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Parking Services

2011-2012 Traffic & Parking Regulations


Policy Statement

These regulations are prepared and distributed to assist those who plan to operate and/or park motor vehicles on University of Alabama property. There is a continuing effort to provide the highest level of service ensuring the safest and most efficient use of University Parking resources.

Table of Contents

Authority

Moving Violations

Parking Requirements

Motorcycles & Scooters

Parking Violations & Fines

Reservation of Space

Board of Review

Parking and Traffic Rules

Retired Faculty/Staff Parking

Citation Appeals

Payment of Fines

Temporary Employees

Handicapped Parking (Students & Staff

Permits

Temporary Permits

Impounding of Vehicles

Registration Dates

Visitors/Vendors

Lost/Stolen Permits

Registration Information

Zone Permit Parking

Authority

These regulations are established by virtue of the authority vested in the Board of Trustees in accordance with state statutes. By virtue of the powers granted to the Board of Trustees by the Constitution, the Board of Trustees has the authority to adopt and promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for the management and governance of the institution. These powers may be delegated to various University officials for the governance of students and the administration of University Affairs, Ref: Alabama Code §§16-47-2, 34(1975).

The responsibility of obtaining knowledge of all laws and regulations in force rests with the motor vehicle operator. Students, faculty, and staff are expected to be familiar with and abide by these regulations. The fact that a violation notice is not issued when a vehicle is illegally parked does not mean or imply that the regulations or laws are no longer in effect.

All ordinances of the City of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, related to traffic which are not in conflict with or inconsistent with these regulations, are made a part thereof and are enforceable as provided herein.

Statement of Accuracy

As a result of the dynamic environment every effort is made to ensure accuracy of information provided on written material such as maps or University signage however, one should consult www.bamaparking.ua.edu for any recent updates pertaining to rules, regulations and announcements. The website, www.bamaparking.ua.edu, will supersede any written material as a determining factor.

Reservation of Space

The University of Alabama reserves the right to set aside areas for special events, i.e., concerts, athletic events, parades, funerals, etc., in all parking areas of the University campus. The University further reserves the right to temporarily block certain areas of street and/or parking lots in order to facilitate repairs to same, without notice to the general public.

Parking Requirements

These Parking and Traffic Regulations are effective August 16, 2011, and are subject to change at any time. All vehicles operated on The University of Alabama campus by students, faculty, and staff between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday must properly display a current University of Alabama parking permit. Safety violations are enforced twenty four hours a day and seven days a week. Registration in itself is no guarantee of a parking space, or to be near the place where one works or attends class. The responsibility of finding a legal parking space rests with the vehicle operator. A lack of space where one would like to park is not a valid excuse for violating any parking regulation. The use of emergency flashers or personal dash placards (notes) does not allow you to park illegally. Vehicles parking in such a manner will be subject to receiving a citation.

Registration Dates - Students Fall Online Registration

Please consult www.bamaparking.ua.edu for dates and information.

Registration Dates - Faculty/Staff Fall Online Registration

Please consult www.bamaparking.ua.edu for dates and information.

A Faculty/Staff parking permit shall be issued to the following:

  • Full time faculty and staff members.
  • Part time faculty and staff members who are NOT currently enrolled as a student.

Temporary Employees

Temporary employees are required to purchase a parking permit based on the following conditions:

  • Those employed for up to three months are required to purchase a visitor/vendor permit for the period that they are on campus.
  • All temporary employees hired for more than three months are required to purchase a regular faculty/staff parking permit.

Faculty, Staff, and Students from Surrounding local Institutions

Faculty, staff and students from surrounding local institutions that visit The University of Alabama campus will be required to purchase a visitor/vendor permit from the Transportation Services office. Faculty or staff members that are employed by both The University of Alabama and a local college or university will be required to purchase a faculty/staff permit. Students that are dually enrolled will be required to purchase a University of Alabama permit. It is the faculty, staff, and student’s responsibility to know and abide by The University of Alabama's rules and regulations.

Visitors/Vendors

The University welcomes all visitors to campus, however, visitors are asked to bring their valid driver's license to obtain a parking pass from the Transportation Services office, located inside the Student Services Center. Visitor/Vendor permits can be purchased in the following increments: $5.00 for one day, $75.00 for one month, $125.00 for three months, and $175.00 for six months. Visitor/vendor's may purchase these permits at 103 Student Services Center between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Vehicle license plate information is required. Parking is available for $5.00 on the top level of the Campus Drive parking deck, the top level of the North ten Hoor parking deck and the lower entrance of the Ferguson parking deck. Visitors must vacate prior to 7:00 am the next day. Vehicles parked in decks not displaying a current permit or valid parking receipt are subject to being cited. Vehicles violating time restrictions are subject to receive a citation, up to and including towing and impoundment. Visitor/Vendor parking permits are valid in all legal parking spaces unless otherwise restricted to a designated zone or area (note the restrictions on the front of the permit).

  • Visitor/ Vendor Parking Permit Form - This permit is for any visitor/vendor performing services at The University of Alabama.
  • UA Patron Parking Registration Form - This permit is only for patrons of The University of Alabama who will be utilizing the services of the Recreation Center, the Aquatic Center and Moody Music. This permit will only be valid in the area specified on the permit.

Temporary Emergency Parking Permits

  • Students who are disabled on a temporary basis and need transportation beyond the capabilities of the university's transit system must obtain a parking permission slip from a staff doctor at the Student Health Center to substantiate the request. Bring the parking permission slip to the Transportation Services office to obtain a temporary accessible parking permit.
  • Temporary emergency parking permits must be displayed from the rearview mirror in front of the University permit. All information must be visible at all times.
  • Temporary Emergency parking permits are available at no cost to individuals with a current parking permit.
  • Your parking permit must accompany the temporary emergency parking permit, unless on file at the Parking Services office.

Permits

Parking permits are issued for the area for which you are zoned. All parking permits must be displayed from the rearview mirror, with the permit number facing forward at all times, when parking on campus. Failure to display your permit could result in your vehicle being wheel-locked or impounded.

  • Permits may be transferred and used on more than one vehicle. You are responsible for your permit at all times and all citations written while your permit is displayed.
  • Student permits that are lost or stolen will be replaced at the current year or semester permit fee, whichever applies. A police report describing forcible entry must be presented before a stolen permit will be replaced free of charge. Lost/Stolen Permit Form
  • Faculty/staff lost or stolen permits will be replaced at a prorated rate based on the current month. A police report describing forcible entry must be presented before a stolen permit will be replaced free of charge. Lost/Stolen Permit Form
  • Permit exchanges, at the request of the owner, will be charged an exchange fee of 10.00.
  • All permits are the property of The University of Alabama and must be surrendered upon separation. Permits are not to be given, resold, or transferred to another individual.
  • Handicap permits, motorcycle permits, or exchanging a permit must be done in person at the Transportation Services front counter.
  • First semester graduate students if desired zone is closed to further sales you must come to the Transportation Services front counter to request a waiver.
  • Spring or summer semester permits will be sold at a reduced rate at the Transportation Services front counter.

Items needed for front counter transactions

  • Campus Wide Identification Number and photo ID.
  • Residential students must provide documentation of on-campus residency.
  • Vehicle license plate information.

Current Registration Fee Payment Method

  • Students will be billed by the Office of Student Receivables.
  • Faculty/staff purchasing a permit over the counter may payroll deduct, (if eligible), pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card. All other Faculty and Staff must register for their parking permits online and pay in full with a credit card or elect to payroll deduct for 12 monthly payments (or for the months the permit is valid).

Refund Policy for Students:

  • Students who purchase a permit in the fall of 2011, will pay the full yearly price for the permit. Students who leave the university in December and do not plan on returning in the spring can elect to return their parking permit for a partial refund until January 6, 2012. As a reminder, regardless if the parking permit is returned or not, permits will be deactivated upon separation from the university.

Refund Policy for Faculty/Staff:

  • Faculty/Staff who paid in full for a permit and leave the university during the permit year will be eligible to receive a refund if the permit is returned. The amount of the refund will depend on the prorated price at the time the permit is returned. As a reminder, regardless if the parking permit is returned or not, permits will be deactivated upon separation from the university.
  • Faculty/Staff who elect to pay the monthly fee for their permit and leave the university the remaining monthly fees will be deducted from your last paycheck if the permit is not returned to Transportation Services. Permits not returned prior to final paycheck are subject to the remaining balance being deducted in the final check. However, individuals will have an opportunity to recoup this up to 1 month after separation date from the university if permit is returned. Permits are a month in arrears, individuals will be responsible for paying for the month the permit was returned. As a reminder, regardless if the parking permit is returned or not, permits will be deactivated upon separation from the university.

Zone Permit Parking

 

BLUE PERMIT:

Accessible (Physically Handicapped)

Parking:

Blue Zone or any legal parking space.

GREEN PERMIT:

Faculty, Administration and Staff

Parking:

Green Zones, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Level of the North ten Hoor Parking Deck, Campus Drive Parking Deck, Ferguson Parking Deck, Level One Ridgecrest South Parking Deck, Student Upper Rec Lot, Perimeter and Time Limits.

BLACK PERMIT:

Reserve Faculty/Staff and Student

Parking:

Their designated reserve deck/lot, Upper Student Rec Lot, Perimeter and Time Limits.

RED PERMIT:

Commuter Student (lives off campus)

Parking:

  • West Commuter Zone: Includes west Commuter zone surface lots, North ten Hoor Parking Deck, Level One of the Ridgecrest South Parking Deck, Upper Student Rec Lot, Perimeter and Time Limits.
  • Northeast Commuter Zone: Includes Northeast Commuter Zone surface lots, Upper Student Rec Lot, Perimeter and Time Limits.
  • Southeast Commuter Zone: Includes Southeast Commuter Zone surface lots, Upper Student Rec Lot, Perimeter and Time Limits.

GOLD PERMIT:

Retired Faculty and Staff

Parking:

Any available, legal surface lot parking space except reserved lot areas.

TAN PERMIT:

Resident Student

Parking:

Tan Zone, Upper Student Rec Lot and Time Limits.

ORANGE PERMIT:

Resident Student

Parking:

Orange Zone, Upper Student Rec Lot and Time Limits.

SILVER PERMIT:

Resident Student

Parking:

Silver Zone, Upper Student Rec Lot and Time Limits.

YELLOW PERMIT:

Resident Students

Parking:

Yellow Zone, Ferguson Parking Deck, Ridgecrest South Parking Deck, Upper Student Rec Lot and Time Limits.

PERIMETER PERMIT:

Faculty/Staff and Students

Parking:

Perimeter Zone and Time Limits.

UA PATRON

Non-affiliated Patrons of the University

Parking:

Designated areas only

Deck Access

Individuals purchasing permits designated with deck access must swipe their action card in the A slot. Swiping your action card in the B slot will deduct $5.00 from your Bama Cash account. A one-time $5.00 refund will be issued for mistakenly swiping the wrong slot. Other options include, depositing $5.00 in the cash/token receptacle or purchasing a token for $5.00 at one of the token machines available at each deck or at the front counter of Transportation Services. Vehicles parked in decks are required to display either the correct zone permit or a current day's parking receipt. Individuals using Bama Cash will not receive a receipt when their card is swiped. Bama Cash users that receive a citation for improper entry/exit of the parking deck should call 348-5471 the following day to request a swipe inquiry. If verified by Parking Services the citation will be dismissed. With the exception of residential students with deck access, individuals must remove their vehicles from the parking deck by 7:00 am. Vehicles not displaying a current day's receipt are subject to being cited.  

Accessible (Handicapped) Parking - Students and Staff

Blue permits will be issued to students, faculty, and staff who are certified for accessible parking by the State of Alabama, or by the state in which the accessible needs individual resides. Bring your state issued accessible documentation (placard and receipt) to the Transportation Services office, 103 Student Services Center, to obtain a University Accessible permit. For access to the State of Alabama form, link here. Failure to obtain a University Accessible parking permit may result in a citation for failure to register.

Impounding of Vehicles

All vehicles not parked in accordance with University Parking and Traffic Rules and Regulations, including safety hazards, are subject to being cited, towed or impounded and held until all citations, tow charges and storage fees are paid. Vehicles parked on campus without a license plate and/or vehicle identification number visible are subject to immediate impoundment until proof of ownership can be established.

Note: Impounded vehicles not claimed by the third school day will be assessed a daily $5.00 storage fee.

Parking and Traffic Rules

  • Standard rules of the road for the city, county, and state will be observed on campus.
  • Zone Enforcement Hours are 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Safety violations as well as Handicap regulations are in place at all times.
  • Faculty in Residence regulations are in place at all times. 
  • SPECIAL INTERIM AND SUMMER TERM RULE: Residential students will be allowed access to Perimeter Zones in conjunction with the individual's designated residential zone. Faculty reserve and faculty/staff permits will be allowed access to non- occupied Residential Communities. If you are unsure that the Residential Community is not occupied check with Parking Services prior to parking in that area.
  • Driving or parking in a transit lane, parking at a yellow curb, yellow line, fire hydrant, State parking, and blue ramped sidewalk is prohibited at all times and will subject vehicle to impoundment by Transportation Services.
  • LOADING AND SERVICE ZONES: Parking is restricted to delivery service and vendor vehicles for the purpose of loading and unloading only. Individuals needing to temporarily park their personal vehicle in a loading zone must first obtain permission from the Transportation Services office.
  • Double parking on streets or in parking areas is prohibited at all times.
  • Vehicles should be parked within a designated white lined parking space.
  • Permits are only valid when your university status corresponds with your parking permit zone. It is the responsibility of the holder to notify Transportation Service with changes in campus status.
  • All campus parking rules and regulations are in effect during registration and examinations as well as Interim and Summer sessions.
  • The speed limit is 25 mph, except where otherwise posted. Additional reductions in speed may be necessary in areas of vehicular and pedestrian congestion or during inclement weather.
  • Parking on the grass, sidewalks, crosswalks and loading zones is prohibited.
  • Motorists must yield to pedestrians in designated crosswalks.
  • Motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles are subject to the same traffic rules, and are to move in the same direction on the same side of the street as other vehicles. They must not use sidewalks or lawns.
  • The University assumes no liability for damages to vehicles operated or parked on campus. Any such damage is a risk assumed by the owner as operator of the vehicle.
  • Trailers, boats, campers, and similar non-motor vehicles are prohibited from parking on campus.
  • Inability to find a legal parking space will not be accepted as a defense for violations.
  • A faculty or staff member may not register for a permit for the purpose of being used by a student.
  • Failure to display a current parking permit while on campus will result in the issuance of a parking citation.
  • Vehicles not displaying a license plate and/or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) are subject to wheel lock or impoundment.
  • Non-registered vehicles with three citations are subject to wheel lock, towing or impoundment. All charges, including tow charges and outstanding fines, will be assessed before the vehicle is released.
  • Parking permits may be transferred between vehicles.
  • Vehicles left in parking decks without a valid permit or receipt are subject to impoundment.
  • Vehicles impounded and not claimed within 30 days are subject to State of Alabama abandonment code.
  • NO refunds will be given for Patron Permits and Visitor/Vendor Permits.
  • Students' permits will be prorated by semester.
  • Parking permits will be refunded at full cost if returned to the office 30 business days from the date of purchase.
  • Faculty and staff permits can be purchased in full at the prorated amount or be payroll deducted a monthly fee.
  • It will be the purchaser's responsibility to report permits as lost in the mail that are not received within 10 business days from the  date of purchase.  Failure to report your permit lost may result in you receiving parking citations and being required to purchase another permit at the current cost.

Motorcycles and Motorized Scooters

Motorcycle and motorized scooters permits will be valid for one year from August 16th through August 15th of the following year. Individuals that have a current University of Alabama vehicle permit will not be charged to register their motorcycle or motorized scooter. All motorcycles and motorized scooters are required to park in the designated areas corresponding to the individual's University permit. Motorcycle and motorized scooter spaces will be designated by signage and or ground markings. Motorcycles and motorized scooters are not to park in vehicle spaces or pedestrian areas. Violators are subject to fines and impoundment.

Motorcycle Parking Space Location

Parking Violations

If the fine on a citation is greater than the amount indicated by the accumulation record, the greater fine will be levied against the violator.

I.

PARKING VIOLATIONS

 

 

Improper Zone

$50.00

 

Improper Parking

$50.00

 

Parking on Yellow Curb/Fire-lane

$50.00

 

Parking on Yellow Line

$50.00

 

No Parking Space

$50.00

 

Parking on Grass

$50.00

 

Double Parking

$50.00

 

Exceeding Time Limit

$25.00

 

Parking at Fire Hydrant

$50.00

 

Blocking Ramped Sidewalk (Blue)

$100.00

 

Parking in Handicap (Blue) Space (1st offense)

$250.00

 

Parking in Handicap (Blue) Space (2nd offense)

$500.00

 

Parking in a Faculty in Residence Space

$250.00/Tow

 

6th Avenue Reserve Spaces

$150.00/Tow

 

Tow Away Zone

$50.00

 

Dumpster Tow Away Zone

$150.00/Tow

 

Improperly Affixed Permit

$25.00

 

Improper Registration

$25.00

 

Improper Use of a Permit

$50.00

 

Failure to Register

$25.00

 

Failure to Register/Improper Parking

$25.00

 

Use of a Lost/Stolen Permit

$100.00

 

Driving or Parking in a Transit lane

$100.00

 

Wheel Lock/Towed

$100.00

 

Removing or tampering with a Wheel Lock

$200.00

 

Driving or Parking in a bike lane

$100.00

 

Improper Parking/Relocation Fee

$100.00

 

Game Day Tow Fee

$160.00

 

Parking of a motorcycle or motorized scooter in a space intended for an automobile

$25.00

 

Motorcycle or motorized scooter parked in a pedestrian area. (Sidewalks, grassy areas etc.)

$50.00

 

Motorcycle or motorized scooter parked in a pedestrian area and impede the flow of pedestrian traffic or create a safety hazard

Towed and impounded

 

Use of a deactivated permit by original purchaser - A wheel lock will be placed on the vehicle, which will be removed at no cost once the permit is returned. Only the $25.00 fine will be assessed.

$25.00

 

Use of a deactivated permit by other than original purchaser- A wheel lock will be placed on the vehicle, both $25.00 citation and $100.00 wheel lock fee will be assessed and permit must be returned.

$125.00/min

 

Improper entry/exit of a parking deck (Tailgating, unauthorized swipe of another person, unauthorized person using a authorized ACTion card).

$50.00

 

3rd Failure to Register subject to wheel lock plus all outstanding tickets.

$100.00+

Citations

 

Wheel Lock Release Fee

$100.00

 

Failure to Claim impounded vehicle after third school day (Storage fee).

$5.00 per day

 

5th and subsequent violations $50.00 or higher value of citation.

$50.00 minimum

 

10th and subsequent violations $100.00 or higher value of citation.

$100.00 minimum

 

20th citation referred to Judicial Affairs

 


All vehicles impounded or towed are subject to a release fee in addition to all outstanding citations. (Storage fee of $5.00 after the third school day also will apply)

All citations are reflected in the accumulation record of violator. The accumulation period for violators is one (1) year beginning August 16th of the academic year and ending August 15th of the following year.

Moving Violations

Anyone cited for a moving violation will be issued a State of Alabama Uniform Traffic Citation.

Payment of Fines

Students - Parking citations are automatically charged to student accounts. Payments may be made at the Office of Student Receivables, 105 Student Services Center.

Visitors - Visitors can make payments at the University of Alabama Transportation Services office, Room 103, Student Services Center in person or by mail.

Faculty/Staff - You may pay citations at Transportation Services, 103 Student Services Center. 

Three days after the issuance of a citation in which no payment has been made and no appeal filed, the amount of the citation will automatically be processed for payroll deduction.

Citation Appeals

Students: May appeal citations to the University Parking and Traffic Student Court of Appeals.
Faculty/Staff: May appeal citations to the University Parking and Traffic Court of Appeals.
All Appeals are subject to the following stipulations:

  • The citation being appealed must be listed on the appeal form. Visit www.bamaparking.ua.edu for directions on completing the online appeal form.
  • Denied appeals will be assessed a $5.00 processing fee.
  • Individuals must specify on their appeal form, at the time of submission, if they wish to appear before the appeals committee.
  • The following reasons are NOT acceptable for appealing a parking ticket:
    • Lack of knowledge of regulations.

    • No space available, inability to find a legal space, or parking illegally due to other cars parked illegally.

    • Inclement weather.

    • Tardiness to class or an appointment.

    • The use of flashers does not constitute legal parking.

    • Someone other than a Transportation Services employee gave you permission to park.

Link to Citation Appeal Form

Board of Review

The University Parking and Traffic Subcommittee on Appeals and Petitions also exist to hear appeals of student and/or faculty/staff that, because of extenuating circumstances, need a permit different from the one for which they originally qualify. These appeal forms are available, and must be filed, at the Transportation Services office in the Student Services Center.

Retired Faculty/Staff

Any retired faculty/staff member is eligible to receive a University parking permit free of charge. Once verification of retirement is verified in banner and a registration form completed, a two year permit will be issued. The permit expires bi-annually in October. This eliminates the possible long lines that occur in August with the annual permits. The permit is valid in any surface lot on campus except reserve lots. The permit will NOT be valid in any State designated space, faculty-in-residence spaces, community director spaces, handicap spaces unless a state issued plate or placard is displayed on the vehicle, or decks. Retired faculty/staff permits are issued as a privilege and are only to be used by the retiree. Abuse of this privilege could result in the deactivation of the permit.

Need help with your car?

Call Motorist Assistance Program 348-0121 or 348-9494 after 4:30 and weekends.
Last updated 7/2011