Parking Code
Effective Date - Fall 2008
- Motor Vehicle Registration
- Visitors
- Parking Regulations
- Handicapped Persons
- Impoundment
- Parking Area Color Coding and Designations
- Parking Appeals
- Shuttle Bus Service
- Schedule of Fines and Payments
- Governing Authority
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I. Motor Vehicle Registration
All faculty, staff and students who park on campus are required to register with Parking Services and must display a current decal/permit. Failure to register a vehicle will result in a citation being issued.
Note: Students employed under federal student work program or as a student assistant or graduate assistantships are not permitted to register their vehicles as Faculty/Staff. Student workers are NOT allowed to park in Faculty/Staff until after 5:00 p.m.
Registration Procedure
1. Vehicles can be registered in Parking Services, Row Hall, on weekdays between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
2. You will be issued a parking hangtag, which must be suspended from the drivers mirror anytime the vehicle is parked on campus. If no mirror is available, the hangtag shall be placed on the driver's side dash, face up. If hanging, it must face outward from the vehicle and be totally unobstructed so that the parking zone and number can be read from the street. The hangtag may be used on any vehicle you bring onto campus. All citations are issued to the hangtag rather than the vehicle.
3. All students have the first five (5) class days after the beginning of fall semester to register their vehicles with no non-registered citations. After fall semester, only new students will be granted the 5 day grace period. Courtesy Warning tickets will be issued the first 5 class days of each semester for non-registered vehicles. Vehicles will still be cited for violations of State Law and for disregarding parking zone signs such as faculty/staff, reserved, etc. Employees must obtain their hangtag immediately following orientation.
4. The person registering a motor vehicle and obtaining a hangtag, is responsible for all parking violations incurred by that vehicle/hangtag. This is regardless of who is operating the vehicle or who the State registered owner of the vehicle is.
5. Registration Fees:
A student parking/transportation fee is included with class registration fees. You must come by Parking Services in Row Hall to obtain your parking hangtag. Failure to do so will result in ticketing for a non-registered vehicle. Students are limited to only one hangtag per academic year.
a. Faculty/Staff & ARAMARK employees are limited to one hangtag per year - $15.00
b. Replacement for lost hangtag ….. $25.00
c. No Refunds
Full time Faculty/Staff will be issued a gate access card upon request.
This card is not to be LOANED to students or visitors.
The card must be returned to Parking Services in the event
that the employee is terminated or retires. The replacement
cost for a lost or stolen gate access card is $25.00.
6. Faculty/Staff & Aramark vehicles cannot be registered for a new academic year UNLESS all outstanding fines are paid.
7. Faculty/staff may only purchase one hangtags per academic year. Spouses and dependants must register their vehicles as students if enrolled.
Temporary Parking Permits
If a vehicle that is normally driven to campus is unavailable, the hangtag must be removed and placed in the borrowed or rented vehicle. If you fail to transfer the hangtag call Parking Services at 678-839-6629 and advise the staff the vehicle will be on campus without the hangtag. After business hours, call 678-839-6629 and follow instructions on the Parking Services voice mail. Citations for non-registered vehicles parked in their correct zone during after-hours will be excused if a message is left for Parking Services.
After Hours Registration
All night students must register their vehicle. Night students who cannot come to Parking Services during regular office hours must go to the University Police Dispatch Center (Ground floor of Aycock Hall - open 24/7/365). Registration forms are located in the lobby and must be filled out and placed in the lock box. The registration will be processed and your hangtag will be mailed to the address on your application the following day.
II. Visitors
Visitors should contact Parking Services before or upon arrival on campus to register for a Visitor's Parking Permit. Visitors are allowed to park in any area designated for faculty, staff or student parking. Visitors are not allowed to park in any area that is signed tow away zone, reserved or restricted parking spaces, red or yellow curbs. If a citation is received, follow instructions printed on the citation.
III. Parking Regulations
A. Motorcycles must park in a parking space the same as a vehicle. Motorcycles are prohibited from driving on sidewalks or around parking control gates. Two (2) motorcycles may park in one (1) vehicle parking space in the appropriate zone. A special decal will be issued for motorcycles.
B. The Parking Code is in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise noted.
C. Overnight or extended parking of campers, vans, buses, etc., utilized as living and sleeping quarters within the college boundaries, is not permitted unless approved by the Director of Auxiliary Services.
D. Vehicles can pull through a parking space in all lots. Parking against the flow of traffic on the street is prohibited.
E. Parking meter hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday and are available to anyone. However, hangtags must still be displayed for students and Faculty/Staff. Meters accept nickels, dimes and quarters only. Time is purchased at the rate of ten cents for ten minutes. Maximum number of minutes which can be purchased is 30, regardless of the amount of coins inserted. Citations can be issued twice a day if a vehicle is not moved from a metered space within a four hour period.
F. If a vehicle becomes inoperable in other than an authorized area, the operator should notify Parking Services of the situation as soon as possible and the approximate length of time before the vehicle will be moved. The owner is liable for all parking citations issued before Parking Services is notified. Time limit for inoperable vehicles on campus is 48 hours. After 48 hours, vehicle will be towed from campus at the owner’s expense.
G. Special parking permissions can be granted for short periods of time for loading and unloading by calling Parking Services. The maximum length of this time is 15 minutes.
H. Police and/or service vehicles may stop, stand, or park irrespective of the parking regulations while performing necessary official business. Service vehicles may not, however, be left unattended blocking a fire hydrant.
I. Parking at or near the baseball field is at your own risk.
IV. Handicapped Persons
Handicapped persons, either temporary or permanent, and having a vehicle properly registered must obtain a Handicapped Parking Permit from Parking Services. Handicapped persons are allowed to park in faculty/staff spaces if handicapped spaces are filled. They may not park in metered spaces without paying, or in Service Vehicle, reserved, or in any area that is restricted by UWG signage or state law. While parked on campus, the vehicle must display a current UWG registration as well as the State of Georgia issued handicap permit, or display a State of Georgia issued Disabled Persons license plate.
Temporary handicapped permits may be issued once per semester, for a maximum of thirty (30) days.
The driver must present, to Parking Services, a doctor’s statement on letterhead, with original signature describing the illness or injury with an ending date as to how long the permit is needed. The permit will be displayed (in clear view) on the front dash of the driver’s side of the vehicle. If a permit is needed for a longer period, the individual must obtain an official State of Georgia issued temporary permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
For permanently handicapped persons, a special decal is available from Parking Services, which will be affixed to the drivers UWG hangtag.
Temporarily handicapped persons will be issued a parking gate card for the duration of their disability. The card must be returned on the expiration date of their temporary permit. Failure to return the card will result in a $25.00 charge and a hold placed on their banner account. The cards issued to permanently disabled students need not be retuned until classes are no longer being taken.
Individuals are reminded that under Official Code of Georgia section 40-6-226, it is illegal to obtain, alter, or utilize a state issued disabled permit for fraudulent means. Violators will be cited and towed.
V. Impoundment
A. Motor vehicles in violation of the following articles of the University of West Georgia Parking Code may be impounded at owner’s expense. The vehicle operator/owner is responsible for any wrecker fees and, if applicable, any storage fees.
B. A release form must be obtained in order to regain possession of an impounded vehicle.
The form may be obtained from Parking Services from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or the University Police Dispatch Office, Aycock Hall, from 5 p.m. until 7:30 a.m.
C. Non-Registered vehicles having three (3) or more unpaid parking tickets are subject to being impounded.
D. Vehicles may be impounded for any of the following reasons:
1. Vehicles parked in such a manner to create a fire/safety hazard or obstruct the free flow of traffic.
2. Parking in designated tow-away zones, at red curb areas, blocking a fire hydrant, on or blocking a sidewalk, unauthorized parking in a handicapped zone, or blocking a handicapped ramp or curb cut, or on the grass.
3. Vehicles may be removed in case of emergency or interest of public safety.
4. When a vehicle is presumed to be abandoned, or in a visible state of disrepair and the owner cannot be contacted.
5. Service Spaces which are limited to use by the Department of Facilities and Grounds, contractors, and service personnel only.
6. After 48 hours, inoperable vehicles will be towed from campus at the owner’s expense.
VI. Parking Area Color Coding and Designations
A. The following curb/surface color scheme, in addition to appropriate signs, shall designate parking on this campus. In the event of a conflict between a sign and a curb color, the sign will always take precedence.
1. Yellow - No parking zone - 24 hours.
2. Red - No parking anytime. Emergency lanes. Violators are subject to impoundment - 24 hours
3. Green - Faculty/staff parking.
4. White - Zoned student parking. See student zoned designation in VI.C.-1 through 4.
5. Blue - Handicapped zones only - 24 hours.
6. Visitors - Faculty, staff and students may not park in visitor spaces from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on class days, pre-registration, registration, fee payment, drop/add and during final examination periods.
B. Faculty/Staff parking is in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (unless otherwise designated by signage) on class days and during final examination periods. This is to include fee payment, reading , pre-registration, registration, and drop/add days.
C. Student Zoned parking will either be in effect from 7:00 a.m. - 5: 00 p.m. or in effect 24 hours as outlined in this Parking Code or designated parking signs.
1. Student “E” permits only may park in the 24 hour restricted areas EAST of Brumbelow Road. These areas are designated by signs and include the residential areas of Gunn, Boykin, Downs and Bowdon Halls.
2. Student “W” permits only may park in the 24 hour restricted areas WEST of Brumbelow Road. These areas are designated by signs and include the residential areas of Watson, Strozier, and Tyus Halls, University Suites and Arbor View.
3. Student “S” permits only may park in restricted commuter lots. These lots are restricted for commuters from 7:00 AM - 5:00 P.M. After 5:00 P.M., any student zone hangtag may park in the commuter lots.
4. Any University of West Georgia registered vehicle may park in all remaining lots and road spaces not designated by a zoned sign.
5. Any student moving from one residence hall or other zoned area to a different zoned area must get a replacement hangtag from Parking Services. There will be NO charge for a replacement hangtag PROVIDING the original hangtag is surrendered to Parking Services.
6. Residence Life Coordinators, Residence Directors, and Resident Assistants are issued a special decal to attach to their hangtag, which permits them to park in certain restricted parking spaces identified by signs. These spaces are not to be “loaned” to ANYONE.
7. Loading/Unloading spaces are for residents only with a parking limit of 15 minutes. Violators will be ticketed and towed.
VII. Parking Appeals
A. Time Limit
All appeals must be made within three (3) class days of the date of the citation. Failure to do so in the specified time will result in the automatic forfeiture of the right to appeal the parking citation.
B. Appeals Procedure
1. Any persons desiring to appeal a citation must go to Parking Services to obtain and complete the appropriate form. The appeal form is also available on the Parking and Transportation web page at: http://www/westga.edu/parking/. All information requested is essential and missing information will automatically void the appeal from.
2. The individual must choose to make a written or oral appeal. All who file an appeal MUST come to Parking Services to obtain a decision on the appeal. Persons making oral appeals will be expected to appear before the Committee at the next meeting following notification of intent of appeal. Those who wish to make a SECOND appeal (in person) must notify Parking Services of their desire within 5 working days after the decision on the original appeal. Second appeals will only be heard when additional information is made available to the Committee that was not present with the first appeal. This will be the final appeal of the citation.
3. The following “reasons” will not be accepted by the Parking Appeals Committee as grounds for an initial appeal: Lack of knowledge of the Parking Code; lateness due to class or appointment conflict; and, inability to find a legal parking space.
4. Fire lane, fire hydrant and handicap citations cannot be appealed.
C. Parking Appeals Committee
The Committee will meet at a standardized time and place, to be announced during each semester, to consider written and personal appeals. The Committee is comprised of the Student Judicial Chairperson, 1 Faculty Member and 1 Staff Member (who are appointed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs). No member is affiliated with Parking and Transportation. No member of the committee will rule on or approve their own parking citation.
VIII. Shuttle Bus Service
Shuttle buses are available to all students and Faculty/Staff. There are 5 routes: the BLUE and the RED, TLC Express, Tyus Express and the off campus apartment shuttle. The detailed bus schedules are posted in each bus stop shelter and can be viewed at http://www.westga.edu/parking/. All students are encouraged to ride the shuttle buses, and by doing so, the congestion in the problem areas will minimize.
For safety reasons, buses stop only at designated bus stops to pick up riders. There will be no ice cream, open drinks, or eating on the buses.
IX. Schedule of Fines and Payments
Students will not be allowed to register for classes, go through drop/add or make any changes to class schedules, until all preceding and current semester fines are paid. If paying with coins, they must be properly wrapped.
The schedule of fines and payments is as follows:
Counterfeiting a hangtag with intent to defraud. Obtaining a hangtag by fraudulent means
$100.00
Altering a hangtag or any Parking Services issued permanent or temporary permit
$100.00
Obtaining a hangtag for an unauthorized person i.e., obtaining a faculty/staff hangtag for a spouse or dependent
$100.00
Falsely registering a vehicle
$100.00
Unauthorized parking in a handicap space or falsely using an
official state issued handicap placard
$100.00
Restricted Parking - includes: Parking at a fire hydrant/fire lane,
blocking a dumpster, roadway, service vehicle space, loading dock
or any other designated/signed tow-away zone
$50.00
Faculty/Staff designated areas
$35.00
Parking on yellow curb
$35.00
Parking in restricted student zone areas
$35.00
Littering on campus property
$25.00
Parking meter violations
$25.00
Non-registered vehicle
$20.00
Parking on a sidewalk, lawn area, athletic field
$35.00
Parking against the flow of traffic
$25.00
Hangtag improperly displayed/obstructed from view
$15.00
Double parking
$10.00
Parking on or outside of white line
$10.00
X. GOVERNING AUTHORITY
A. This University of West Georgia Parking Code has been adopted under the authority granted by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Regulation 711.0403.
B. Parking Services may institute operational policies and procedures to effectively administer the Parking Code.
If you have any questions or need additional information, call Parking Services at 678-839-6629 or visit our website at http://westga.edu/parking.
