UMass Dartmouth Parking Regulations
- Purpose
- Authority
- Parking & Transportation Principles
- Use of University Parking Facilities
- Parking Lots
- Traffic and Parking Regulations
- Parking Violations and Fines
- Payments and Appeals
- Towing and Booting
- Transportation Services
Purpose
The following parking regulations are specific to the parking of motor vehicles at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus and lands associated with this campus by administration, faculty, staff, students, and visitors. These regulations are presented to ensure the safe and orderly movement about the campus by roadways and pedestrian walkways.
Authority
As provided by Chapter 75, Section 32A, and Chapter 75 and 90 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth presents the following rules and regulations to guide the parking and traffic enforcement on our campus.
Parking and Transportation Principles
It is the intent of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth to provide parking enforcement and transportation services governed by principles for efficient and effective services to our community. The parking and transportation program should:
- Support the University's mission
- Provide affordable and efficient administration of parking and transportation programs
- Provide safe and orderly parking and transportation systems that are reliable, available to all, and user friendly
- Address issues of sustainability and concerns for the physical environment
Use of University Parking Facilities
All persons parking vehicles on University property must obtain a parking permit in the form of a decal or other permit, or purchase a temporary parking pass to park. (The words "decal" and "permit" are used interchangeably in these regulations.) Faculty, staff, and students must park in areas designated by their respective permits or, as in the case of visitors, use designated visitor parking.
Vehicle Registration
All parking permits issued are the property of Parking Services and cannot be transferred or conveyed to anyone other than the registered holder. Parking permits will be issued by Parking Services and cannot be sold by anyone else. All vehicles shall be required to display an issued parking permit (decal or other permit) or a temporary parking pass. Any vehicles not displaying a parking permit or a pass shall be subject to citation. Expired permits must be removed from vehicles.
Exemptions
Vehicles owned by the Commonwealth, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, the United States government, foreign diplomatic corps, foreign consular or a handicapped or disabled veteran shall be exempt from parking registration.
Parking Permit Holder Responsibilities
- All members of the community must obtain a parking permit (decal or other permit) for each motor vehicle or motorcycle they operate on campus.
- It is the responsibility of all individuals who operate or maintain vehicles on campus to be aware of and abide by the regulations expressed herein. The action of any individual operating a vehicle on campus is deemed to be conclusive evidence of his or her acceptance of and willingness to abide by these regulations.
- Operation and parking of a motor vehicle on University property shall be solely at the driver's risk. The University is not responsible for any damage or loss to any vehicle.
- The applicant and the vehicle must meet all legal requirements for operation within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the state in which the operator has permanent residency or where the vehicle is registered.
Applying for a Parking Decal
Parking decal information and link to the parking decal form
Costs associated with the decal will be charged to a credit or debit card only. MasterCard and Visa will be accepted. You will need your vehicle registration form and your driver's license to enter all the necessary information.
Requests for decals submitted online prior to August 7 will be mailed before the start of the fall semester. After August 7, all decals may be picked up at the Parking Services office. We urge you to complete your request for your decal to avoid long lines. Parking enforcement will begin the first day of classes.
Lost, Stolen or Fraudulent Parking Decals
All lost or stolen decals must be reported to University Police immediately. Any vehicle with a stolen or fraudulent decal is subject to tow and university and criminal sanctions.
Proper Display of Parking Decals and other Permits
Students, faculty, and staff of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth must affix the decal to the inside of the lower left driver's side of the windshield. Your decal must be displayed in the correct location to be valid.- Decals may not be taped or remain unsecured from the vehicle windshield.
- If you are issued a hangtag permit, it must be placed on the windshield's rear-view mirror.
- Decals and other permits are not transferable to other vehicles, and they must be displayed and permanently affixed on the vehicle to which they are registered. Each vehicle can display only one current decal or permit.
- Visitors, vendors, contractors, and participants of conferences, seminars and workshops must hang their visitor passes from the rear-view mirror. These passes may be obtained from the Parking Services Office one week prior to your needs; contact the office at 508-999-8131 or parking@umassd.edu.
Temporary Parking Permits
If your vehicle is being repaired or you are using another vehicle that is not permitted, you will need to apply in person for a temporary parking permit. This may be obtained at the Parking Office; contact the office at 508.999.8131 or parking@umassd.edu, one week prior to your needs.
All temporary permits and hangtags must hang from the rear-view mirror of the windshield when it is parked. You must remove it while the vehicle is in motion.
Temporary Medical Condition Permits
If you have a temporary or permanent medical condition that limits your mobility, you can obtain a special parking permit, which will provide designated parking privileges for a stated period of time depending upon your medical problem. You will need to obtain documentation about your condition from your physician and refer to the Temporary Medical Condition Parking Policy. In addition, if your medical condition is expected to last more than 90 days, you should apply to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles for a temporary medical disability permit.
The Department of Public Safety adheres to the rules and regulations set forth by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles regarding the proper use and misuse of handicap plates and placards. For more information about handicap plates and placards and handicap veteran plates, visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles Handicap Plates and Placards Index.
Visitor/Public Parking
Visitors to the campus will need to acquire a one-day permit from the Parking Services Office located in the Campus Center. This permit/hangtag is to be attached to the rearview mirror of the vehicle. Those visiting the campus during the day may park in any of the lots available to commuter students. Those visiting the campus overnight may only use Parking Lots 7A or 13A Overnight visitor parking is not allowed anywhere on campus other than Parking Lots 7A and 13A
Contractors and Vendors
All contractors and vendors must obtain parking permits from the Parking Services Office (508.999.8131 or parking@umassd.edu) and will be directed to specific locations for parking.
Parking Permit Fee Refunds
No refund will occur after the official drop/add period established by Enrollment Services. Prior to the expiration of this period, a full refund will be awarded upon return of the parking permit to Parking Services.
Vehicle Change
It is the responsibility of the permit holder to remove the permit (or decal) from any vehicle that is transferred. Upon return of the old permit, you may apply for a replacement. You will be charged an administrative fee for the permit.
Parking Decal or Permit Replacements
- When a decal or permit is stolen, replacements will be issued at a nominal administrative fee.
- If you sell or trade a registered vehicle, it is your responsibility to bring your old decal or permit to Parking Services and obtain a new decal or permit for your new vehicle. If the old decal or permit is not available you are to bring your new vehicle registration. If this new vehicle registration has the same license plate number as the vehicle with the permit, a new permit will be issued. If the new vehicle license plate number is different than the license plate number on file at the Parking Services Office, you will have to buy a new decal or permit.
Parking Lots
General
- Obtaining and displaying a parking decal or permit is not a guarantee of a specific parking space.
- Park only in designated areas and observe posted restrictions. Do not park on unpaved or landscaped areas, block gates, entrances, crosswalks, or handicap access ramps.
- Do not park improperly in reserved parking places.
- Vehicles in unauthorized areas or in violation of the law, such as improperly using a handicap parking place or in a fire lane will be towed.
Parking Decals
Parking decals designate the area and locations where you may park. Please refer to our web site for a map with parking lot locations:
http://www.umassd.edu/vtour/campusmap.pdf
Commuter Student/PCE
For information designated for commuter and Professional and Continuing Education students, follow the link:
http://www.umassd.edu/vtour/campusmap.pdf
Residential Student
Parking is restricted to each respective area. For information specifically designated for residential students living in East Campus, Cedar Dell and Woodlands follow the link:
http://www.umassd.edu/vtour/campusmap.pdf
Faculty
Lots 1 and 17 are designated for faculty/staff use only Monday through Friday between the hours of 7am and 3pm. These lots are open for any use between 3pm and 7am, Monday through Friday, and all day on weekends to vehicles with decals/permits.
Staff/Administration
Staff and Administration may park in any space that is not designated as a residential or reserved parking place. Staff and Administration may opt for selected, reserved parking places that are available on a limited basis. Please contact the Parking Office for further details. Please refer to the campus map for additional information:
http://www.umassd.edu/vtour/campusmap.pdf
Faculty Emeritus, Retirees
Faculty emeritus and retirees must obtain a permit to park on campus. Faculty emeritus and retirees should contact Parking Services at 508.999.8131 for parking decal instructions. Faculty emeritus and retirees may park in any space that is not designated as a residential or reserved parking place.
Alumni
Alumni must obtain a permit to park on campus. Alumni permits are available through the Alumni Office.
Carpool Spaces
A limited number of carpool spaces are available to those who choose to carpool to and from campus. To apply for one of the carpool spaces, please fill out the form and return it to Parking Services in the Campus Center. Upon review of your application, a determination will be made. If approved, you will be notified by email within 7 to 10 days. The notification will inform the applicant when he/she and all the members of the carpool should go to Parking Services to sign the appropriate forms and receive your hangtag. Only one hangtag will be issued to a carpool, and members must agree to only bring one vehicle to campus each day. These hangtags will be valid for six months. They may be renewed upon space availability.
Handicap Permits
Holders of approved handicap permits may park in any spot designated for handicap use.
Motorcycles, Motorized Cycles, and Pedicycles
There are a limited number of motorcycle spots available in some lots. Motorcycles, motorized cycles, and motorized pedicycles must have a valid parking permit and may park at any designated motorcycle spot or any parking space with a proper permit for that lot. They cannot be parked off the roadway, next to a building or on a walkway. Violations are subject to citations and towing.
Cyclists who currently have a permit for motor vehicle parking will not be charged an additional fee for a separate motorcycle permit.
Special Events
Special events and activities may require special regulations. Follow the appropriate signs and notices in regards to these restrictions. If you are planning an event, please contact Parking Services at 508.999.8131 and or parking@umassd.edu to make arrangements for your event or activity.
Emergencies and Special Situations
During emergencies and special situations, it may become necessary for the University police to temporarily suspend or otherwise modify specific regulations found here or otherwise posted. In such cases, signs, other markings, or onsite supervision will communicate actions to this effect. Temporary regulations and restrictions shall be enforced accordingly. Some special situations include, but are not limited to, flooded roadways, construction, snow removal operations, ice on road, etc.
Traffic and Parking Regulations
Traffic Regulations
- All criminal and motor vehicle laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are enforced on the campus.
- No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon any street, roadway or parking lot on University property at a speed that is greater than reasonable and proper without due regard for pedestrian traffic, weather conditions, or the condition of such street, roadway or parking lot. At no time may you exceed the posted campus speed limits, which are 15 MPH in Cedar Dell and the Residence Halls and 25 MPH along Ring Road.
- Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way. A pedestrian has the right of way once he or she has stepped onto the street from a sidewalk, curb, or side of the road.
- Vehicles proceeding from a parking lot and entering a street, road, or main traffic lane in a parking lot shall yield to oncoming vehicles or pedestrians on such streets, roads, or main traffic lanes.
- The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident shall report the accident to the University Police immediately.
Parking Regulations
- Rain or inclement weather does not alter any of the provisions of these regulations.
- Vehicles may be parked and/or operated on University property only in such areas as are marked by signs, street markings, and parking regulations, or other designations indicating that parking and/or operating is permitted.
- The following practices are specifically prohibited:
- Double Parking
- Parking on the left or right side of the street, facing traffic
- Parking over a line or across the line indicating a parking space
- Parking on lawns or landscaped areas
- Parking in front of a driveway, gate, walkway, dumpster, stairs, or in any manner such as to block traffic or parked vehicles, roadways, or hinder the passage of pedestrians or vehicles
- Parking in fire lanes under any circumstances
- Parking in loading zones or areas marked "no parking"
- Parking in areas not designated for parking
- Parking in a zoned area for a permit other than the one displayed
- Parking in reserved areas or handicapped spaces without the appropriate permit
- Parking in spaces marked "visitors" by any student, faculty or staff
- Parking next to buildings where there are no parking spaces indicated
- It is the responsibility of the motor vehicle operator to find an appropriate space. Lack of a space or a convenient space is not considered an excuse for violation of any parking regulation.
- In the event of a mechanical failure:
- The driver must call the University Police for assistance.
- A disabled vehicle may not be left in a fire lane, and only vehicles with a handicap permit may be left in a handicap space. If the vehicle cannot be moved from the space, it will be towed at the owner's expense.
- If the University Police Department can assist you, or if you have any questions until repairs can be made, call 508.999.8107 at any time.
- Vehicles left in the parking lots during Christmas recess will be towed at the owner's expense in case snow removal is needed. It is recommended that all vehicles be removed.
Parking Violations and Fines
General
The person to whom a vehicle is registered is held fully responsible for any violation involving the vehicle, even if another person was using the vehicle at the time of the violation, as well as any tickets received on any unregistered vehicles. Any person who unlawfully tampers with or removes from a motor vehicle or unlawfully changes, mutilates, or destroys any notice affixed to such motor vehicle will have his or her privilege to operate a vehicle on campus suspended and may be subject to prosecution under the criminal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
List of Parking Violations and Amounts
- More than 6 feet from curb: $10.00
- Left to curb: $10.00
- Illegal angle parking: $10.00
- Crosswalk: $10.00
- Sidewalk: $10.00
- Impeding traffic: $10.00
- Parking--proper decal required: $10.00
- Less than 10 feet for passing traffic: $10.00
- Bus stop: $15.00
- No parking area: $15.00
- Restricted parking area: $15.00
- Double parking: $15.00
- No parking on grass: $15.00
- Loading zone: $20.00
- Driveway: $20.00
- Impeding snow removal: $20.00
- Overnight parking: $20.00
- Hydrant fire lane: $20.00
- Handicapped: $50.00
Other violations include:
- Falsification of University registration information
- Improper display or affixing of a parking decal or permit
- Fraudulent use of a University vehicle registration decal or permit
- Using a special permit to operate a motor vehicle for other than purpose of issue
- Failure to display appropriate University registration or parking decal or permit on a registered vehicle
Payments and Appeals
Payment of Fines and Billing
Proceeds from all parking fines are forwarded to the University Scholarship Fund.
Fines may be paid a number of ways:
- At the University Enrollment Center in the Foster Administration Building during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
- At the Parking Office in the Campus Center during normal business hours, Monday to Friday.
- Via mail, by certified check or money order payable to University of Mass. Dartmouth. Please be sure to include the ticket number and vehicle plate number. Do not mail cash.
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Attn: Lockbox
P.O. Box 447
Marlborough , MA 01752-0447 - You may also go to the following web site to pay parking tickets online:
www.PayMyParkingTickets.com
or you may call 1.508.480.0773 to pay parking tickets with a credit card. If you have a hold on your driver's license or vehicle registration at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, these tickets will be cleared by the end of the day.
Failure to pay the parking fine within 21 days of the date of the violation will result in an additional $5.00 penalty. A bill will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. If there is no response, the Registry of Motor Vehicles will be notified, an additional penalty of $20.00 will be added, and the registered owner of the vehicle will be prevented from renewing his/her license or registration. These penalties must be paid to UMass Dartmouth before you can renew your registration or license.
Appeals
Citations may be appealed in writing to the Parking Office, Campus Center, 285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth MA, 02747 within 21 days of issue, or you may file an appeal online. If the appeal is denied, you may request a hearing before the University Parking Committee.
Towing and Booting
Towing Policy
Vehicles in violation of the following, but not limited to such violations, are subject to tow at the owner's expense:
- Parked in such a way as to create a hazard to other traffic, blocking a roadway or gate.
- Parked in a fire lane.
- Parked in a service lane, except while actually engaged in loading or unloading.
- Parked in a handicapped zone without the proper permit, or reserved designated areas.
- Parked in a reserved or designated space.
- If an unregistered vehicle is either operated or allowed to remain on a public way.
- A chronic offender, with five or more parking violations, who has neglected to abide by the regulations set forth on this page.
Vehicle Booting
Vehicles that are booted for a parking violation will have to pay a fine and all outstanding balances owed for parking violations to have the boot removed. After three days, if the boot remains, the vehicle will be removed at the owner's expense. Any individual who believes that his or her vehicle may have been towed should contact the University Police Department at 508.999.8121 or 508.999.8107.
Transportation Services
Dart Van 1 Schedule 5pm - 2am
Stops at Campus Center, Residence Halls, Gym, Cedar Dell and Library.
Dart Van 2 Schedule 5:30pm - 2:30am
Stops at Campus Center, Residence Halls, Gym, Cedar Dell and Library.
Dart Van Blueline Express
Operates continuously with no set time schedule per stop. Stops at Centennial Way crosswalk, Campus Center, Woodlands cross walk, Lot 13 Bus Shelter, and Cedar Dell.
Dart Van Goldline
Operates continuously from Cedar Dell.
Local Bus Schedules and Map: SRTA Schedules
Route 1 Schedule - New Bedford serving SMAST
Route 8 Schedule - Fall River, stops at BCC
Route 9 Schedule - New Bedford and UMD, stops at Dartmouth Mall, connects to SNESL
Route 10 Schedule - New Bedford, stops at Dartmouth Mall and SNESL
Shuttle Van for Disabled Students
Students needing wheelchair transportation on campus may call the University Police Department at 508.999.8107.
Library Safety Escorts
Safety escorts from the Library to the parking lot are available from 6pm until closing.
Emergency Call Boxes
There are Emergency Call Boxes located throughout the campus. Blue phones can be found at the entrance doors of all residence halls and in various spots on campus. Check the campus map for call box locations.
