Parking and Vehicle Policy

Posted on by
Title: Parking and Vehicle Policy
Policy Owner: Facilities Operations – Logistics
Applies to: Workforce Members, Students, Visitors
Campus Applicability: All UConn Campuses, except UConn Health
Approval Date: May 29, 2025
Effective Date: May 29, 2025
For More Information, Contact Parking Services
Contact Information: parkingservices@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://park.uconn.edu/

BACKGROUND

The University of Connecticut (“UConn”) is authorized by state law[1] to promulgate rules and regulations concerning the parking and operation of all Motor Vehicles on UConn campuses, which include its Main Campus (Storrs), its Law School (Hartford), and each of its Regional Campuses.

Facilities Operations has overall supervisory responsibility for parking and Motor Vehicle operations at UConn Storrs, UConn Law School, and Regional Campuses.  UConn Parking Services, a subdivision of Logistics, is designated to enforce these rules and regulations.

PURPOSE

To establish a framework for the allocation, regulation, and enforcement of parking and vehicle use across UConn campuses, ensuring equitable access, safety, and alignment with the University’s operational needs and mission.

APPLIES TO

Workforce members, students, and visitors on the UConn Storrs, UConn Law School, and Regional Campuses.

DEFINITIONS

Bicycle: Any wheeled vehicle that is not self-propelled and is designed to be pedaled by the rider.

Employee, Regular Payroll: UConn employees who receive UConn bi-weekly paychecks created during its regularly scheduled payroll processes and who are, therefore, eligible for pre-tax Parking Permit fee deductions and the annual extension of preexisting permit parking privileges.

Employee, Special Payroll: UConn employees whose employment periods are part-time, seasonal, or contractually limited.

Hand/Stair Rail: Any railing intended to provide physical support to a pedestrian.

Immobilization: Restricting the vehicle’s use by detaining it at the point of infraction with a UConn locking device.

Impoundment: Removing the owner’s lock, transporting the vehicle to a UConn facility and detaining it.

Motor Vehicle: A motorized conveyance designed for transportation, including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, motorbikes, motor scooters, and mopeds. Motor Vehicles are classified into the following categories based on their design, engine capacity, and/or Connecticut state law and regulatory requirements:

  1. Motorcycle: A Motor Vehicle with no more than three wheels in contact with the ground, designed with a saddle or seat for the rider or a platform for standing. Motorcycles may not be operated on sidewalks under state law. This includes:
    • Motor scooters with an engine capacity greater than 50 cubic centimeters (cc), which are classified as motorcycles under Connecticut state law and require registration and a valid motorcycle license for operation on public roadways.
    • Bicycles with an attached motor, except those classified as mopeds (bicycles with a helper motor).
  2. Motorized Personal Transportation Vehicle (MPTV): A vehicle or device used for human transport that does not require a license to operate and is propelled by a fuel- or battery-driven motor. This includes:
    • Electric bicycles
    • Electric skateboards
    • Hoverboards
    • Self-balancing electric scooters
    • Gasoline-powered scooters
    • Mopeds (bicycles with a helper motor)
      • A moped is a bicycle equipped with a helper motor with the following characteristics:
        • Engine capacity of less than 50 cubic centimeters (cc)
        • Not exceeding two brake horsepower
        • Maximum speed of 30 mph with automatic transmission
        • Not subject to registration, but operators must have a valid motorcycle license to ride on public roadways.
  3. Motor Scooter: A subset of vehicle under MPTVs or Motorcycles, depending on engine size:
    • Scooters with an engine capacity of less than 50 cc are classified as “bicycles with a helper motor” (mopeds).
    • Scooters with an engine capacity greater than 50 cc are classified as motorcycles under state law, requiring registration and a motorcycle license for operation on public roadways.

      Parking Citation (‘Citation’): The written documentation of a violated parking regulation; any associated parking fine(s) will remain due until it is either paid or an appeal is upheld.

      Parking Permit (‘Permit’): UConn Parking Permits authorize parking by the permit holder on designated areas of UConn campuses, with some restrictions. Permits are available for online purchase year-round by UConn employees and students.

      Public Safety Equipment: Any system or resource necessary for the prevention of and protection from events that could endanger the safety of the public from significant danger, injury/harm, or damage, such as crimes or disasters.  For example, fire hydrants and blue light emergency phones.

      POLICY STATEMENT

      The operation and parking of a Motor Vehicle on UConn campuses is a privilege granted by UConn. All individuals who operate or park a Motor Vehicle on UConn campuses must comply with applicable state and federal laws, as well as UConn policies. All vehicles, including Bicycles, skateboards, and MPTVs, must be operated in a manner that does not endanger pedestrians or obstruct pathways.

      The University reserves the right to restrict or regulate any transportation device that poses a safety hazard.

      Parking Permits

      Parking on UConn campuses, including Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Motor Scooters, requires a valid Parking Permit. MPTVs do not require Parking Permits but they are subject to all vehicle and traffic laws on UConn campuses.

      All workforce members and students who park on UConn campuses must register their vehicles with UConn Parking Services and display a valid UConn Parking Permit when parked on campus. Parking Permits are valid for the permit holder only as Parking Permits are not transferable. A Parking Permit grants the holder the opportunity to park within designated area(s), but it does not guarantee the availability of a parking space. Not finding a space in a preferred lot is not a valid reason for violating parking policy or regulations.

      Students enrolled at institutions other than UConn are considered visitors and must use designated visitor parking for a fee. UConn students employed by UConn are NOT eligible for the purchase of employee Parking Permits.

      Affiliated individuals who park on UConn campuses are required to purchase an Area 2 Parking Permit to be authorized to park.

      Parking Services is not authorized to issue temporary state handicap parking placards.

      UConn Parking Permit holders are responsible for keeping their vehicle information up to date. Any changes to vehicle registration must be reported to Parking Services immediately.

      Parking Services reserves the right to revoke a Parking Permit and its associated privileges before its expiration.

      Restricted Parking

      Parking of any vehicle, including Bicycles, is strictly prohibited in the following areas unless explicitly designated:

      • Sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, and crosswalks or anywhere that obstructs or negatively impacts pedestrian movement
      • Alleyways, fire lanes, driveways, loading zones, ADA parking transfer zones
      • Within 10 feet of fire hydrants or Public Safety Equipment
      • Adjacent to UConn buildings
      • Inside buildings, under overhangs, or in breezeways
      • Secured to unauthorized structures (e.g., trees, Hand/Stair Rails, bollards, fences, signposts, or Public Safety Equipment)
      • Any location or manner that creates, or has potential to create, a public safety hazard such as blocking or encumbering a building entrance or exit

      Additionally:

      • Bicycles must be parked in designated Bicycle racks.
      • Overnight parking, not specifically authorized by University Permit privileges, posted signage, or written communication from Parking Services is prohibited.
      • Severe weather may require UConn to modify or suspend normal parking operations. Vehicles that impede snow removal will be ticketed by UConn Parking Services and/or towed.
      • Vehicles abandoned or otherwise parked for an extended period in an inoperable or neglected condition may be impounded without notice by Parking Services, at the owner’s risk and expense.

      Event parking may require temporary redirection of Permit holders to alternate parking locations. Permit holders must comply with posted signage or instructions from Parking Services regarding event-related parking adjustments.

      Parking Citations

      • Failure to display a valid Parking Permit or comply with applicable laws, regulations, and policies may result in Parking Citations, towing, or revocation of parking privileges. The registered owner of the cited Motor Vehicle is responsible for the payment of the associated fines.
      • Unpaid Parking Citations after 14 days are considered delinquent, accrue late fees, and cannot be appealed.
      • Unauthorized vehicles in restricted areas may be impounded at the owner’s expense.

      ENFORCEMENT

      Parking rules and regulations are enforced year-round, including during academic recesses. University Permit parking privileges are strictly enforced in most surface lots between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, unless otherwise posted. Parking garages are enforced 24/7 year-round. Although Permits are not required in most employee and student commuter lots after 5 PM, they are required in all resident and apartment lots and in other restricted locations 24/7.

      Violations of this policy or procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

      PROCEDURES

      Parking Permits

      See Parking Services/Permits for specific Parking Permit information.

      Employees

      Employee Parking Permits are available for purchase throughout the year. See: Employee Permit Parking information.

      New UConn Regular and Special Payroll Employees may register and purchase their UConn Parking Permits online or may apply for and purchase their Parking Permits at the Parking Services Office in Storrs.
      Only Regular Payroll Employees are eligible for payroll-deducted Permits.

      Special payroll Employees must pay for their Parking Permits upfront using a credit/debit card, check, or money order.

      Renewal of Permits

      The parking privileges of Regular Payroll UConn Employees are automatically extended from one Permit year to the next. Those who secure their parking privileges using payroll deductions will be given the opportunity to discontinue their deductions.  Special payroll Employees must manually renew their Parking Permit if they continue working at UConn in subsequent semesters. Permits purchased using check, money order or credit/debit card can be cancelled through Parking Services for refunds according to the prorated refund schedule.

      Students

      Permit types and eligibility are based on academic credit hours and housing status. Parking Permits are available for students living off campus (commuter); on campus (resident); or teaching assistants/graduate assistants (GA/TA). UConn annual student Parking Permits remain valid from the start of the fall semester to the end of summer recess.

      See: Student Parking Permit Product and Sales Information for the Storrs and Regional campuses.

      See: Resident Parking Permits Rates, Types, & Eligibility.

      • Resident Student Permits: Students with 54 or more earned academic credits assigned UConn housing on the Storrs or Regional campuses are eligible to purchase a Resident Parking Permit.
      • Exceptions to 54 Credit Rule for Resident Students: Exceptions for resident students with fewer than 54 credits are limited to medical needs or life events that require a resident student to have a car on campus. Documentation may be required, and parking is typically restricted to Lot J or other perimeter lots.  Off-campus employment obligations do not qualify for an exemption from the 54-earned-credit-hour prerequisite.
      • Commuter Student Permits: All Commuter students are eligible to purchase available Commuter Parking Permits.
      • Student Carpool Permits: Only commuter students are eligible to purchase Carpool Permits.

      Renewal of Permits

      Students must renew Parking Permits each academic year if they plan to park on campus. To cancel a Permit, students must notify Parking Services, and if eligible, they may receive a prorated refund based on UConn’s refund schedule.

      Visitors

      Visitors can make their own parking arrangements on all UConn campuses. On the Storrs campus, hourly self-pay parking is also available in the North and South parking garages.

      For all campuses, see: Guest and Visitor Parking.

      Accessible Accommodations and Special Requests

      Parking Services’ staff are available to discuss on-campus travel and parking accommodation for those with special circumstances at (860) 486-4930.

      Connecticut residents may visit the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website to learn more about the availability and privileges associated with Connecticut’s temporary handicap parking placards.

      For Employees

      UConn Faculty and Staff with state-issued handicap placards can apply for a UConn Parking Permit and use ADA compliant spaces within their selected Permit-type area. See: UConn Accessible Parking for complete Accessible Parking information.

      For Students

      Any UConn Resident student requesting to purchase a Parking Permit based on a documented disability should register with the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) and follow the procedures for requesting accommodations. See: UConn Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD).

      Parking Citations & Appeals

      Parking Citations & Fines

      Payment of UConn Parking Citations can be made online, by mail, or in person at Parking Services. Acceptable payment methods include check, credit/debit card, or money order made out to the “University of Connecticut.”

      See: Paying a Ticket.

      See: Parking Citation Appeal Processes and associated forms.

       Parking Citations must be paid within 14 calendar days of issuance. Payment methods include:

      • Online: via the Parking Services website.
      • By mail: with check or money order payable to “University of Connecticut.”
      • In person: at the Parking Services Office.

      Unpaid Citations after 14 days are delinquent and subject to late fees. Delinquent Citations cannot be appealed. UConn may send Citations that are delinquent for six months or more to a collection agency. Unpaid student Citations may be posted to student fee bills. All those with delinquent Parking Citation fees will be sent up to three notifications of payment.

      Two weeks following the issuance of the third payment notification, the revocation of the payee’s UConn parking privileges may occur. If a Permit is revoked, a refund of the remaining value of the Permit may be considered.

      UConn may forward any Parking Citation fees delinquent for six months or more to a collection agency.  The overdue Parking Citation fees of UConn students can be posted to their student fee bills for payment.

      See: Paying a Ticket for full payment details.

      How to Appeal a Parking Citation

      Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 calendar days of Citation issuance. Appeal methods Appeals may be submitted online or via the submission of a preprinted paper form, available for online download and at the Parking Services (Storrs) office. Parking Citation appeals are either “granted” or “denied”. If granted, no payment is due.  If denied, payment must be made within 14 days to avoid a late fee.

      If an appeal is denied, payment must be made within 14 days to avoid late fees. An appellant may request a verbal appeal only if new facts were omitted from the original appeal.

      The verbal appeal process may be initiated by phone at (860) 486-4930.

      See: Citation Appeals | Parking Services

      Towing and Impoundment

      Private towing contractors complete tows initiated by UConn. Any towing or storage fees must be paid directly to the towing contractor.

      All impounded Motor Scooters will be stored within a Parking Services facility until claimed by their owners or disposed of by UConn through not-for-profit donation.

      A Bicycle parked or operated in violation of these regulations may be impounded.  UConn will not compensate the owner of the Bicycle for the cost of any lock (or other security device) that is cut or otherwise damaged during the Impoundment process.

      Violations of any Bicycle or traffic regulation may result in:

      • criminal charges
      • Impoundment of the Bicycle
      • the assessment of fines

      How To Claim an Impounded Bicycle

      Proof of ownership is required before UConn will release an impounded Bicycle to a claimant. When Bicycles are impounded, they are relocated to a secure Parking Services impound facility. See: Reclaim an Impounded Bicycle.

      Event Parking

      Special event rates are typically charged during the four (4) hours that immediately precede the start of an event.

      Event Coordinators must inform Parking Services two (2) weeks in advance of any event for which five (5) or more vehicles will be parked on UConn campuses to ensure that appropriate parking arrangements can be made.

      See: Event Parking Requests & Day Permits for more information on event parking.

      Winter Storms and Emergencies

      Parking updates for winter storms and other emergencies will be communicated via the UConn Alert System and/or the Parking Services website. When UConn declares a winter parking ban, parking will not be allowed on streets, roadways or in employee or commuter lots between the hours of 1:00am and 5:00am, unless otherwise noted.  Winter storm parking plans and information are published seasonally on the Parking Services website.

      For questions or more information, please contact:

      UConn Parking Services
      3 Discovery Drive; Unit 6199
      Storrs, CT 06269-6199
      Phone: 860-486-4930
      https://www.park.uconn.edu

      POLICY HISTORY

      Policy created:  08/08/2012 (Approved by the Board of Trustees)

      Revisions:
      07/11/2017 (Approved by the President’s Cabinet)
      05/29/2025 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council and President)

       

      [1] Connecticut General Statutes section 10a-139, Traffic regulations on the grounds of The University of Connecticut and The University of Connecticut Health Center. Disposition of fines. See also, OSTA No. 170-1411-01.