FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I just received a parking ticket that I feel was unjustly given, what should I do?
The university provides a structured means to appeal citations. Appeals must be filed in writing within seven business days from the issue date. Forms and complete information are available at parking services. Individual appeals to members of the parking staff will not be entertained.

What methods of payments do Parking Services accept?
We accept Master Card, Visa , check, cash and Monarch Plus Card .

I have a resident hall decal and I can’t find a place to park what should I do?
Please refer to your parking map and the summary of motor vehicle and parking regulation that were supplied to you at the time the decal was purchased. Check to make sure you are familiar with all the lots that are available for parking with your resident decal.

I have a commuter decal and cannot find a place to park, what should I do?
The time of day you arrive on campus has a big impact on where you will find parking. It may not be close to your destination as you would prefer. We have found that 9am - 2pm is the highest demand time for parking. We suggest you park your car in one of the perimeter lots and catch the Park & Ride to your destination.

If I put my flashers on, will I still get a ticket?
Yes. If you are parked illegally you will receive a ticket.

If I put a note on the window of my car telling you that I will only be in the building for two minutes, will I get a ticket?
Yes, if you are parked illegally with or without a note you will receive a ticket. Notes are note not valid passes.

Another member of my family took my car and parking decal and left me with another car to drive, can I park on campus?
You can receive a temporary parking pass from Parking Services. If the situation is for an extended time we can make other arrangements.

I lost or misplaced my parking decal, what do I do?
Report the loss or theft to public safety if on campus and bring the case number to Parking Services and you will be issued a replacement decal. There is a $11.00 replacement fee.

Do I have to pay the parking meter if I display my Loading Zone Pass or my Extended Parking Pass?
Yes, Vehicles with DMV supplied disability placards or plates are the only ones that do not pay at the meter.

Do I need an ODU parking decal if I have handicap plates or a handicap parking pass?
Yes. The handicap spaces are on campus for the use of university students, faculty and staff. To ensure they are not being abused we must see a valid ODU decal. Handicap visitor and university personnel can park at any meter without paying the meter, however, you must have a valid handicap pass or plates properly displayed.

Can I park anywhere on campus with my handicap pass?
No, you cannot park in prohibited zones or reserved spaces. You can park in any parking lot.

What are some reasons that probably will not be looked upon favorably during the appeals process?

• I didn’t know I was not supposed to park there.
• I was only in there for two minutes.
• That reserved spot is always open.
• I have parked in that spot for the last two years.
• I was late for class.
• The person in the parking lot told me I could park there.
• I don’t think it’s fair.
• There was no fire so I parked in the fire lane.
• I had to go to the bathroom really bad.
• There was no sign saying I can’t park there.
• My roommate was driving my car.

My car was broken down on campus . What should I do?
First, notify Parking Services and Public Safety. Parking services will work with you to resolve the problem.

The top of my windshield is tinted which makes the decal hard to see, will I get a ticket?
Parking Services has extenders which allow your decal to hang a little lower from the rear view mirror making the decal easier to see. Bring your decal to the Parking Services Office and it will be fitted with the extender free of charge.

If my decal is turned sideways on the mirror making it hard to see, will I get a ticket?
Yes. The enforcement officers must be able to see the expiration date, decal number, and the design on the front of the decal.

I have a resident decal . Can I park in a faculty/staff lot?
No. You can park in any commuter and faculty/staff/evening program lots after 3:45. Residents & commuters do not Park in lot 41, located on Powhatan Ave. beside the Physical Plant.

Who can park in the Multi Level Parking Facility (MLPF)?
Faculty/Staff and commuter anytime, and residents after 3:45pm. Metered spaces can be purchased for $.25 per 30 minutes up to $2.00 per day. You do not need a decal to park at a metered space but you must pay the meter.

How does the meter in the parking deck work?
1.) Enter your parking space number . 2.) Insert payment (U.S. coins only, machine will accept U.S. $1.00 bills) 3.) Press green button & take receipt. Things to remember: a) the machine does not give change or refunds. b) Parking Services does not give refunds. c) Have money ready, the machine times out in forty (40) seconds and will automatically give you a receipt. Once the machine times out it will not add to the existing time. HAVE YOUR MONEY READY!

Who set the prices for decals and fines?
All University fees and fines are set by the Board of Visitors.

Where does all the money go and what is it used for?
Parking Services is part of Auxiliary Services and therefore receive no state or federal funds. All fines and fees go to pay direct and indirect costs associated with running Parking Services.

I have a green loading zone pass. How can I use it?
Special areas throughout the campus are set aside and marked as loading zones . Parking in These areas are by special permit only. There is a twenty (20) minute time restriction for loading and unloading. Emergency flashers must be flashing on all vehicles while parked in designated loading zones. Loading zone passes are not valid unless accompanied by a valid ODU decal.

Can I get more than one ticket for overtime at a parking meter?
Yes. Multiple citations, not to exceed one hour , may be issued for parking overtime at a parking meter.

There was no sign stating that parking lot belonged to ODU and I parked there with no decal and got a ticket. Is that legal?
Yes. Signs may at any times be moved or missing from some lots; these lots remain university property and subject to enforcement of the rules. Lot designations are also annotated on the parking map provided with the Summary of Motor Vehicle and Parking Regulations.

What is reserve parking?
Paid reserve parking is designed for those who prefer the convenience of having a parking space available at all times.

Where are reserve parking spaces?
Signs marked "Reserved" are located throughout the University, lots identify reserve spaces.

What are the consequences if I should park in a reserve space?
Parking in a reserve space without permission from the reserve owner will result in a $50 fine and immediate towing of the vehicle at the reserve space owner's discretion, regardless of time of day.

Who is eligible to buy a reserve space?
Any faculty/staff member is eligible to purchase a reserve parking space.

Do I have to pay a separate fee in addition to the reserve-parking fee?
No. The parking permit is included in the fee.

Is there a waiting list for reserve spaces?
Yes. The Assistant Director of Parking Services maintains a waiting list for reserve parking.

Q. How do I request a reserve space?
a) Visit three locations where you would like to have your reserve space placed. Indicate 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choices. b) Fax a typed memorandum to the Assistant Director of Parking Services to see if the spaces requested have a waiting list. c) The faxed memorandum will secure your position on the waiting list. d) The Assistant Director will notify the next person in line when a vacancy become available for the lot requested.

When does the reserve space expire?
Reserve spaces are valid from October 1st - September 30th. All reserve owners must purchase a valid parking permit. A Reserve Space Renewal Agreement form is sent through campus mail to reserve space owners at the beginning of the fall semester. The owners use the form to inform us if they intend to purchase their space for the new year. Failure to return the form by a specified date is deemed a "NO" response and the space is released for sale to a new owner.

I have purchased a faculty/staff permit, now I'm interested in a reserve space, do I have to purchase another permit?
No. Once you have followed the above request procedure and a space has been established for you, you may use your existing permit.

I currently have a reserve space but I am getting ready to leave the University, may I give my space to someone else?
No. The Assistant Director maintains a reserve waiting list and once a reserve space becomes vacant the next person in line becomes eligible to receive that space. Reserve spaces held by Assistant Deans or higher may be held for their replacements.
A. Employees leaving the University may be eligible for refund. Return your decal and complete documentation at the Parking Office. If you are eligible, a refund will be issued to you within four to five weeks through a check from the Office of Finance.