Parking on campus can feel challenging, especially during busy class changes, events, construction impacts or when you are running late. Fortunately, most parking tickets can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines.

Commuter Services issues parking tickets when campus parking rules are not followed. These rules help keep parking areas organized, accessible and safe for students, faculty, staff, patients, visitors, vendors and emergency responders. Before your next trip to campus, review these common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Always check the sign before leaving your vehicle

The most important rule is also the simplest: always read the posted parking signs where you park.

Parking designations can vary by location, time of day, permit type and special event. A parking stall that appears available may actually be reserved, restricted, designated for a specific permit, limited to short-term parking or unavailable during an event. Even if you have parked in the same area before, check the sign each time. Before walking away, ask yourself, “Does my permit or payment allow me to park in this space right now?”

Verify your license plate is correct and visible

University parking permits are connected to license plates, so an incorrect plate can lead to a ticket even if you purchased a valid permit. Double-check your vehicle information in My Parking Portal whenever you buy a permit, change vehicles, get a new plate or use a temporary plate.

Also, park so your license plate is visible from the drive lane. Backing into a space or parking in a way that hides the plate prevents parking enforcement from verifying your permit or payment.

Park only where your permit is valid

Having a permit does not mean you can park in every campus lot. Each permit type is valid only in specific areas. Parking in the wrong permit area is one of the easiest mistakes to make, especially when you are visiting a different part of campus.

Before parking somewhere unfamiliar, review the campus parking map or check the signs in the lot. If your usual lot is full, do not assume the next nearby lot accepts the same permit. Look for another lot where your permit is valid or use short-term parking if you only need to visit briefly.

Campus parking permits and payments are enforced Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and during special events as posted. Fire lanes, no parking areas, and ADA areas are enforced 24/7. Because event restrictions and safety-related areas may be enforced outside regular weekday hours, always check posted signs rather than relying only on the time of day.

“I was only there for a minute” can still result in a ticket

A quick stop doesn’t make an illegal parking space legal and can create safety and access issues. Avoid parking in fire lanes, ADA spaces without proper authorization, reserved spaces, loading zones, sidewalks, landscaped areas, drive lanes or non-designated parking areas. These areas are enforced because they protect access for emergency vehicles, people with disabilities, service vehicles, pedestrians and campus operations.

If you need to load, unload or make a short visit, look for an approved short-term option rather than stopping in a restricted space.

Use Commuter Services resources before you park

Commuter Services offers several tools that can help you plan and avoid tickets:

• Use My Parking Portal to purchase permits, update vehicle information, manage plates and review ticket information.
• Check the parking map before driving to an unfamiliar part of campus.
• Review short-term and visitor parking options when you do not need a full permit or are only visiting campus briefly.
• Use our FREE campus shuttles, UTA, and biking and walking options when parking close to your destination is limited.
• Contact Commuter Services if you are unsure which option fits your visit. Asking before you park is always easier than resolving a ticket afterward.