TRAFFIC AND PARKING REGULATIONS

Effective through August 15, 2008

INDEX of Parking Rules and Regulations

General Information............................ I

Types of Permits........................ III.B,C

Cost of Permits........................... III.A.2

Permit Refunds........................... III.A.3

Parking Zones................................ III.E

Visitors/Guests.............................III.C.I

Parking Violations.......................... IV.A

Ticket Appeals.............................. IV.D

Chronic Offender Policy............. IV.B.2

Parking Fast Facts ............................ V

I. General Information [back to top]

The purpose of the University’s parking resources is to provide students, faculty, and staff safe and efficient access to classrooms, auxiliary buildings and facilities. Parking areas on central campus are dedicated for use by faculty, staff and on-campus residents. Commuter parking is located on the perimeter of the campus. The university’s shuttle bus system provides transportation service from these lots to central campus. The Texas Education Code gives Texas State the authority to regulate parking on campus, and the Transportation and Parking Committee (TPC) reviews the parking rules and regulations on a regular basis. The Parking Services (PS) division of the University Police Department (UPD) has the authority to enforce these rules. Suggestions to improve the parking rules or policies can be made in writing to the TPC c/o the Parking Services Office. Updates and changes to the rules and policies can be found on the web at www.parking.txstate.edu.

Every vehicle parked on campus must display a valid Texas State parking permit. Every student, faculty, staff, or frequent user of a university facility must:

• Register the vehicle at Parking Services and purchase a permit.
• Properly display the permit anytime the vehicle is parked on campus.
• Become familiar with the Traffic and Parking Rules.

The rules are enforced at all times. The purchase of a permit and registration of your vehicle does not guarantee a parking space, and the lack of space never justifies parking illegally.

II. Definitions [back to top]

1. “Boot” is a mechanical device which can be attached to the wheel to immobilize the vehicle.

2. “Impound” includes the towing and storage of a vehicle.

3. “Marked Space” is one designated for parking by two parallel lines.

4. “No Parking Zones” include yellow curbs, fire lanes, bus lanes, construction zones, and areas not specifically marked for parking.

5. “Official University Guests” are those who are invited by an institutional representative to perform a service or conduct business on the Texas State campus.

6. “Reserved Parking Space/Area” is identified by signs or pavement markings.

7. “Restricted Parking” are areas for use by holders of Red (Restricted) parking permits.

8. “Service/Delivery” are those vehicles operated and parked by persons or business performing job duties throughout campus.

9. “Visitors” are persons other than Texas State degree-seeking and continuing education students, faculty, staff, or frequent users of any university facility, who are temporarily on campus for any reason.

III. Parking Regulations [back to top]

A. Registration of Vehicles

1. The on-line vehicle registration process can be accessed through the Parking Services website (www.parking.txstate.edu) or via Catsweb. Everyone is encouraged to register on-line and well in advance of bringing a vehicle to campus. Permits will only be mailed if the vehicle registration process is completed on-line.

All parking fines must be paid before you can:

• Purchase or exchange a permit.
• Obtain a temporary permit.
• Register for classes.
• Obtain transcripts.

You may not allow someone else to use your permit or gate access card. If you do, both persons could lose their parking privileges for one year.

2. Cost of a yearly Red/Restricted Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$144.00

    Reserved Red/Restricted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$405.00

    Residential Hall/Apartment Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$130.00

    Perimeter Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $72.00

[back to top]

1. Full-time faculty/staff with an annual salary of $25,000 or less are eligible for a reduced permit fee on Perimeter and Red/Restricted Permits.

Note: Faculty and staff who are eligible for a Red-Restricted permit may register only one passenger vehicle but are entitled to one motorcycle permit for a motorcycle ("MC") also registered in their name at no additional charge.

2. On-campus residents may purchase only one permit. Commuters may purchase more than one commuter permit, and each vehicle must be registered with PS.

3. If an employee or on-campus resident leaves or withdraws from the University, the permit and gate access card must be returned to PS as part of the check-out procedure. Permits and access cards cannot be passed to another person. Prorated refunds are available only on permits returned during the same semester the permit was issued. [back to top]

4. A replacement permit can be obtained for $2.00 if:

• The old permit is returned to PS.
• A statement from an insurance company verifies a total loss of the vehicle, or replacement of the windshield.

5. If your permit is lost, stolen, or was left on another vehicle you no longer use, a replacement permit may be obtained for $10 with proper documentation. Always report a lost or stolen permit to PS as soon as possible. If you file a false lost or stolen permit report, you may loose your parking privileges for a year. Anyone found displaying a lost, stolen, or forged permit could lose their parking privileges for one calendar year.

6. Disabled veterans are exempt from paying permit fees, but must always register their vehicle with PS and obtain and properly display an Texas State permit.

7. The dependent child or ward of a faculty or staff member may park the registered vehicle of the faculty/staff member only in Red/Restricted spaces. Contact PS for more information.

B. Types of Standard/Yearly Permits [back to top]

1. Faculty/Staff (Red-Restricted) permits are available to: 1) all Texas State faculty members; 2) permanent and temporary Texas State staff persons employed at least 50%; 3) adjunct faculty and staff persons whose employment is funded by grants or other outside sources (for temporary faculty and staff, permits may only be issued valid through the ending date of the appointment); 4) food service employees (excluding Texas State students); 5) Texas State retirees; and 6) the ASG president and vice-president and others as approved by TPC. Graduate Teaching and Research Assistants are not eligible for a Red-Restricted permit.

2. Reserved Restricted Faculty/Staff Permits are available to faculty/staff persons otherwise eligible for a Red Restricted Faculty/Staff permit. Reserved Spaces are limited. Contact Parking Services for more information on Reserved Spaces.

3.Residence Hall (Green) permits are available to Hall Residents. Residence Hall Permits allow parking in the Green Residence Lots and All-Zone Lots at any time. See Section III.E. for other parking locations and times. While there is ample space for Residents, there is no guarantee of a space adjacent to one’s hall, and there will be times when a Perimeter Lot may be the nearest option. Evening safety escort services are available from these lots.

4. Apartment Residents (Silver) permits are available to students and their family members, who are tenants, living in University-owned apartments.

5. Perimeter (Purple) permits are available to: 1) commuting students; 2) any Texas State faculty or staff persons; 3) commuting graduate assistants and teaching assistants employed by a Texas State department; 4) community members who use university facilities such as the LRC and Rec. Center; or 5) persons who park on campus for any reason on a regular basis or for an extended period of time. Any Faculty or Staff person who has purchased a parking permit may use the Bobcat Tram shuttle bus system.

C. Types of Temporary Permits

1. Visitor/Guests – Visitors to the Admissions Office, Alumni House, and River House must obtain a Visitor/Guest permit from the respective office. The permit allows parking in the designated reserved visitor spaces. Visitors to the LBJ Visitor Center must park in the LBJ Garage. Hosts of official university guests and/or sponsors of official university events must contact PS in advance to obtain guest permits or make parking arrangements. Parents may obtain a visitor's pass from a Parking Services booth, PS, or UPD. Students, faculty, and staff may never display a Visitor/Guest permit.

Note: From 5 P.M. Fridays through 7 P.M. Sundays, Parking Services does not enforce “No Permit” violations on Visitor/Guest vehicles. Students, faculty and staff must always display a Texas State permit. [back to top]

2. One-Day Temporary – Valid until 9 a.m. on the following day. For use by persons who bring a vehicle to campus other than the one(s) already registered at PS. This permit is not to be requested or used on a regular basis in order to avoid the purchase of a permanent Texas State permit. One-Day Temporary permits may be obtained from PS, any Parking Services booth, or the UPD dispatch office after 5 PM and on weekends.

3. Loading Zone* – Valid for 20 minutes while parked in designated loading zone areas for the purpose of loading or unloading heavy or bulky items. Once the items are unloaded, the vehicle should be promptly moved to allow others access to the area.

4. 30-Minute* – For use by persons who must conduct short-term business at JCK. The time-stamped permit must be obtained at the JCK parking control booth and exempts the vehicle from color zone restrictions for 30 minutes. The time is strictly enforced and the permit should not be obtained unless the business can be conducted in less than 30 minutes. A 30-minute permit does not allow the use of metered or other reserved spaces.

5. Service/Delivery* – For those persons required to perform job duties throughout campus. The S/D permit is valid for two hours in signed S/D spaces, 20 minutes in signed loading zones, and exempts the vehicle from color zone restrictions. S/D permits do not allow parking in reserved, handicap or visitor spaces, on yellow lines or curbs, areas not marked for parking, or in fire/emergency zones. Using the S/D permit for any reason other than its intended purpose could result in having the vehicle impounded and the permit confiscated. University departments may request one yearly S/D permit, unless otherwise approved by the TPC. Information about yearly S/D permits is available at PS.

* NOTE: Texas State students, faculty, and staff must also display a valid Texas State standard/yearly permit with loading zone, 30-minute, and service/delivery permits.

6. Vendor Permits - Vendors not eligible for S/D permits, with the approval of PS, may be eligible to purchase a vendor permit.

7. Carpool - Available during the fall and spring semesters. Priority wil be given to carpools of three or more coming from outside the San Marcos area.

8. Temporarily Mobility Impaired (All-Zone) - Persons with a temporary mobility impairment can obtain an “All-Zone” permit with written notification from the Student Health Center or a personal doctor. The expected period of time must be included and cannot exceed 60 days. Vehicles displaying this permit are exempt from the color zone classifications. The All-Zone permit does not authorize the use of disabled parking spaces, visitor, service/delivery, metered, or any other reserved parking space.

9. Weekly Temporary - $3/week for Perimeter and Residence Hall, $5/week for Restricted, may be purchased for up to 8 weeks for use on a vehicle other that the one registered with PS, or when registering a vehicle for a short period of time.

10. Inoperable Vehicles - Immediately report inoperable vehicles to PS or UPD. Vehicles may be tagged to avoid ticketing or towing for a 24-hour period.

 

D. Display of Permits

Hanging tags can be used only with Red-Restricted permits. All others must use the self-adhering decal. Hanging permits must be hung from the rear view mirror and be easily seen below the window tint with the numbers facing forward. If the position of the rear view mirror or the length of tint makes this difficult, inform PS so they can provide an extended length hanging tag. Self-adhering permits must be completely affixed as described on the peel tab of the decal and placed entirely below any window tint. They cannot be taped, glued, laminated or affixed in any other manner, nor transferred to any other vehicle.

 

E. Parking Area Classifications [back to top]

All lots and streets where parking is permitted are color coded by zone. These color zones are indicated on the parking map, and color-coded signs are posted in areas corresponding to the map. Generally, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday you must park in the same color zone as your permit. Vehicles displaying a Red/Restricted Permit may also park in Green areas.

• All Zone/Perimeter areas can be used at any time by vehicles displaying a valid Texas State permit of any color.
• Commuter (Purple) areas are reserved from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. M-F for vehicles displaying a Purple Perimeter Permit. After 3 p.m. and on weekends Purple Commuter areas are open to vehicles displaying a valid Texas State permit of any color.
• Residence Hall (Green) areas are reserved from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. M-F for residents of those color zones who have been issued a Residence Hall Permit. After 5 p.m. and on weekends these areas are open to vehicles displaying a valid Texas State permit of any color.
• Apartment Resident (Silver) parking areas are reserved 24/7 for those residents.
• Red/Restricted areas are reserved from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. M-F with the following exceptions: 1) R-4 (Alkek Garage) is reserved until 6 p.m.; 2) R-3 (Nueces) is reserved 24 hours, M-F; and 3) lots R-14, R-18 and R-33 are reserved until 3 p.m. After these hours and on weekends, these lots are open to vehicles displaying a valid Texas State permit of any color.
• Reserved Red/Restricted Faculty/Staff spaces are reserved 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday.
• Parking is not permitted in the President’s Lot from midnight to 7 a.m. M-F or on weekends.
• Spaces with signs, barricades, curb or pavement markings indicate a reserved space or area. Visitor spaces are always off-limits to student, faculty and staff. Carpool spaces can be used by all permit holders after 3:00 p.m. Remember, if in doubt...don’t park. Check with PS if you have a question about a particular area.

F. Gate Access Cards

One gate access card is available only to eligible faculty and staff upon request. There is a $10 replacement fee for lost or damaged cards. You may not allow anyone else to use your gate access card.

G. Motorcycles

All motorcycles spaces are considered “All-Zone” unless otherwise designated with a sign or pavement marking. Note: motorcycles may not park in car spaces, and four-wheeled vehicles may not park in MC spaces.

 

H. Special Event Parking

There may be times when an additional parking fee is required at special events. Parking at Texas State football games is one example.

 

I. Summer Term Parking

During summer school sessions, vehicles displaying a valid Texas State permit may park in any color zone with the exception of San Jacinto Hall, and those designated for Red (Restricted) and Silver (Apartment) permits.

 

J. “Between” Term/Mini-Session Parking

During the time between the last scheduled day of finals and the first class day of the next term vehicles displaying a valid Texas State permit may park in any color zone except lots and streets protected by a traffic control booth or traffic control device, Silver (Apartment) areas, and San Jacinto Hall. This also applies during Mini-Sessions held between regular terms.

 

K. Dead Day

All regular parking rules are enforced on “Dead Day.”

 

L. Mobility Impaired

Only persons displaying a state-issued disabled person license plate or hanging tag can use the designated disabled parking spaces. All student, faculty and staff must also display a valid Texas State permit in addition to the disabled person plate or hanging tag. If all the disabled spaces are full, any legal space can be used with the exception of reserved spaces such as visitor, metered, hall director, and service/delivery spaces.

 

M. Student Health Center Parking

The SHC parking lot is for use by patients of the facility only. If a vehicle is parked in the lot and the driver is not in the SHC, the vehicle will be towed.

 

N. LBJ Student Center Garage

This garage is not under the supervision of PS. It is operated and managed by the LBJ Student Center. There is a fee to park in the LBJ Student Center Garage. Texas State Parking Permits are not required. Sponsors of functions being held at the LBJ Student Center should direct attendees to use the garage. Anyone interested in more information about the garage should contact the Student Center’s business office.

 

O. Metered Spaces

There are coin-operated metered spaces throughout the campus for use by visitors and guests. Students, faculty, and staff are prohibited from using metered spaces (whether the car is permitted or not) unless otherwise designated by signs.

 

P. Bobcat Village Visitors Spaces

Students, faculty and staff may NOT use the visitors spaces at Bobcat Village.

 

Q. Round Rock Higher Education Center

All Texas State parking rules and regulations apply to the Round Rock campus. Students, faculty and staff on the Round Rock campus are not considered “visitors” of the Texas State campus, must always display a Texas State permit, and park according to the Texas State rules and regulations.

IV. Enforcement

A. Parking Violations [back to top]

1. Parking Out-of-Zone (impound violation) - Parking in a zone not authorized by the color of permit displayed.

2. Parking in a Loading Zone (impound violation) - Parked in a loading zone without a loading zone permit, or for more than 20 minutes from the time stamped on the LZ permit.

3. Parked in a No-Parking Zone (impound violation) – Parked:

a) where prohibited by signs, ground markings, or yellow curbs.

b) where there is no marked space.

c) on grass, dirt, or any other unimproved ground which is not designated for parking.

d) in a fire lane, construction area, or bus lane.

4. Parked in a Reserved Space (impound violation) – Parked illegally in a designated reserved space or area.

5. Blocking Drive/Sidewalk (impound violation) – Parking in a way which obstructs driveways, sidewalks, crosswalks, streets, or disabled access.

6. Parallel Parking Opposite the Flow of Traffic, or with the Curbside Wheels More than 18 Inches from the Curb.

7. Parked in a Backed-in Position – Parking in an angled space with the back of the vehicle toward the curb or pavement marking.

8. Failure to Park in a Marked Space – Failure of one vehicle to park in a marked space does not justify others to park illegally.

9. Double Parked (impound violation) – Parking or stopping a vehicle on the roadway side of a vehicle already parked on the curb of a street or parking lot.

10. No Parking Permit Displayed (impound violation) – Parked on campus at any time without a valid Texas State parking permit.

Note: If the operator owns a valid Texas State permit and was parked in his correct color zone, the violation can be reduced to “Improper Display.”

11. Improper Display of Permit – Having the permit laminated, taped, not completely affixed, or displayed in the wrong manner/location.

12. Parked in Disabled Space Without Displaying a State Issued Disabled Persons Permit (impound violation).

13. Displaying a Current Texas State Permit which has been Altered or Forged; reported Lost or Stolen; or is being used in a Fraudulent Manner (impound violation and loss of parking privileges for one year). Appeals of this enforcement action may be made in writing to the Transportation and Parking Committee, c/o Parking Services.

14. Parked at a metered space where time has expired.

 

B. Suspension of Parking Privileges and Holds

1. Once a semester, Parking Services will send ticket notices to persons with unpaid parking fines. Persons whose fines remain unpaid will be prohibited from registering for classes, obtaining transcripts, purchasing or obtaining a Texas State parking permit, and risk the loss of their parking privileges.

2. Chronic Offender Policy – Anyone who has parked a vehicle or vehicles on University property which has been issued five or more tickets within a continuous 12-month period, regardless of whether the tickets are paid or on appeal, will be considered a Chronic Offender of the University's parking rules. Chronic Offenders may continue to park legally on campus, however, when a vehicle which has been assigned to a Chronic Offender is found illegally parked, it is subject to: 1) immediate impound and 2) a $150 Chronic Offender fee

C. University Violation Notices

1. Fines for parking violations are as follows:

Improper Display of Permit -- $10

Parked in Disabled Space -- $100

Altered/Forged/Lost/Stolen/Fraudulent Use -- $150

Expired Meter -- $15

Chronic Offender Fee -- $150

All Other Violations -- $35

If a fine is not paid within 10 working days, a $15 late fee is assessed.

2. When a violation notice is issued on a vehicle displaying a Texas State permit, proof that the permit was owned by an individual is prima facie evidence that the owner of the permit received the violation notice and committed the offense. If no permit is displayed, proof that the vehicle was owned by an individual is prima facie evidence that the owner received the violation notice and committed the offense.

3. Unpaid charges for violations are recorded in either the name of the student, faculty or staff person who:

a) bought the permit displayed, or who had previously bought a permit for that vehicle;

b) has previously paid violations on that vehicle;

c) was identified as the driver or owner of the vehicle; or

d) has the same last name and/or the home address of the registered owner of the vehicle.

 

D. Appeals of University Violations, Vehicle Boot/Impounds, and Suspensions [back to top]

To help assure fairness in the enforcement of parking violations, a two-tiered appeals process was created to hear appeals of violation notices.

Level One: You may first ask to speak with a PS Officer about the ticket. The officer may recommend to the Parking Services Manager cancellation of the fee, in part or whole, or refer the individual to level two of the appeal process.

Level Two: Any person who is not satisfied with the decision by the PS Officer may have the citation reviewed by a Parking Appeals Committee consisting of students, faculty, and staff persons. The Committee’s charge is to determine: 1) if the enforcement action was in accordance with the University’s Traffic and Parking Regulations, and 2) if an extreme or extenuating circumstance might warrant dismissal or reduction of the fee. To file a Level Two appear you must:

Complete the appeal form (available at Parking Services).

Pay the violation charges.

File the appeal at Parking Services within 10 working days from the time the ticket was issued.

Appeals of a boot removal fee, fees associated with the release of an impounded vehicle, and parking suspensions must be made in writing to the TPC. Persons will be notified of the findings in writing. The Committees’ decisions are final and refunds of fines and fees are sent to the last reported permanent address.

V. Campus Bike Policy

Texas State encourages the safe use of bikes and other forms of alternate transportation to access the campus. When operating a bike on campus, please remember the following:

• Bikes are subject to the same traffic laws and regulations as motorized vehicles, including adherence to traffic signs and signals, traveling with the flow of traffic, and yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians.
• Bikes must be secured to bike racks only and those that are not are subject to removal by UPD at the owner’s cost.
• The pedestrian walking mall west to east from the LBJ Student Center to Old Main, and south to Nueces is a “Dismount Zone”. Other Dismount Zones are signed. These are high-use pedestrian pathways and you must always dismount and walk your bike through these zoned areas.

VI. University Police Department

A. The University Police Department is a public service-oriented law enforcement agency responsible for the protection of the Texas State community, visitors, and university property. The department is staffed by state licensed police officers who enforce federal, state and local laws, in addition to university rules and regulations. The UPD is located at LBJ and Bobcat Trail, and is available to address the needs of Texas State on a 24-hour basis.

The EMERGENCY phone number is 911.

The non-emergency phone number is 245-2890.

The lost/found property number is 245-2197.

Yellow emergency phone boxes (with a blue light above) are located throughout the campus. They provide direct communication to the Police Department.

B. Safety Escort Services are provided during evening hours by the Parking and Security Services Divisions, in addition to reporting suspicious activity to the police dispatcher. Call 245-SAFE for information.

C. Crime Prevention Officers give presentations on personal security, property protection, sexual assault awareness, and operation identification at the start of the spring and fall semesters. Other group presentations can be scheduled by contacting the UPD.

D. Public Service Officers are a vital, non-commissioned part of the Texas State Police Department. Some of their duties include: 1) operation of parking control booths, 2) motorist assistance, 3) parking control at special events, 4) enforcement of parking rules and regulations, 5) communications support, 6) security escort service, and 7) security at the Alkek Library and Aquarena Springs.

Parking Services is open Monday-Friday during normal University business hours. The office is located in Nueces Hall, Bobcat Trail and LBJ Streets. Parking Services may be contacted at 245-2887. Changes to the Parking Rules and Regulations, ticket history, and online vehicle registration and ticket payment links can be found on the web at www.parking.txstate.edu.

Parking “Fast Facts” [back to top]

• All students, faculty and staff who operate or park a vehicle on campus must register the vehicle with Parking Services and purchase a permit.
• Parking areas on central campus are dedicated for use by faculty, staff and on-campus residents. Commuter parking is located on the perimeter of the campus. The university’s shuttle bus system provides transportation service from these lots to central campus.
• Your permit does not guarantee a parking space, and lack of space never justifies parking illegally.
• There are no "After Hours" when the parking rules do not apply. Permits are required 24 hours a day and the rules are enforced at all times.
• Never park where there are yellow curbs, in “No Parking” areas, in spaces marked as reserved for someone else, in areas not specifically marked for parking, and visitor spaces.
• Just because you've parked there before without getting a ticket doesn’t mean it is a legal space.
• Displaying “flashers” (hazard lights) doesn’t make the space a legal one.
• Learn the special mini-term, between terms, and summer school parking rules.