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FAQ

Q: Do I need a Parking Permit?
A: Yes. Between the hours of 7:00am and 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday, having a permit is the first step toward hassle-free parking on campus. The state of Oregon has mandated that parking at its colleges and universities will be "self-supporting." Your parking fee is a "user" fee which enables OSU to build new parking facilities and maintain existing ones. Without these fees, we would not be able to provide adequate parking facilites. Parking permits are available from the Transit & Parking Services Office located in Adams Hall,606 SW 15th St.(south of the railroad tracks).
Q: Do Motorcycle or Mopeds require Parking Permits?
A: Motorcycles and mopeds need permits to park on campus. They are allowed to park in any designated motorcyle parking space on campus. Motorcyles are not allowed to park in vehicle parking spaces and vehicles other than motorcyles are restricted from motorcyle spaces at all times. All motorcycles, mopeds must pay if parking at a meter.
Q: After 5:00 pm?
A: After 5:00 pm you may park without a parking permit in student and staff parking lots with the exception of reserved or special designated parking spaces.
Q: Do I need a permit for metered parking?
A: Permits are not required in metered areas. If you park at a meter, you cannot "stuff" the meter with more change than the maximum time limit (i.e., two quarters will not give you an hour if the maximum time is 30 minutes). Metered areas are enforced rigorously and an expired 30 minute meter can receive a parking violation every half hour. Specific rates and enforcement times are posted on each meter: be sure to read them.
Q: Never, Never
A: Properly displaying a valid permit is the first step to hassle-free parking. There are also a few things to avoid: NEVER park in a FIRE LANE, RED/YELLOW CURB AREAS; Parking in SERVICE, RESERVED and DISABLED spaces requires a special permit.
Q: What is the Secret to Parking Successfully?
A: If you follow the parking regulations outlined and park in marked spaces in lots where your permit is valid, you will never get a ticket.
Q: How do I know which lots I can park in?
A:

Color coded parking signs are posted at the entrance to each lot. Be aware some parking lots are divided and have both student and staff parking areas.

You can also view or download our parking area map by clicking the link in the nav bar under maps.

Permits are required from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.
Q: Where does the money go?
A: Oregon State University's parking program is a self-sustaining auxillary. No tax revenue, student fees or tuition funds are received or used. If you do not drive a motor vehicle or park on OSU property, you do not support the parking program. Parking fees pay for the following:

Maintenance of Parking Lots - Pothole repairs, asphalt or concrete overlay, slurry sealing, sign replacements, painting of parking stalls and curbs, cleaning, grading of gravel parking lots, meter service and repairs, car stops, lighting, water, sewers, etc.

New Construction - Engineering costs, underground drainage systems, site preparation, gravel, asphalt or concrete surfacing, curb and gutter, landscaping, walkways, stall painting, lighting, signs, car stops, etc.

Enforcement and Administrative Support - Parking enforcement, processing of citations, parking permit sales, appeal processing, providing parking information, student employees, office equipment, supplies and administration of the parking program.
Q: How do I avoid getting a ticket?
A:

If you have any questions about parking on campus, call Transit & Parking Services. Any other source is unreliable!!

Have a properly displayed, valid OSU parking permit. This does NOT include OSU housing permits.

Stay away from meters if you hate to watch the clock. Many meters are only for half an hour.

The objective of our system is to provide you with a reliable chance of finding a parking space. Parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis; there are no guarantees.

Pay close attention to signs and park in marked spaces only. All lots have signs posted at entrances describing what type of restrictions apply and when enforcement is in effect.

If your vehicle becomes disabled, and you cannot move it right away, call our office at 541-737-2583.