots in which you can park (student, visitor, B1, etc.). Be sure to park only in lots or spaces specified by your permit type. Long-term permits have three primary designations: Student, Staff or Faculty. Student permits are valid in visitor/student lots, Staff permits in staff lots, and Faculty permits in faculty lots.

3. Check the signs and curb stops
Before parking your vehicle check the parking signs. Each lot has one or more entrance signs that provide information on the type(s) of permit(s) that are authorized. In addition, individual spaces within the lots may be marked for a specific type of permit. These spaces may be used only by those displaying the corresponding permit.

4. Areas Enforced 24 Hours
Certain lots and spaces on campus require a specific type of permit at all times, including weekends and holidays. Watch for signage or curb markings with these restrictions. Examples of spaces that are enforced at all times are spaces for the disabled, reserved spaces, and restricted service areas. Time zones are also enforced at all times and are marked as such.

5. Park in Marked Spaces Only
Designated parking spaces are indicated by a line or markings on both sides of the space. Areas without such markings are not legal parking spaces. Please make sure you are parked completely within the lined space (no wheels on or over the lines). Vehicles not parked completely within the designated space may receive a parking citation.

6. Permits are NOT Valid Payment for Metered spaces
Parking permits on vehicles in metered spaces do not substitute for cash payment. A meter must be paid and current in order for the vehicle to be legally parked.

7. Expired Parking Meters
All campus parking meters have maximum time limits. Each meter has a sign stating the maximum time the meter will allow. No grace period is given for expired meter violations. All vehicles parked in expired metered spaces are in violation and subject to a citation.

8. Holidays
While parking rules and regulations are otherwise enforced, a vehicle parking permit is not required on University holidays. Please be advised that University holidays may differ from other institutional and religious holidays. Contact Parking Services if you have questions about our holiday parking policy.

9. School Breaks
Permit requirements during school breaks do not differ from requirements when school is in session.

10. Disabled Parking Spaces, Cross-Hatched Areas, and Access Ramps
California Vehicle Code regulations are enforced at all times. Parking in these spaces or areas without a valid DMV-issued ADA placard or license plate may result in a $280 parking citation. Please note: a valid campus parking permit must also be displayed.

11. Permits Must be Correctly Displayed
Long-term (annual or quarterly) permits must be displayed in the lower left corner of the windshield (driver’s side) and must be fully affixed to the windshield. The permits may not be attached by tape or suction cups. Short-term permits must be displayed in accordance with the instructions stated on the permit itself.

12. Altered, Counterfeit or Stolen Permits
Displaying an altered, counterfeit, or stolen permit will result in a substantial penalty ($500) and may also result in University disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.