Police Department at St. Mary's University

Home

» Parking Rules and Regs

Campus Safety Tips

Contacting Our Office

Drug & Alcohol Awareness

Natural Disaster Response

Campus Security

Clery Act Information

University Police
Treadaway Hall
Basement Level
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, TX 78228
phone: (210) 436-3472
fax: (210) 431-6757

Print Version

go to Campus Maps (Parking)

Traffic and Parking Regulations have been created to provide the safest possible environment for those who drive on campus roadways, and help to insure the fair use and distribution of existing parking spaces. The University expects each community member to be accountable, to drive safely, and to follow parking regulations.

St. Mary's University reserves the right to enforce parking and traffic regulations by:

Issuing citations and collecting charges for offenses
Immobilizing or impounding (towing) vehicles
Suspending or revoking permits
Barring re-admission and/or withholding grades, degrees, refunds and official transcripts for non-payment of outstanding charges
Disciplinary action against persons who fail to abide by stated regulations

I. Traffic Safety Regulations

Parking and traffic regulations are in effect at all times. Parking on campus is allowed only in designated spaces. Vehicles parked in violation are subject to tow, without notice, at owner expense. The University is not liable for damage, theft or burglary of any vehicle parked or operated on campus.

A. Traffic Laws and Speed Limits on Campus

Vehicles operated or parked on University property must comply with all state laws and University parking and traffic regulations. Vehicle operation is restricted to streets and parking lots. The speed limit on University streets is 20 mph and the speed limit in parking lots is 10 mph, unless otherwise stated.

The color of stripes and curbs on campus is in compliance with the Texas Department of Transportation regulations: red denotes no parking at any time; white indicates crosswalks and stop lines; and yellow signifies warning, no parking spaces, traffic lanes and no passing zones.

B. Vehicle Operation and Parking by Permit

All vehicles operated or parked on University property shall properly display a current and valid parking permit.

Permits must be affixed to the outside, bottom left corner of the back windshield.
Individuals registering a vehicle(s) for a permit will be responsible for any parking citations involving the vehicle.

C. Temporary Parking and Traffic Control

In the case of emergencies or University event(s), University Police may impose temporary parking and traffic control restrictions. These may include, but are not limited to, closing or reserving parking lots or portions thereof. Temporary restrictions have the force of other written regulations and are subject to the same penalties. Vehicles shall not be driven beyond barricades or where prohibited by temporary or permanent signs, nor shall barricades be moved or removed.

D. Vehicular Collisions on Campus

All accidents occurring within the University's jurisdictional property must be reported to University Police. To report an on-campus motor vehicle accident, call ext. 3330.

E. Parking in Designated Spaces and Areas Only

Vehicles must be properly parked within the lines of a single parking space. Vehicles found parked in violation of state law, city ordinance or stated University regulations, or parked in a way that creates a traffic hazard, may be impounded/relocated at the expense of the violator. The University or its personnel are not liable or responsible for any loss or damage sustained because of impoundment or relocation.

The absence of sufficient authorized parking spaces on campus at any time is not valid justification for violation of parking and traffic regulations. The non-issuance of citations for an offense does not imply these regulations have excluded the offense.

Visitors: Visitors are persons who are neither employees nor students of St. Mary's University. Visitor parking is available in designated areas in parking lots around campus. Frequent visitors to the campus, should purchase a vistor's permit. Contact the University police department for more information.

Lot A-posted 24 hours a day reserved parking spaces for Executive Council, Deans, guests of the President and faculty/staff

Lot B-designated 24 hours a day parking by permit for resident students, faculty/staff, and staff physician

Lot C-designated by permit for faculty/staff (2 a.m. to 5 p.m.), resident students and commuter students

Lot D-designated by permit for faculty/staff, commuter students and visitors

Lot E-designated by permit for faculty/staff (2 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Lot F-designated commuter students and overflow and event lot for visitors

Lot G-designated as OPEN PARKING BY PERMIT for Non-Resident Community Members (faculty/staff and commuter students), Casa Maria residents 24 hours

Lot H-designated as OPEN PARKING BY PERMIT for Non-Resident Community Members (commuter students)

Lot I-designated 24 hours a day by permit for resident students

Lot J-posted 24 hours a day reserved parking by permit for faculty/staff (2 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday)

Lot L-designated 24 hours a day parking by permit for vehicles includes weekends and holidays and handicap designation, police and military vehicles, faculty/staff

Lot N, O, Q M and R-designated 24 hours a day by permit for Outback Residents

Lot P-designated for visitors and staff to Financial Assistance; overnight parking prohibited

Lot S-designated 24 hours a day by permit for faculty/staff

Lot T-designated as OPEN PARKING BY PERMIT for Non-Resident Community Members (faculty/staff and commuter students Monday - Friday)

Lot U-designated by permit for faculty/staff and visitors to the At&T facility

Lot V-designated 24 hours a day for visitors only; overnight parking prohibited; faculty/staff and student parking prohibited at all times

Lot W-designated as OPEN PARKING BY PERMIT for Non-Resident Community Members (faculty/staff and commuter students)

Handicap-designated parking in lots A, D, F, G, I, J, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, and V. Handicap parking spaces are reserved for vehicles that bear either a valid handicap hangtag placard or license plates issued by the state.

VIA Trans Pick Up and Drop Off Locations
Location 1 is at the south side of Reinbolt Hall. Location 2 is at the south side of the University Center, near parking lot J. Location 3 is at the west side of the School of Law, near the Law Center sign.

The University Police Department will honor parking permits from Our Lady of the Lake University, University of Incarnate Word and Oblate College.

F. Loading Zones

Vehicles parked in loading zones must be actively loading or unloading. Unattended vehicles in loading zones shall be cited or impounded.

G. Inoperable Vehicle on Campus

It is required to report inoperable vehicles to University Police. Authorized temporary parking will be determined on a case by case basis and usually will not exceed 24 hours, and the vehicle cannot create a hazard or obstruction.

H. Reserved Parking Requests

Reserved parking for special events and guests to the campus must be submitted to the University Police Department in writing on the Reserved Parking Request Form at least four days prior to the scheduled event. Contact the University Police for forms. The appropriate vice president must approve the request.

II. Parking Permit Regulations

All vehicles operated or parked on University property shall be registered with the St. Mary's University Police Department and properly display a current and valid parking permit.

A. Parking Permits

Students: Resident and Commuter student parking permits may be obtained during all registration periods or at the University Police Department during office hours. Parking permits are issued and released only to the person who purchased the permit, and may be valid for one academic year (fall semester to the end of summer session II). Students issued permits must be currently enrolled.

Resident or Outback Resident permits are issued to students who reside in an on- campus residence hall. Commuter permits are issued to students who reside off campus and commute to the University. For 2009-10, only one vehicle can be registered for a permit.

Students must show proof of the following in addition to completing the vehicle registration form to obtain a parking permit:
- Valid driver's license
- Proof of school registration (i.e. current bill from the Business Office)/Class schedule.
- Current "Rattler Card" I.D.
- Valid and current proof of insurance
- Vehicle make, year, color and license plate number
Students who attend evening classes exclusively must specify their status as that of an Evening Student to be billed properly. Evening Students attend only class(es) that begin after 4:30 p.m. Contact our office for after hour faxing and pick up procedures.
Employees: Employee status is determined by the Office of Human Resources. Employee vehicle registration and parking permit distribution begins the first week of December and the parking permit is valid for two years. One parking permit per employee is issued. The permit is transferable to any vehicle the employee registers with the University Police Department.

Employees must show proof of the following to obtain a parking permit:
- Valid driver's license
- Current "Rattler Card" I.D.
- Valid and current proof of insurance
- Vehicle make, model, year, color and license plate number
Service Providers: Service providers to the University shall follow procedures established by the Physical Plant Department. Parking permits will be issued free-of-charge with the appropriate documentation.

Note: All students who leave or withdraw MUST remove their permit.

B. Temporary Parking Permits

Students and Employees: A complimentary temporary parking permit will be issued to employees and registered students for the following reasons:
- New vehicle with paper plates
- Primary vehicle is being repaired (maximum two weeks)
- Driving a second or different vehicle temporarily (maximum two weeks)
Temporary parking permits may be extended, but may not exceed one month. (No permits will be issued one week prior to, and including the dates of Fiesta Oyster Bake)
Visitors: Visitors are persons who are neither employees nor students of St. Mary's University. Visitor parking is available in designated areas in parking lots around campus. Visitor parking spaces are not valid parking spaces for students or employees.

Complimentary temporary parking permits may be issued to visitors and guests who will be on campus for no more than two weeks. Temporary permits may be purchased by visitors who conduct business on campus on a regular basis, visit resident students or utilize St. Mary's University facilities. Temporary permits may be purchased in increments of one month or one semester. LICENSE PLATE NUMBERS ARE REQUIRED.
Handicapped Parking: Temporary handicapped parking permits are issued to individuals who have a current and valid parking permit. Individuals must provide a letter from the attending physician, stating the individual's name, nature of the disability and duration of the disability. Approval must also be obtained from the Dean of Students (students) or from the Director of Human Resources employees).Students must coordinate their documentation with the Counseling and Testing Center.

C. Display of Permits

Any person operating a motor vehicle on campus shall properly display a current and valid St. Mary's University parking permit.

Student parking permits must be affixed to the vehicle's windshield.
Motorcycle parking permits must be affixed to the motorcycle and displayed at all times.
Employee permits must hang from the interior rearview mirror, with the permit number facing forward and visible from the front exterior of the vehicle.

D. Parking Permit Fees

Commuter and Resident Students
Day (per semester): $30
Evening (per semester): $20
Summer (Sessions I and/or II)/Law Review students: $17

Temporary Parking Permits for Visitors: Non-St. Mary's University affiliation
Two weeks (maximum): No charge
All other passes -$17

Vendors: No charge

Temporary Parking Permits: St. Mary's University employees and registered students
Two weeks (maximum) No charge

Replacement fee is $10.

Last day to request a refund:

Fall Semester September 28, 2009

Spring Semester January 15, 2010

Summer June 14, 2010

III. Policies for Ticketing, Immobilizing and Towing Vehicles

Traffic rules and parking regulations are in place to provide a safe and secure campus environment at St. Mary's. Persons operating vehicles on the campus are expected to follow rules and regulations and are accountable for their actions.

A. Warning Tickets and Violation Citations

The University Police Department is charged with creating a safe environment by enforcing the Parking and Traffic Regulations. Enforcement includes the issuance of warning tickets and violation citations. Some citations require research and could be billed at a later date. Citation fines are collected by the Business Office during normal business hours.

When fines are not paid, or when there is a clear display of continuous and deliberate disregard for regulations, specific steps will be taken to enforce these regulations.

If, within a semester or summer session, four citations are issued for any type of parking violation-regardless of whether previous citations are paid-an Immobilization Warning Notice will be attached to the driver's side window, along with a citation.

B. Vehicle Immobilization (The Boot) and Towing Policy

A vehicle in violation a fifth time within a semester or summer session will be immobilized by attaching a device referred to as "the Boot" to one of the vehicle's wheels. The device will be removed by University Police only after a Boot Removal Fee of $100 and corresponding citations are paid and receipt provided to the University Police Department.

Violators not affiliated with the University must pay the parking fine and Boot Removal Fee in cash, cashier's check or money order at the St. Mary's University Business Office.

After attaching the Boot, University Police will attempt to notify the vehicle's owner/operator. The Boot may remain attached to the vehicle for up to three days. If arrangements to pay the parking fine and Boot Removal Fee are not made within that time, the vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense. There is no appeal process for the immobilization and/or towing of vehicles.

Vehicles immobilized with the Boot are added to a Vehicle Immobilization List. Subsequent violations will result in the vehicle being immobilized without notice as well as a parking citation.

If a vehicle has been immobilized a second time within a semester, the operator is notified in writing that he or she is prohibited from operating any vehicle on campus for the remainder of that semester. If the vehicle is observed operating or parking on campus, a citation can be issued and immobilization and/or towing can occur at the operator's expense without notice.

A vehicle parked legally on campus that creates a safety problem or hazard, or that may endanger campus safety, is subject to immobilization. Examples include: persons who operate a vehicle on campus while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; University Police securing a vehicle involved in a criminal act when the owner/operator cannot be located; owner/operator's request to immobilize to prevent the vehicle from being stolen. No Boot Removal Fee is assessed when using this type of prevention measure.

Removing, disabling or damaging the immobilization device is a violation under University regulations and may lead to University judicial action that could include criminal prosecution.

The University reserves the right to cite and tow any vehicle-at the owner's expense- that creates an immediate geographical or safety problem/hazard, is parked illegally in a fire lane or handicapped space, or is obstructing traffic on a campus roadway.

C. Fines for Parking and Traffic Citations

Parking fines are the responsibility of the vehicle permit holder at the time the citation is issued. Vehicles not displaying a permit will be recorded first in the name of the person who registered the vehicle, or second with the registered owner (or affiliated person) of the vehicle through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The University Police Department is not responsible for a citation being removed from a vehicle after said citation has been placed on a vehicle by the University Police Department.

University Police are authorized to issue two types of citations for violations. University citations can be appealed. County citations require your presence to a summons to appear in Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 2.
Moving Violations/Moving citation are recorded in the name of the driver. The fine for any moving citation is $50.
Parking
- First, second and third citations/violations-$50 each
- Fourth violation-$50, plus the attachment to operator's vehicle of an Immobilization Warning Notice. Further, University Police file a report to the Dean of Students for judicial action consideration. For faculty and staff, the appropriate University Vice President is notified of the situation for their review.
- Fifth violation-$50, plus immobilization of the vehicle. A $100 Immobilization Device Removal fee is required. Notification of appropriate University officials will occur, as previously described.
- Subsequent violation-$50, plus immobilization of the vehicle. A $100 Immobilization Device Removal fee is required. Notification of appropriate University officials will occur, as previously described, with a recommendation to prohibit parking on campus.

D. Appeals Process

Any person who receives a St. Mary's University parking citation-except when in violation of the Vehicle Immobilization and Towing Policy-may request to have it reviewed on appeal by the St. Mary's Parking Appeals Committee, a subcommittee of the University's Parking Committee. The appeal will be granted or denied. Granted appeals will still count towards the number of citations. The Parking Committee is comprised of members from the University community and chaired by the Vice President of Administration and Finance. Appeals are not accepted for Moving Violations at the University Police Department. However moving violation citations are automatically forwarded to Judicial Affairs for review and action.

Appeals must be submitted to the University Police Department within 10 working days of the date the citation was issued. Mailed appeals must be postmarked by the 10th day. If an appeal is not filed within 10 days of issuance, the citation is deemed final. You will be notified by email with the results; results may take up to 3 weeks.

The Appeals Committee will review appeals and notification of their ruling will be sent by email. The appealed citation will be charged to the student or employee's account in the Business Office and will appear on the billing statement. Those whose appeals are granted will have their accounts credited.


	One Camino Santa Maria • San Antonio, Texas 78228 • (210) 436-3011 A CATHOLIC AND MARIANIST LIBERAL ARTS INSTITUTION Copyright © 2009 • Gateway	Follow us: