Directory | Jobs | Search | Sports | Visitors

 safetyweb.uoregon.edu

Parking Rules & Regulations

Campus Parking

Index

I. General Information

Oregon Statutes (ORS 352.360 and 352.990), and the administrative rules of the Oregon State Board of Higher Education grant authority to the University of Oregon to regulate the use of vehicles on the University of Oregon campus. The University promulgates administrative rules establishing its traffic and vehicle code. These rules appear in Oregon Administrative Rules 571-10-005 et seq. Fees for parking permits and fines and penalties for violating the University's rules are also established in Oregon Administrative rules and appear in OAR 571-60-005 as amended.

All of the State of Oregon's motor vehicle laws (including but not limited to those set out in ORS Chapters 803, 806, 807, 811, 818, and 819 as amended) are applicable to the campus of the University of Oregon to the same extent as they are on public streets and highways.

The University strictly enforces the regulations governing the use of motor vehicles on campus in order to reduce congestion, to maintain a margin of safety, and to allow for maximum use of existing facilities.

All motor vehicle operators who bring a vehicle onto the campus are responsible for obeying state law and the University's traffic and parking regulations. Purchasers of University parking permits are responsible for the proper operation and parking on campus of the vehicles they register, regardless of who operates the registered vehicle.

top

II. Parking Permits: Applicability, Duration, Eligibility, and Issuance

Purchasing a parking permit does not guarantee that a space will be available, and the lack of an appropriate parking space is not an excuse for parking illegally.

Having a current parking permit does not waive the necessity of putting money into the University's parking meters, whenever the vehicle is parked in a metered space. There are some metered spaces that are an exception to this general rule. These spaces are clearly marked for use by vehicles with appropriate parking permits or by individuals who pay for time on the meter. Drivers are responsible for checking the signs and putting money in the meters as required. Overtime parking in a metered space is a parking violation.

Except for visitor permits which are issued for shorter periods of time, parking permits are issued by the month, by the academic term, or by the year.

A. Faculty/staff parking permits are available for purchase by employees with faculty rank (See OAR 580-20-005), and to employees appointed half-time or more in the management and classified service. Graduate teaching fellows who are the teachers of record of classes listed in the Time and Room Schedule may be certified by their department heads and deans to be eligible to purchase a faculty/staff parking permit.

Qualified employees may obtain parking registration materials and instructions from their department office, or from the Department of Public Safety. The signature of an authorized department representative is required on applications for faculty/staff parking permits.

B. Student parking permits are available for purchase by students registered for credit courses at the University of Oregon.

Students may obtain parking registration materials and instructions from the Department of Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety will verify each applicant's student status. Misrepresenting student status can result in parking privileges being revoked, and student disciplinary processes and/or criminal prosecution.

C. Motorcycle, motor scooter and mo-ped parking permits are available for purchase by students, and members of the University's faculty and staff. The permit entitles the registered vehicle to park on campus only in spaces expressly designated for motorcycle parking.

Faculty and staff should follow departmental procedures in obtaining motorcycle permits, and students should apply through the Department of Public Safety.

D. Carpool parking permits are available for purchase by groups of three or more individuals who plan to ride to campus together. At least two of the carpool members must be eligible to purchase a faculty/staff permit or a student permit. The carpool permit is mounted on a plastic hang tag that may be used by any vehicle registered by the members of the carpool. While a carpool member's vehicle is parked on campus, the permit must be hung from the rear-view mirror so that it can be seen easily through the windshield.

Applications for carpool permits must be filed in the Department of Public Safety.

E. Temporary and visitor's parking permits are available for purchase by faculty, staff, students, and others wishing to visit and park on the campus. Permits may be issued for periods of time from one day up to three weeks.

Temporary parking permits are available from the Department of Public Safety and from the kiosk located at Thirteenth and Agate streets.

F. Commercial representative parking permits are available for purchase by off- campus, commercial and business representatives who bring a vehicle to campus at least twice a month to make business transactions. Commercial operations with more than one vehicle may obtain a permit on a plastic hang tag so that it can be used by any one of the operation's vehicles, as necessary.

Commercial parking permits are available on application at the Department of Public Safety.

G. Construction employee parking permits may be available for purchase depending on the nature of the construction contract and the availability of appropriate parking space. If qualified, a contractor having more than one vehicle may have the permit mounted on a plastic hang tag that may be used by any one of the contractor's vehicles when it is parked on campus.

Applications for construction permits may be made at the Department of Public Safety or may be part of the construction contract agreement. Permits contracted for may be picked up at the Department of Public Safety or they may be mailed directly to the contractor.

top

H. Government vehicle (commercial) parking permits are available without charge to U.S. and Oregon state governmental agencies doing business on campus that requires employees to bring agency vehicles to campus regularly.

Government vehicle permits are available on application at the Department of Public Safety.

The University reserves spaces for state owned vehicles that display an "E" license plate. These reserved spaces are made available without charge. These spaces are to be used only while the responsible operator is performing a service for the University.

I. Emeriti parking permits may be available free of charge to University faculty granted emeritus/emerita status and to other retired University employees whose years of service and continuing connections with the University indicate such a benefit is appropriate.

Application for emeriti permits must be made through a University department.

J. Reserved parking spaces for the disabled are available free of charge to students and University employees with temporary or permanent disabilities that make walking from otherwise available parking spaces dangerous, unreasonably arduous, or impossible. Individuals with such disabilities must have purchased the appropriate campus parking permit.

To apply for a reserved space, individuals with qualifying disabilities should submit an application to the Director of Public Safety and include a copy of their current, valid DMV Disabled Placard or a statement from a doctor that verifies qualification and need for a reserved parking space. Reapplication for a reserved parking space must be made at least annually.

Spaces are reserved only for the period from 7 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, unless the applicant can demonstrate the need for the space during the evening or over the weekend.

K. Reserved parking spaces may be assigned to employees paying the established fee whose official University duties require constant travel to meetings and other events off campus during the regular business day. Applications for reserved parking spaces must describe the nature of the employee's assignment that makes a reserved space necessary and must be approved by the employee's dean or department head.

Spaces are reserved only for the period from 7 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, unless the applicant can demonstrate the need for the space during the evening or over the weekend.

The materials required for making an application for a reserved parking space are available in departments. The decision to reserve a space for an applicant rests with the Director of Public Safety.

top

III. Permit Refunds and Replacements

When a permit owner replaces one vehicle with another, he or she should scrape the permit off the old car and bring the remnants to the Department of Public Safety. There, for a replacement fee of $4.00, the Office will issue a new permit for the new vehicle. Failing to remove the old sticker means that the full cost of a new parking permit must be paid. In addition, the former owner of a vehicle that continues to display a parking permit is responsible for the operation of that vehicle while it is on campus, unless the owner goes to the Department of Public Safety and shows the staff there the legal documents transferring ownership of the vehicle to another person.

Permits have, from time to time, been stolen. The Department of Public Safety will replace a permit that has been stolen, free of charge. The owner of the stolen permit must report the theft to the Department of Public Safety in writing. If only the permit was stolen, the new permit may be used only to register the same vehicle or vehicles to which the original permit applied. If the vehicle with the permit on it was stolen and is not recovered, the replacement permit may be used on a different vehicle.

top

IV. Parking Definitions, and Rules and Regulations Applicable to Parking Motor Vehicles on Campus

All vehicles parked in University-owned and controlled parking lots in unmetered spaces, between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (unless otherwise posted) must display a permanent or temporary parking permit. A parking permit allows authorized parking in the lots or spaces specified for use by vehicles with that kind of permit, only.

Parking permits are valid only on the vehicle or vehicles listed on the parking permit application, and for use only by the authorized operators of those vehicles.

Parking permit decals are valid only when they are mounted on the left side of the vehicle's rear bumper or on the rear fender of motor bikes and cycles. The permit decal must be clearly visible from behind the vehicle. Instructions on the proper application of the decal are printed on the permit's backing. Permit decals must be permanently attached to the vehicle by the adhesive on the decal, not by tape or any other temporary method.

Vehicles must be parked so that permits are clearly visible. Head in parking is required in all campus parking lots. Vehicles parked along streets must be parked in the direction of the flow of traffic.

On-campus parking is permitted only in designated University parking lots or along the curbsides of streets where parking is allowed. Parking at off-campus university facilities is permitted as indicated by posted signs and city parking regulations.

Between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., parking lots and spaces not otherwise marked or reserved are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Vehicles must fit within their parking spaces as marked. Vehicles that extend beyond the designated space into the next space, into a median strip, or into the traffic lane will be cited for improper parking. The operators of compact cars are urged to use designated compact-car spaces so that larger spaces may be available for larger vehicles.

No parking is permitted at any time in yellow zones and yellow areas, in firelanes, in driveways, on landscaped areas or on sidewalks.

The lack of a parking space is no excuse for violating any University parking regulation.

Except when they are reserved for other uses through the University's regular processes for reserving out-door space, University parking lots may be used only for parking.

B. Faculty/Staff and Student Permits: Vehicles bearing student parking permits may be parked only in those parking spaces and lots designated for use by students. Vehicles with staff or faculty parking permits may be parked in those parking spaces and lots designated for use by faculty/staff or students. Vehicles with faculty/staff or student permits may not park in a designated visitor's parking lot or space.

Oregon State University offers reciprocal parking privileges to University of Oregon Faculty/Staff and Student permit holders who park on its campus. Similarly, cars bearing Oregon State University permits may use University of Oregon lots as appropriate. This reciprocal arrangement does not extend to other kinds of parking permits.

C. Parking Meters within the area bounded by 13th Avenue, 18th Avenue, University Street, and Agate Street are owned and policed by the University of Oregon. The meters are enforced during the hours posted on the meters, except when the University is in recess for national holidays. Metered spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Users of metered spaces must pay for the time by putting the appropriate coins in the meters or by using an authorized parking meter timing device purchased from the Department of Public Safety. The exception to this rule is parking by vehicles with University parking permits in metered spaces marked for use either by vehicles with such permits or by vehicles whose drivers pay for the time.

Vehicles parked in violation of these regulations shall be ticketed. Additional parking tickets may be issued for continued overtime parking in a metered space.

D. Service and Delivery Zones Definitions: Service vehicles are defined as University-owned service trucks or cars, vehicles with commercial permits, or vehicles with special temporary service permits whose drivers are performing a service for the University of Oregon.

Delivery vehicles are defined as vehicles owned by companies doing pick-up and delivery business with University departments or vehicles with temporary special delivery permits on pick-up and delivery business.

Loading zones are located throughout the campus and are reserved for people loading and unloading heavy or bulky items.

Metered and signed loading zones may be used for no longer than 24 minutes.

Loading zones are enforced at all times unless otherwise posted.

Loading docks are reserved for delivery vehicles including private vehicles making deliveries, but may be used for no longer than 24 minutes.

Loading docks are enforced at all times unless otherwise posted.

Spaces marked as reserved for service vehicles may be used only by service vehicles authorized by the Department of Public Safety. Under special circumstances, a private vehicle may be authorized to use a service vehicle space. Applications for such special permission may be made to the Department of Public Safety.

top

V. Driving Regulations

Drivers on campus must observe posted speed limits. Unless a higher speed is posted, the speed limit on campus streets, driveways and parking lots is 15 miles per hour. Exceeding this speed is an offense under the State of Oregon Motor Vehicle Code.

Within the campus boundaries and at all crosswalks, pedestrians have the right-of- way.

Only vehicles with proper authorization and emergency vehicles are allowed on the closed and limited access portions of 13th Avenue.

The rules of the road and the laws applicable to operating motor vehicles in Oregon are equally applicable on the University of Oregon campus.

top

VI. Miscellaneous Provisions

The operators of vehicles that break down on campus must notify the Department of Public Safety immediately, indicating the location of the vehicle and the operator's plan for removing it. Disabled vehicles must be moved or towed out of right of ways, and may not be left anywhere on the campus for more than 48 hours. No major automotive repairs are permitted on the campus. Disabled vehicles left on campus in violation of these rules will be towed at the owner's expense.

Vehicles not displaying license plates or temporary registrations will be considered abandoned if they are not moved within 48 hours. Abandoned vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.

No one may live in a vehicle of any kind on University property. Streets, parking lots and other areas may not be used for habitation in cars, trailers, campers, motor homes, trucks, buses, or other vehicles. Violators may be cited for improper parking and/or be towed.

Individuals and groups desiring special parking arrangements may apply at the Department of Public Safety for permission. Under some circumstances, a fee may be charged for making special parking arrangements.

Individuals with mobility impairments who wish to attend a campus event that takes place in the evening or on the weekend may contact the Department of Public Safety during regular business hours to arrange accommodations for parking at that event.

top

VII. Enforcement

Campus parking regulations are in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The regulations are enforced by employees of the Department of Public Safety and by Eugene City Police Officers who may issue parking tickets and traffic citations.

top

VIII. Penalties for Parking and Traffic Offenses

top

Tickets issued by the University must be paid at the University of Oregon Business Office within 10 days of the ticket date. Checks should be made out to the University of Oregon. Failure to pay a fine or to make a timely appeal can result in an additional penalty or in reductions in pay or from student deposits. Monetary penalties and fines permitted under OAR 571-10-005 et seq. and assessed under OAR 571-60-005 Special Fees, Fines, Penalties, Service Charges as amended may be deducted from student deposits, and from faculty or staff salaries or from other funds in the possession of the institution as provided by ORS 352.360(2) as amended.

Whenever warranted by the immediate circumstances or when a vehicle has violated University parking regulations repeatedly, a vehicle may be immobilized or towed and impounded at the owner's expense.

Drivers with a number of repeated violations or whose driving and parking behavior poses a threat to campus safety may be subject to more serious sanctions than mere fines. The University Traffic Appeals Officer and/or the University Traffic Appeals Board may recommend to the appropriate University officials that disciplinary action be taken against students or employees, that parking or driving privileges be restricted or suspended, or that parking registration be withdrawn.

top

IX. Traffic Petitions and Appeals

Individuals who receive parking or traffic tickets while on University property and who believe that the ticket was issued in error or that there are mitigating circumstances may petition for reconsideration. Petitions for reconsideration must be addressed to the University's Traffic Petitions Officer at the Department of Public Safety within ten days of the date of the ticket. Appeals from the decision of the Traffic Petitions Officer may be made within five days of the date of the petition response to the Traffic Appeals Board. The address to which petitions and appeals should be mailed is

Department of Public Safety
ATTN: Parking Division
University of Oregon
1319 East 15th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97403-1230

The requirement to pay fines is tolled during the petition and appeals process. Payment of any fine assessed by the Petitions Officer or the Traffic Appeals Board is due within ten days of the final decision.

Petitions for reconsideration by the Traffic Petitions Officer should be in writing and delivered to the Department of Public Safety within ten days of the ticket's issuance.

The Petitions Officer has the authority to seek advice from the Traffic Appeals Board or use discretion to dismiss the violation; find the individual not guilty of the charges; find the individual guilty of the violation or of some lesser violation, and require payment of the fine as assessed or impose an alternative penalty; or find the individual guilty but issue a reprimand or a warning or suspend payment of a penalty.

In determining the appropriate penalty, the Petitions Officer shall take into consideration the driver's traffic penalty record for the past twelve-month period.

A petitioner who is dissatisfied with the Petitions Officer's response may appeal to the Traffic Appeals Board. Such an appeal must be in writing and should allege that the decision of the Petitions Officer was unreasonable or arbitrary or was not supported by substantial evidence. The appeal should be submitted to the Traffic Appeals Board at the address above within five days of the Petitions Officer's decision.

The Traffic Appeals Board is made up of two faculty members, two members of the management service or the classified staff, and two students. Three members of the Board make a quorum. The chair of the Board is selected at the first meeting every year. A majority vote of the members present is needed to overrule the decision of the Petitions Officer.

In considering an appeal, the Board may affirm the Petitions Officer's decision; dismiss the violation, find the individual not guilty of the charges, find the individual guilty of the violation or some lesser violation and impose an alternative penalty; or find the individual guilty but issue a reprimand or a warning or suspend payment of a penalty. The Traffic Appeals Board may allow petitioners to speak before the Board. Requests to speak before the Board should be made in writing when delivering the Appeal to the Department of Public Safety.

In determining the appropriate penalty, the Appeals Board shall take into consideration the driver's traffic penalty record for the past twelve-month period.

top

X. Changes in Campus Parking Regulations

top

XI. Safety Tips

The University does not assume responsibility for any motor vehicle parked on the campus. When they park on campus, individuals assume all risk of accident and agree that the University shall not be liable for personal injury, or for property loss or damage.

Drivers should always lock their cars and take their keys. Leaving valuables in parked cars may be an invitation to theft. Drivers should take valuables with them, or lock them in the vehicle's trunk out of sight.

Use care opening doors in tight parking situations. Dent not your neighbor's vehicle that she or he may show care for your own doors and side panels.

Use good sense on campus after dark. Avoid walking alone. Organize a group to come and go with you when you use the campus at night. Keep to the better lighted pathways. A campus map that shows these ways is available from the Department of Public Safety.

Women may use Project Saferide, a student operated van service that provides free transportation for women only around the campus and to nearby residential neighborhoods after dark.

Individuals with special or emergency escort or transportation needs may call the Department of Public Safety, and assistance will provided if staff is available.

top