General Information

Top Ten Reasons Why You Might Get a Ticket	Contractors and Their Employees
General Information	Registration Policies
General Parking Regulations	Enforcement System
Summer Parking	Appeals System
Group Parking Permit Arrangements/Alternatives	Misuse of Parking Services - US 18.06
Emeritus Parking	Suggestions

TOP TEN REASONS WHY YOU MIGHT GET A TICKET

1. You've parked your vehicle in the Cartwright Center circle.
2. You're riding a cycle, scooter or moped on the sidewalk.
3. You forgot to plug the meter.
4. You've backed into or driven through a parking stall rather than parking "nose in."
5. Your permit isn't clearly visible and placed in the proper location.
6. You're parked in a space designated for handicap parking.
7. You're parked in the wrong lot for your hangtag.
8. You're parked in a no parking zone.
9. Your vehicle is taking up two spaces.
10. You're parked after hours or have some other special parking need not cleared through the Parking Office.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is committed to the promotion of alternate, energy-efficient forms of transportation for campus commuters. The parking regulations set forth on this page are designed to provide fair and equitable treatment for all persons.

Because of space constraints, UW-La Crosse cannot provide convenient parking for everyone at all times. The limited parking spaces must be used as efficiently as possible. In order to meet this objective, a parking program has been instituted in which distribution of the available space is accomplished by parking permits, meters, and time restrictions. Purchase of a permit does not guarantee a space at all times. Protective Services is responsible for enforcement of the parking program.

You are urged to become familiar with the regulations. By following the regulations, you can help yourself while still helping many others who also need to drive to campus.

Any questions about parking, permits, vehicle registration, regulations, and enforcement should be directed to the UW-La Crosse Parking Office:

UW-La Crosse Department of Protective Services
Parking Office
Protective Services
525 East Avenue North
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: (608) 785-8061

A 15-minute free parking area is located adjacent to Protective Services for use by visitors and others seeking information or conducting business.

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PERMIT REFUND POLICY

In accordance with the "Fee & Billing Policy" of the UW-L Cashier's Office, the following refund schedule will be followed, providing RETURN OF PERMIT:

Fall 2008 Adjustment Percentage for Refunds

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GENERAL PARKING REGULATIONS

May I park my motor vehicle on campus?

All motorists who wish to park vehicles in campus lots must:

1. Register the vehicle with the Parking Office and pay the annual, semester, weekly, or daily registration fee to park in designated areas, or
2. Park the vehicle in a metered area and pay the designated meter charge.
3. Contact the Parking Office if other arrangements need to be made. Parking fees are subject to change. Click here for current fee schedule.

Where may I park?

Parking is permitted only in designated areas and only in accordance with all posted signs. Each parking area is marked by a sign which designates the type(s) of parking allowed. Cars must be parked properly within marked stalls.

Where can I get answers for my parking questions?

Do not ask friends, roommates, residence assistants, etc., where to park. If you have a question about the parking regulations or where to park, call or email the Parking Office (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday), at 785-8061 or parking@uwlax.edu for information.

What designates a marked parking space?

A marked parking space is the area between the yellow lines or the width of one cement car stopper.

Where shouldn't I park?

Parking is prohibited at all times in yellow or white curb zones, no parking areas, bus zones, crosswalks, driveways, sidewalks, in front of fire hydrants and dumpsters, or other "prohibited parking" areas as designated. Parking is also prohibited in and on unmarked roadways and other unmarked areas. The absence of "no parking signs" does not mean that parking is allowed.  Please contact the Parking Office to report out-of-order meters.

There are vacant lots on or near the university that are sitting empty. May I park there?

No, as explained above, parking is not permitted on any university property not designated as a parking lot.

When is parking in the Cartwright Center circle permitted?

Never!  The circle area must be kept open for fire, ambulance, police, and other emergency vehicles. Vehicles parking in this area will be ticketed. Flashers do not make it legal. If you must park in the circle area to unload supplies and equipment, there are eight short term meters ($.25 cents for 20 minutes) by the Archaeology Center for such use.

Why shouldn't I back into or pull through a parking space?

Because it's a violation and you will be ticketed. The length of the rear wheel to the bumper is longer than the front wheel to the bumper; and, by backing into a space, there is a greater chance of an accident and damage to your vehicle. If you're backed into a stall, it is difficult for the ticket writer to observe your permit. Also, some vehicles may not have a front license plate.

What type of parking lots are available?

Commuter lots are available for both permit and meter parking by commuter students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The permit regulations for these lots are enforced from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays only, and not on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. Parking in the commuter lots is prohibited, for everyone, from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. unless prior arrangements have been made with the Parking Office. The regulations remain in effect during periods when the university is not officially in session. The long term parking meters (gray colored) are also enforced from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays only, and not on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The express meters (yellow colored) are enforced as indicated by the sign posted at the meter.

COMMUTER LOTS

Residence Hall lots are available for permit parking by residence hall students and staff.  Permit holders must park in the lot assigned to them.  The permit regulations are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including legal holidays. Unless prior arrangements have been made with the Parking Office, parking without a permit during periods when the university is not officially in session is prohibited.  Guests in Residence Halls should follow the instructions listed under "Visitor Parking."

RESIDENT LOTS

Are the parking lots oversold, and if so, why?

To use limited parking spaces as efficiently as possible, the lots are routinely oversold. The percentage of oversell is based on the number of spaces in the lot and users' parking patterns.

What do I do if I have a permit for a lot that is full?

It is unfortunate, but at times this will happen. Locating a legal parking space is the responsibility of the driver. You may want to allow extra time when coming to campus on busy days. If your parking lot is full, you should park in a meter space and immediately notify the Parking Office (785-8061) of the crowded situation and that your vehicle is parked in a meter space.  They will advise you how to proceed.  Within two hours, you must vacate the meter stall and park where you've been directed by the Parking Office.

What do I do if snow piles have reduced the number of total spaces in the lot for which I have a permit?

The university does everything possible to keep the lots free of snow during and after snowfalls. At times it may take two or three days to remove snow piles from lots. If there are not available spaces in the lot for two or more days, please contact the Parking Office (785-8061) for suggested alternative parking.

How will residence hall students be notified to move their vehicles from the lots for snow removal?

An email with all pertinent information will be sent to all residence hall students. Vehicles not moved will be subject to being ticketed and possibly towed at the owner's expense, and parking permit privileges lost.

Is there parking for the disabled?

Spaces have been identified for persons with a disability. These spaces are solely for the use of vehicles operated by identified individuals with special needs and approved by the Parking Office. Spaces are conveniently located in the university lots. However, other arrangements can be made upon request.

Can I park in a commuter lot overnight?

Parking is not allowed overnight in the commuter lots.  If you need to leave your vehicle overnight, or are working overnight, prior arrangements must be made with the parking office.  Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being ticketed.  If you have a valid university parking permit, a parking area will be furnished at no charge or you may notify the parking office. Individuals without a valid permit will be charged the daily or weekly rate, whichever is applicable.

I'm driving a motorcycle to campus. Where do I park?

Two or three wheeled vehicles with motors (motorcycles) must be parked in permit areas designated for such vehicles or by a meter. Motorcycles may not be parked on lawns, sidewalks or other places not designated for such parking.

I'm riding a bicycle to campus. Where do I park?

UW-La Crosse encourages the use of the bicycle for transportation to and from campus. Bicycles may be parked only in the designated racks and areas at various locations on campus. Bicycles may not be parked in university buildings, on sidewalks or driveways, in motor vehicle parking spaces, in building entrance ways, or any place that would obstruct free passage of pedestrians or vehicles. Bicycles shall not be parked on or locked to handicap-access ramps or trees. Locks may be cut and bicycles impounded by Protective Services for observed violations.

I'm driving a moped to campus. Where do I park?

Mopeds may be parked in designated bicycle areas. However, mopeds must not be driven on the sidewalks or malls, and must be walked to the bicycle parking area. No permit is needed if a bicycle parking area is used.

May I register my bicycle on campus?

La Crosse city ordinance requires that all bicycles ridden within the city be registered with the City of La Crosse Police Department. Bicycles can be registered at La Crosse City Hall (400 La Crosse St.). Registration is $2.00. The registration is good for as long as the owner is in possession of the bicycle.  Bicycles may also be registered in the National Bike Registry by obtaining a mail-in form at the Protective Services building or online @ www.nationalbikeregistry.com.

Please report lost or stolen bicycles to the Parking Office immediately.

I'm picking up a university vehicle for a business trip. Where do I park my personal vehicle?

Fleet vehicle parking is located on the north side of the Physical Plant facing the building. If you are picking up a UW-La Crosse fleet vehicle, you must park your private vehicle in the spot vacated by the fleet vehicle. Do not back into the stall.

If you are a passenger in a fleet vehicle and require overnight parking for your private vehicle, prior arrangements must be made with the Parking Office. If you have a valid university parking permit, a parking area will be furnished at no charge. Individuals without a valid permit will be charged the daily or weekly rate, whichever is applicable.

I own two vehicles and will be driving one or the other to campus. What should I do?

Multiple vehicle registration, when the vehicles are owned by the same person or family, is permitted; however, only one vehicle may be in the designated lot at any given time. If more than one car with multiple registration status is in the lot at the same time, both will be considered in violation and both will be cited.

The Parking Utility, in conjunction with the Parking Appeals Board, reserves the right to revoke parking privileges for violation of multiple registration.

I am using a different car than the one I have registered. What should I do?

Upon arrival on campus, stop at the Parking Office where a temporary parking permit will be issued at no additional charge to you. Be sure to bring the license number of the car being used with you.

If you return to campus when the Parking Office is closed, call 785-8000 and give the switchboard operator the license number, make, color, and lot in which the unregistered vehicle will be parked. We will not ticket this vehicle until noon the following day, allowing you the opportunity to stop at the Parking Office and pick up a temporary parking permit.

My vehicle has become disabled. What should I do?

The owner/driver must contact the Protective Services Office immediately and inform the officer on duty of the vehicle's location, make, model, color, and license number. Protective Services will provide a special parking permit.  This permit will be limited to 24 hours. Vehicles parked longer than 24 hours may be towed at the owner's expense.

I don't live in a residence hall and need to park my car for longer than one day in the same place. What should I do?

Anyone requiring parking arrangements that are not expressly covered by these parking regulations must make prior arrangements with the Parking Office. Vehicles occupying commuter lots overnight without a special permit issued by the Parking Office will be cited and may also be removed at the owner's expense if their presence interferes with regular university functions (e.g., lot cleaning, snow removal, and grounds and other maintenance work).

I have accumulated a number of permits/stickers on my car window. How can I remove them?

We encourage the removal of expired stickers. The manufacturer suggests using Naptha soap, mineral spirits, or a Teflon spatula for removal. Use of a razor blade may scratch the glass.

May I live in a motor vehicle on campus?

Campers, trailers, motor homes, or other like units cannot be used for sleeping or living purposes while parked on campus. Violators will be cited and asked to move their vehicle.

University responsibility for vehicle damage

The University is not responsible for the care and protection of any vehicle or its contents at any time it is operated or parked on university property, nor is the University responsible for damages to any vehicle operated or parked on campus.

Change of address

Owners/operators are responsible for keeping their address current with the Department of Transportation and the Parking Office.

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SUMMER PARKING

Your permit allows you to park in any commuter lot during the summer. Permits may be purchased at the Parking Office.

GROUP PARKING PERMIT ARRANGEMENTS/ALTERNATIVES

1. The University of Wisconsin - La Crosse parking utility is 100% self funded, meaning that no tax dollars or student fees are used to provide this service.

2. Parking Permits are required in order to park in any of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse parking lots.  Permits issued by the UW-L Parking Office are the only recognized and honored permits allowed in the UW-L parking lots.  Violators will be ticketed.

3. Group permits can be ordered in advance through the Parking Office by e-mail (paine.shir@uwlax.edu) to explain the function, time, date, place, and number of expected guests.  Advance payment can be made by check, cash, money order or department transfer.  These permits will be sent to your office or can be picked up in advance.  The price is $4.00 per permit per day.

4. For large groups in excess of 50, the Parking Office can make special arrangements, thus eliminating the need for physical permits.  This information should be sent well in advance of the event in case there is conflict with other events.  The Parking Office will designate a lot that "will not be ticketed" for the duration of the event.  The number of expected guests must be supplied.  The rate is $4.00 per day per vehicle, and payment must be made in advance of the function.  The enforcement personnel will verify the approximate number of cars. 

5. Group permits for functions in which you will have an undetermined, but small number of guests, are also available.  These guests may stop at the Parking Office and purchase their own daily pass.  The cost of a daily pass is $4.00 per day per vehicle.  You must still notify the Parking Office by e-mail (paine.shir@uwlax.edu) regarding your scheduled group meeting (function), date, time, place, and approximate number of guests.

6. Special overnight permits are available for groups staying on campus.  Special arrangements should be made in advance by e-mail to explain the function, time, date, place, and expected number of guests.  These permits should be ordered in advance of the function and will be sent to you or picked up.  The price for these special permits is $4.00 each and payment (in advance) can be made by check, cash, money order or account transfer.

7. If you have guests that receive parking tickets, please have the guest contact the Parking Office, immediately for disposition.

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EMERITUS PARKING

Emeritus parking permits are available to retired UW-L faculty. Only the retired faculty member is allowed to use that permit; it may not be used by friends or family members. If the holder of an emeritus permit has been rehired in a permanent part-time position, he or she must contact the Parking Office and make parking arrangements.

CONTRACTORS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES

Temporary parking areas for contractors and their employees may be established during construction projects.  All other vehicles parked in such designated areas will be cited.  Contractors responsible for construction and repair work on campus must obtain approval from the Parking Office.  Upon approval, the Parking Office will arrange for parking.  Contractors and their employees must register their vehicles according to arrangements made and park in accordance with university regulations or citations will be issued.

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PERMIT POLICIES

1. Procedure for Vehicle Registration
   For your convenience, parking permits will be sold through via our website.
   
   
   1. Faculty/Staff: Online purchase during the last week of April.
   2. Commuter Student: Online purchase beginning the end of July.
   3. Resident Hall Student: Online purchase beginning the end of July.  This is based upon credits earned, with Senior level first and Freshman level last.
   4. If there are permits available after online advance sales: Any permits available will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis after the first week of classes.
      
2. Placement of Permit
   The permit must be attached to the rear-view mirror. Vehicles with hangtags which are not properly displayed will be ticketed.
   
   
3. Procedure for replacement of permits necessitated by vehicle damage to or loss of permit.
   1. Remove and return old hangtag to the Parking Office.
   2. If the old permit is not returned, the permit owner is responsible for the total fee of the old permit as well as the new one.
      
      
4. Transfer of Permits
   Parking permits are not transferable for any reason.
   
   
5. Refunds
   To terminate use of a permit, the registrant must remove the hangtag from the vehicle and return it to the Parking Office. A prorated refund will be authorized based upon the schedule above. Failure to return the permit will make the permit owner responsible for the total permit fee.
   
   
6. Any person who falsifies or makes false representation of vehicle information, facts, or fees, shall have his/her university parking privileges revoked at the discretion of the University Parking Utility and will be subject to the published fines and penalties. See UWS Chapter 18.

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ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM

There are approximately 2,300 parking spaces at the university. Eleven lots are designated commuter parking and seven are for residence hall parking. The lots are adjacent to the campus buildings or within a short walking distance. It is the responsibility of the vehicle operator to park in the lot as authorized by his/her permit.

The Parking Utility's goal is to make the most efficient use of available parking spaces. A strict enforcement policy is necessary for the recognition and protection of the rights of those observing the parking rules of the university.

Citations are issued to people who encroach on the rights of others by their disregard of these published parking rules and posted signs.

Please acquaint yourself with these regulations and park properly while on campus!

1. Responsibility
   When failure to comply with the parking regulations occurs, it is assumed that such act was committed by the person in whose name the vehicle is registered. A citation is not excused on the plea that another person was driving the vehicle.
2. Hours of Enforcement
   Parking regulations for commuter lots are enforced 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. All other campus parking restrictions are enforced 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
3. Types of Citations and Applicable fines                Effective. 7/1/2008
   
   

   Parking in a no parking zone	$25.00
   Improper parking	$10.00
   Blocking a driveway	$25.00
   Unauthorized zone	$25.00
   Non-registered vehicle	$20.00
   Backing into stalls	$10.00
   Meter violation	$20.00
   Driving on sidewalk/mall	$20.00-$80.00
   Multiple sticker violation/per vehicle	$ 5.00
   All night in a commuter lot	$25.00
   Handicap Parking violation	$65.00
   Fraudulent registration/per vehicle	$15.00 or UWS Chap. 18

4. Citation Fee Payment

If payment of the fine is not received nor the ticket appealed through the university process, within 10 days from issuance of the citation, the fine will automatically double and a letter will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Failure to pay or request information about this ticket within 15 days from the date of the first notice will result in a second notification. If you still fail to pay within 15 days of the second notice, the Department of Transportation will be notified to suspend the vehicle registration of the vehicle listed above and to refuse registration of all vehicles owned by you. If this is done, an additional $5.00 per ticket will be added to the amount due to cover the costs of suspension.

Towing of an Automobile

Failure to pay past due fines of $10.00 or more may result in towing of a vehicle if the vehicle is found in violation of university parking regulations. Responsibility for the towing costs and the unpaid fine will rest with the owner of the vehicle. Vehicles with no license plates or with vehicle identification numbers covered and parked in lots are subject to ticketing and towing.

Habitual Violations

Individuals with unpaid fines will lose university class registration rights and have their transcripts held. They may also be referred to small claims court or a collection agency. An additional fee will be levied on these offenders for court and/or administrative costs plus unpaid violations. The Parking Utility, in conjunction with the Parking Appeals Board, reserves the right to revoke the parking rights of habitual violators.

Abandoned Vehicles

Vehicles will be considered abandoned and towed at the owner's expense in the following situations: vehicles left in a commuter lot or on university land for 24 hours or more; vehicles left in a residence hall lot, without permission from the Parking Office, for 48 hours or more when the university is not in session.

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APPEALS SYSTEM

A parking appeals board has been established to review appeals from individuals challenging citations received for campus parking violations.

Procedures for appeal of citation:

1. Parking appeal forms are available at the Information Counter, located in the lobby of Cartwright Center. Appeals must be filed within ten (10) days of the date of the citation.
2. The appellant will be notified of the Board's decision either way.

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MISUSE OF PARKING SERVICES - UWS 18.06(44)

1. No person may falsify, alter or duplicate or request the unauthorized falsification, alteration or duplication of any type of university parking permit.
   
2. No person may knowingly display on a vehicle, or knowingly allow another person to display on a vehicle, a falsified, altered, duplicated, stolen, lost or found parking permit with the intent that such permit be relied upon by university employees or agents as valid in connection with obtaining or using university parking facilities or privileges.
   
3. No person may knowingly provide false information to any university employee or agent with the intent to obtain a valid university parking permit.

Serious and intentional misuse of parking services may result in a citation with a possible maximum fine of $250

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SUGGESTIONS

Written suggestions to promote traffic safety and efficient transportation on the campus are welcomed by the Parking Utility. Please address suggestions or questions about parking on the UW-La Crosse campus to the Department of Protective Services, Parking Office, which is located on the corner of East Avenue and Farwell Street.

Copyright 2008
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State St. La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 785-8000