Regulatory Authority

The California Vehicle Code Section 21113 (a) gives the University the authority to regulate parking on campus. In addition to the regulations stated in the code, parking citations may be issued for any violation of local ordinances, city or county codes.

Suggestions for Avoiding Citations

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 have a valid campus parking ePermit. 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, purchase of a valid ePermit is required. Please see our Disabled Parking policy.

  2. LOOK AT YOUR PERMIT
    Permits at UCSB are either long-term ePermits or machine or App dispensed short-term ePermits. Through the permit sales process, the type of ePermit, for example, Student Commuter (C), Staff (B), Resident (H),Visitor (C), etc. and an expiration date/time will be reflected on your parking account. You must renew the permit or move the vehicle before the expiration date and time of the ePermit. Be sure to park only in lots or spaces specified by your permit type. Long-term permits have four primary designations: Student Commuter (C), Staff (B),  Faculty (A) or Resident (H). Student Commuter (C) permits are valid in Visitor/Student lots; Staff (B) and Faculty (A) permits are valid in Staff/Faculty lots, Resident (H) permits are valid only in their assigned lot (e.g., H2 valid in Lot 2, H22 valid on the upper floors of Parking Structure 22) during business hours; Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm

    Between the hours of 5:00pm and 7:30am Monday - Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday, the H ePermits can be used as a Night and Weekend permit on the main campus. H ePermits are never valid in other H lot locations or Lot 60.    

  3. PERMITS MUST BE CORRECTLY ASSOCIATED WITH A VEHICLE'S LICENSE PLATE
    Your plate is your ePermit.  The vehicle's license plate must be accurately entered during the ePermit purchase process.  Vehicles associated with long-term ePermits must be kept up-to-date through the ePermit parking portal. Contact Parking Permit Sales at 805-893-2346 if you need assistance with associating your vehicle's license plate to your ePermit. 

  4. FIRST CHECK THE LOT ENTRANCE SIGNS, THEN LOOK FOR ADDITIONAL POSTED SIGNED AND PAINTED CURB STOPS
    Before parking your vehicle check the lot entrance signs. Each lot has one or more entrance signs that provide information on the type(s) of permit(s) that are authorized in that lot. In addition, individual spaces or sections within the lots may be designated for a specific permit type. These spaces may be used only by those with the required permit type.

  5. "AT ALL TIMES" LOTS AND SPACES
    Certain lots and spaces on campus require a specific type of ePermit 'at all times', including weekends and holidays. Watch for signage or painted curbs with these restrictions. Examples of spaces that are enforced at all times are spaces for the disabled, reserved spaces, and restricted service areas. Time-restricted parking spaces are marked with the maximum allowed time and are enforced at all times . Lots 1, 11 and 24 are designated as "Reserved At All Times" for Faculty and Staff permits.  Student and Visitor permits are never valid for parking in these three lots.

  6. 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.

  7. PERMITS ARE NOT VALID PAYMENT FOR METERED SPACES
    A parking ePermit on a vehicle in a metered space does not substitute for payment. The meter must be paid and current in order for the vehicle to be legally parked.

  8. EXPIRED PARKING METERS
    Campus parking meters have maximum time limits. Each meter has a sign stating the maximum time the meter will allow. Vehicles parked in expired metered spaces are in violation and subject to a citation. No grace period is given for expired meter violations.

  9. UNIVERSITY BREAKS
    ePermit are required at all times.  Requirements during university breaks between quarters and over the summer do not differ from ePermit requirements when classes are in session.

  10. DISABLED PARKING SPACES, CROSS-HATCHED AREAS, AND ACCESS RAMPS
    California Vehicle Code regulations are enforced at all times. Parking in disabled spaces or areas without a valid DMV-issued ADA placard or license plate may result in a costly parking citation. Please note that a valid campus parking ePermit must also be associated with the vehicle.