Chapter 7: Student Motor Vehicle and Bicycle Regulations

• PART I. Scope of the Policy
• PART II. Motor Vehicle Permits
  • SECTION 07.201 Permit Required
  • SECTION 07.202 Warning Citation
  • SECTION 07.203 Permit Eligibility
  • SECTION 07.204 How to Apply for a Permit
  • SECTION 07.205 Exceptions Authorized for Freshmen to Obtain a Permit
  • SECTION 07.207 Duration of Permits
  • SECTION 07.208 Special Circumstances
• PART III. Violations
  • SECTION 07.301 Failure to Display Valid Permit: Fine $30
  • SECTION 07.302 Restricted Area: Fine $65
  • SECTION 07.303 Explanation of Parking Map and Conditions that Apply
  • SECTION 07.304 Combined Violations 07.301 and 302
  • SECTION 07.305 Reproduction or Illegal Use of Permit: Fine $300
  • SECTION 07.306 Parking in a Handicapped Zone: Fine $250
  • SECTION 07.307 Overtime at Meter: Fine $10
  • SECTION 07.308 Overtime in a Timed Zone: Fine $10
  • SECTION 07.309 Outside Designated Space: Fine $65
  • SECTION 07.310 Parking in Loading Zone/Service Drive: Fine $65
  • SECTION 07.311 Prohibited/Yellow Zone: Fine $65
  • SECTION 07.312 Parking on Sidewalk or Grass: Fine $65
  • SECTION 07.313 Bicycles Parked Improperly: Fine $10
  • SECTION 07.314 Immobilization/Impoundment: Fine $200
  • SECTION 07.315 Payment of Fines
• PART IV. Student Traffic Appeals Committee
  • SECTION 07.401 Appealing a Citation
  • SECTION 07.402 Parking and Transportation Services
  • SECTION 07.403 Student Traffic Appeals Committee
  • SECTION 07.404 Regulation Changes
• PART V. Regional Campus Motor Vehicle Regulations
  • SECTION 07.501 Requirements of Permit Holders
  • SECTION 07.502 General Parking Information
  • SECTION 07.503 Regional Campus Violations
  • SECTION 07.504 Appeals

Parking and Transportation Services Campus Avenue Building, Room 15 301 South Campus Ave. Oxford, OH 45056 (513) 529-8535

www.muohio.edu/Parking/

Regular Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Summer Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

PART I. Scope of the Policy

SECTION 07.101

07.101.A. Miami University discourages students from bringing cars to Oxford. The University and the City of Oxford are compact and interdependent, with most locations accessible to pedestrians. Students who desire transportation will find that the Miami Metro provides an efficient alternative to a personal vehicle.

07.101.B. Miami University is not responsible for damage to or theft from motor vehicles or bicycles parked, stored, or operated on University property. Miami University is not responsible for damage to motor vehicles or bicycles and locks incurred during impoundment or immobilization.

07.101.C. This policy applies to the use and storage of motor vehicles and bicycles in University parking areas, defined in these regulations as streets bordering the Oxford campus, streets through the Oxford campus, Oxford campus parking lots and drives, and Hamilton campus and Middletown campus parking lots and drives.

07.101.D. The Director of Parking and Transportation Services may modify restrictions in any area at any time in the course of managing the University's parking resources.

PART II. Motor Vehicle Permits

SECTION 07.201 Permit Required

A permit is required to park in a University parking lot at all times, except as noted in these regulations. A permit is required to park on city streets that run through or adjoin campus from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. At other times a permit is not required to park on city streets that run through or adjoin campus.

SECTION 07.202 Warning Citation

Parking enforcement staff may issue one warning citation per license plate per year (July 1 – June 30) to a car parked in violation. A warning will not be issued for the following violations:

A. Parking in a handicap zone; Section 07.306

B. Spaces reserved for specific vehicles or permit numbers; included in Section 07.302 Restricted Area

C. Spaces posted for no parking between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.; included in Section 07.311 Prohibited/Yellow Zone

D. Overtime at a meter; Section 07.307

E. Reproduction or illegal use of a permit; Section 07.305

F. Restrictions in place for special events such as home football games; included in Section 07.302 Restricted Area

G. Immobilization/Impoundment; Section 07.314

SECTION 07.203 Permit Eligibility

Freshman students are not permitted to bring a car to campus without express University authorization (exceptions listed below). Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are permitted to bring a car, but are required to register the vehicle with the University and obtain a parking permit.

SECTION 07.204 How to Apply for a Permit

07.204.A. Students may apply for a permit and obtain a copy of the parking map through the Parking and Transportation Services website or in person at the Parking Office. Each semester, for 14 calendar days after the start of classes, students may park in the Ditmer or West Millett parking areas without a permit.

07.204.B. Students may not register vehicles belonging to other students unless they are siblings who are also Miami students. Students may not register vehicles belonging to faculty or staff who are not immediate family members.

07.204.C. Permit colors correspond to specific parking areas indicated on the parking map.

07.204.D. Qualifications for Green Permit Parking

1. The Parking Office will confirm eligibility. A green permit is restricted for use only by the graduate assistant to whom the permit is assigned.
2. A green permit is transferable only to another vehicle being used by the graduate assistant.

07.204.E. Qualifications for Blue Permit Parking

1. Graduate students.
2. Seniors (must have completed 96 credit hours) who reside on campus or commute from the home of a parent or guardian.
3. Juniors (must have completed 64 credit hours) residing on campus.
4. A blue permit is not transferable to another vehicle.

07.204.F. Qualifications for Yellow Permit Parking

1. Students who reside on campus or commute from the home of a parent or guardian.
2. A yellow permit is not transferable to another vehicle.

07.204.G. Qualifications for Purple Permit Parking

1. Students who reside off campus.
2. A purple permit is not transferable to another vehicle.
3. Cars with purple permits may not park in the West Millett lot between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

07.204.H. Temporary Permit

1. A student may obtain up to four weeks of temporary permit privileges each semester.
2. Any student may obtain a temporary permit for his or her own vehicle only.

SECTION 07.205 Exceptions Authorized for Freshmen to Obtain a Permit

A. Nontraditional student: Age 23 or married at time of registration.

B. Distance: Permanent residence outside of a 200-mile radius of Oxford (not driving distance).

C. Regional campus class: The Parking Office will verify enrollment.

D. Commuter: Student who resides in the home of a parent or guardian.

E. Internship: Student shall provide verification from the instructor indicating academic credit for the internship.

F. Business: Student shall provide a pay stub from the employer reflecting hours worked 21 calendar days or more after the start of each semester. No other documentation is acceptable as proof of employment. Employment must be outside of the Oxford area.

G. Exceptional transportation need: Student with an exceptional transportation need shall provide a statement of need at time of application.

H. Health: A student with a medical need that requires the use of a vehicle shall obtain authorization from a physician at the Student Health Service prior to making application. The Parking Office will not accept documentation from personal physicians.

I. Military: Student shall provide written verification by the commanding officer. Involvement in Miami University's ROTC units does not meet this qualification.

SECTION 07.206 Permit Revocation

07.206.A. Obtaining a permit by providing false information, or in violation of this policy's restrictions, will result in revocation of the permit with forfeiture of the permit fee.

07.206.B. Unauthorized transfer of a student permit to another vehicle will result in revocation of the permit with forfeiture of the permit fee.

07.206.C. The student shall notify the Parking Office of any change in the conditions under which the student qualified for the permit and surrender the permit to obtain an exchange. Failure to report a change in qualifying conditions is a violation of the motor vehicle regulations and will result in revocation of the permit with forfeiture of the permit fee. The Parking Office will work with a student who needs a parking privilege in the event the student's circumstances change.

07.206.D. Display of a revoked permit is Illegal Use of Permit, a violation of Section 07.305. Vehicles bearing a revoked permit may be immobilized.

07.206.E. Students may be referred to the Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution for actions described in this section.

SECTION 07.207 Duration of Permits

07.207.A. Annual permits: Valid through Monday following May Commencement.

07.207.B. Semester permits: Valid through Monday following Final Examination Week of each semester.

07.207.C. Summer term: As listed in the course guide.

07.207.D. Temporary: Minimum of seven calendar days from date of issue; maximum of four weeks each semester.

07.207.E. Permit fees are not refundable.

SECTION 07.208 Special Circumstances

07.208.A. Special Events

Ordinarily, all student permits are accepted in most areas of the Ditmer and West Millett parking lots. However, on dates of home football games and other special events, all student cars must be removed from the West Millett lot. Students are required to check the Parking Services website for those dates that require removal from the West Millett lot. Students may park in Blue permit areas on campus all day on those dates. On home football game weekends, a permit is not required from noon Friday to 10 p.m. Sunday.

07.208.B. Semester Breaks and Holidays

208.B.1. Red permit and Green permit lots are not open for student parking Monday through Friday, including holidays and semester breaks. Posted restrictions in these lots are in effect, and ticketing in these areas does occur on holidays and semester breaks. Blue permit areas are open for all student permits on holidays and semester breaks.

208.B.2. Any vehicle bearing a valid permit may park during the day in Blue (not Red or Green) permit parking areas designated on the parking map as follows:

a. Tuesday and Wednesday preceding and Monday following Thanksgiving Holiday.

b. Thursday and Friday preceding and Monday following Spring Break.

c. Thursday and Friday of Final Examination Weeks for both semesters.

d. Thursday preceding, Friday of, and Monday following Mid-term Holiday (fall semester).

e. Friday preceding, Monday of, and Tuesday following Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

f. Friday preceding, Monday of, and the Tuesday following Presidents' Day holiday. All other permit restrictions are in effect on these dates including Presidents' Day, and citations are issued on the holiday.

g. The first two days of each term or semester.

07.208.C. Log-In Privilege

Students who require a parking privilege that is not granted by their parking permit must call the Parking Office for permission prior to parking on campus. The student must have a valid permit assigned to the vehicle. Advise the Parking Office if your vehicle becomes disabled while parked on campus. Students will be allowed 24 hours to have the vehicle removed from a restricted lot and will be responsible for citations issued to the vehicle in that lot after that time.

Students with extenuating circumstances may receive permission to park on campus up to four times in the semester. The student must have a valid permit assigned to the vehicle. If a parking citation is issued during the time of the log-in after permission has been granted, the student must present the citation on the date of issue or the next business day to request the citation be canceled.

07.208.D. Hazard Lights or Stopping and Standing

Use of vehicle hazard flashers or stopping and standing does not permit a vehicle to park in violation of posted restrictions and the parking policy. Violators may receive a parking citation even if hazard flashers are in use.

PART III. Violations

A student is responsible for any vehicle brought to the Oxford area for his or her use and for all citations issued to that vehicle. This applies whether the vehicle belongs to the student, his or her parents, or a third party. Students who lend their vehicles to others are responsible for any parking fines incurred.

Vehicles that remain parked in violation at the same location for more than three hours after being cited may be cited again. Vehicles moved to another location after being cited may be cited immediately if parked in violation.

SECTION 07.301 Failure to Display Valid Permit: Fine $30

Failing to display or improperly displaying a valid University parking permit. A permit is required to park in University parking areas (see Section 07.201 Permit Required). All information on the permit must be visible from outside the vehicle. Decal permits must be permanently affixed to the inside surface of either windshield at the lower corner of the driver's side. Hangtag permits must be displayed on the rearview mirror inside the vehicle. Card permits must be displayed inside the front windshield. Cars that display no permit and are parked in a University lot after restricted hours may be cited for Failure to Display a Valid Permit.

SECTION 07.302 Restricted Area: Fine $65

Parking in University parking areas beyond time and area privileges granted by your permit or parking in violation of posted special event parking restrictions. During restricted hours, the specified permit is required to park a vehicle in a University parking area. Signs at the entrances to most campus lots and individual spaces indicate the color, type, or number permit required to park in the lot or space, as well as the times and days the restriction is in effect.

University events sometimes require the exclusive use of parking areas. These areas will be posted in advance of the event. Students are not permitted to park in the West Millett lot on Saturdays of home football games.

Not all campus streets are posted with permit restrictions. Contact the Parking Office or consult the parking map if you have a question about permit restrictions for an area.

SECTION 07.303 Explanation of Parking Map and Conditions that Apply

07.303.A. Red

1. A few RED permit areas are posted for 24-hour restrictions and are limited at all times every day to vehicles displaying a RED permit. Vehicles displaying permits of any other color are not permitted to park in these areas.
2. Most RED and RED/GREEN permit parking areas are posted with restrictions in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. or from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. After those times any vehicle displaying a valid permit of any color may park in that parking area.
3. RED permit holders may park in any University parking area.

07.303.B. Green

1. Most RED/GREEN permit parking areas are posted with restrictions in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. or from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. After those times any vehicle displaying a valid permit of any color may park in that parking area.
2. GREEN permit holders may not park in University parking areas designated for red permits during restricted hours (see red restricted hours stated above).

07.303.C. Blue

1. BLUE permit parking areas are restricted from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. After those times any vehicle displaying a valid permit of any color may park in the blue parking areas.
2. BLUE permit holders may not park in University parking areas designated for red and red/green permits during restricted hours (for restricted hours, see appropriate colors above).

07.303.D. Purple

1. PURPLE permit holders may not park in University parking areas designated for red, green, and blue permits during restricted hours (for restricted hours, see appropriate colors above).
2. PURPLE permit holders may park in the Ditmer lot at all times and the West Millett lot during the day.
3. PURPLE permit holders may not park in the West Millett lot between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

07.303.E. Yellow

1. YELLOW permit parking areas (Ditmer and West Millett) are open to any vehicle displaying a valid permit of any color at any time EXCEPT student parking is not permitted in West Millett parking area on Saturdays of home football games. Shuttle bus service is provided from Ditmer and West Millett to central campus.
2. YELLOW permit holders may not park in University parking areas designated for red, green, blue, or purple permits during restricted hours (for restricted hours, see appropriate color stated above).

SECTION 07.304 Combined Violations 07.301 and 302

A registered vehicle may be cited for Failure to Display Valid Permit and Restricted Area violation when displaying no permit while parked in violation of the privilege granted by that vehicle's assigned permit.

SECTION 07.305 Reproduction or Illegal Use of Permit: Fine $300

Use by a student of any of the following is a violation:

A. Reproduction of a permit

B. Permit that has been altered

C. Permit that has been revoked

D. Permit reported lost or stolen

E. Student permit transferred to another vehicle without authorization

F. Permit issued to or designated for issue to a visitor, faculty or staff member, or graduate assistant

SECTION 07.306 Parking in a Handicapped Zone: Fine $250

SECTION 07.307 Overtime at Meter: Fine $10

07.307.A. Parking at a meter that indicates time has expired, or failure to display a parking meter receipt when parked in a space controlled by a receipt-issuing device, or failure to pay for time parked in a space or facility requiring a fee is an overtime parking violation. Vehicles may lawfully be parked in spaces controlled by meters when the meter display or receipt indicates time remaining. Unless otherwise posted, meter fees must be paid when parking between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except when the University is officially closed. This applies only to parking meter fees; all other parking and permit restrictions are in effect at all times.

07.307.B. Several parking meters are posted to allow parking with any valid permit when the meter display indicates time remaining. Permit requirements and parking restrictions are in effect at all times even when vehicle is parked at a meter.

07.307.C. University parking facilities that require a fee for use by the hour or by the event require payment at all times. Failure to pay for time parked in a facility that requires a fee is a violation. No parking is permitted in the Campus Avenue Parking Facility between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. daily.

SECTION 07.308 Overtime in a Timed Zone: Fine $10

Exceeding time limits as posted.

SECTION 07.309 Outside Designated Space: Fine $65

More than one vehicle in one designated space, parking in two or more spaces, or creating a space where none exists.

SECTION 07.310 Parking in Loading Zone/Service Drive: Fine $65

Parking in loading or service areas where signs prohibit parking.

SECTION 07.311 Prohibited/Yellow Zone: Fine $65

Parking or standing in a posted ":No Parking" zone or Yellow area.

No parking is permitted on alternate sides of Oak and Maple Streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. as posted.

No parking is permitted in the Campus Avenue Parking Facility between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. daily.

SECTION 07.312 Parking on Sidewalk or Grass: Fine $65

SECTION 07.313 Bicycles Parked Improperly: Fine $10

07.313.A. Bicycles may not be parked inside campus buildings except in residence hall rooms. Bicycles should be parked in bicycle racks. Chaining or securing bicycles to any object or structure other than a bicycle rack is prohibited.

07.313.B. Bicycles must not be parked in a manner that will hinder the safe flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

07.313.C. Students must remove all bicycles from campus by the end of the spring semester. The University will remove and impound all bicycles not removed by their owners. Bicycles not claimed at the beginning of the following fall semester will be sold at auction.

SECTION 07.314 Immobilization/Impoundment: Fine $200

07.314.A. A vehicle may be immobilized/impounded under these conditions:

1. Any combination of three violations beginning July 1 each year even if all fines have been paid, and the vehicle is parked in violation at time of immobilization.
2. A violation of Section 07.305 Reproduction or Illegal Use of Permit and parked in violation at time of immobilization.
3. Unauthorized removal or damage of an immobilization device. The car is subject to immobilization or impoundment until the device is accounted for or recovered.

This Immobilization/Impoundment fine must be paid prior to the release of the vehicle. Students may also be referred to the Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution.

07.314.B. Bicycles parked in violation may be immobilized or impounded.

SECTION 07.315 Payment of Fines

Fines may be paid by charge through the Bursar, cash or check made payable to Miami University. Please include the number of the citation on the check to ensure proper credit. Payment may be sent to Miami University, Parking and Transportation Services, 301 South Campus Avenue, Campus Avenue Building, Room 15, Oxford, Ohio, 45056.

PART IV. Student Traffic Appeals Committee

SECTION 07.401 Appealing a Citation

07.401.A. Appeals on citations must be submitted in writing and received at the Parking Office within ten calendar days of the date the citation was issued (forms are available in the Parking Office). Appeals may be sent through the Parking and Transportation Services website at http://www.muohio.edu/parking/.

07.401.B. All decisions made by the Student Traffic Appeals Committee are final.

07.401.C. Appeals must include all pertinent information and supporting documentation needed to allow the Committee to make an intelligent judgment. Appeals should contain a complete and full explanation of circumstances or claim. Items that may accompany your written statement include but are not limited to pictures, statements by others, receipts and diagrams.

SECTION 07.402 Parking and Transportation Services

07.402.A. Prepares and forwards appeals to the Student Traffic Appeals Committee.

07.402.B. Notifies student of the committee's decision.

07.402.C. Does not participate in the committee's deliberations.

07.402.D. Answers all inquiries concerning appeals.

SECTION 07.403 Student Traffic Appeals Committee

07.403.A. Composition: Is composed of students, faculty, and staff.

1. The committee consists of 12 students and 12 faculty or staff.
2. Student members shall be recommended by the president of Associated Student Government.
3. All members shall be appointed by the President of Miami University.
4. The Director of Parking and Transportation Services or designee shall be a non-voting consultant to the committee.

07.403.B. Responsibilities

1. Hears all appeals to citations.
2. Acts upon all appeals. This will be done by all attending members of the committee.

07.403.C. Student Traffic Appeals Committee Chair

1. Convenes the meetings.
2. Attests to decisions reached.
3. Is a voting member (five members, including the chair, shall constitute a quorum).

07.403.D. Student Traffic Appeals Committee Vice-Chairs (There will be two student vice-chairs.)

1. Aid the chair.
2. Convene meetings in the absence of the chair.
3. Perform such other duties as shall arise from time to time.

SECTION 07.404 Regulation Changes

07.404.A. The Student Traffic Appeals Committee may recommend changes to the motor vehicle regulations for purposes of clarity, accuracy, or procedural improvement.

07.404.B. These recommendations shall be made to the President of Miami University via Student Affairs Executive Council.

07.404.C. Recommendations for major policy revision shall remain the responsibility of Student Affairs Executive Council, with members of the committee invited to participate in such discussions.

PART V. Regional Campus Motor Vehicle Regulations

Students, faculty, and staff must display current parking permits on their vehicles when parking on any of Miami University's campuses. Short-term, temporary permits are available at the Office of Business Services at both regional campuses.

These regulations are in effect at all times. All vehicles must be registered by the end of the first week of classes.

SECTION 07.501 Requirements of Permit Holders

07.501.A. An applicant for a permit must present a valid operator's license at the time an application is filed.

07.501.B. These permits will authorize holders to park in student areas on both regional campuses. All students are required to park in legal spaces.

07.501.C. Regional campus students attempting to earn an equal or greater number of credit hours on the Oxford campus during any semester must purchase a parking permit for the Oxford campus.

07.501.D. Student permit holders are issued hangtags that must be displayed from the inside rearview mirror. Hangtag permits are transferable to all vehicles owned by the permit holder.

07.501.E. Faculty/staff permit holders are issued decals or hangtags that must be properly affixed to the vehicle. Decal permits must be permanently affixed to the inside surface of either windshield at the lower corner on the driver's side. Hangtag permits must be displayed on the rearview mirror inside the vehicle. Hangtag permits are transferable to all vehicles owned by the permit holder. Card permits must be displayed inside the front windshield.

07.501.F. Only one permit per person is issued on the regional campuses. There is no permit fee; however, there is a $10.00 replacement fee for lost or stolen permits.

SECTION 07.502 General Parking Information

07.502.A. The regional campuses have areas designated for faculty/staff, students, visitors, and the handicapped. These areas are clearly marked by signs.

07.502.B. Vehicles shall park in designated areas consistent with permit restrictions. Parking outside of permitted areas is a violation and is subject to a fine.

07.502.C. Parking on the Oxford campus: Vehicles that display the YELLOW MUH/MUM permit issued by the Hamilton and Middletown regional campuses must be parked in compliance with this regulation. On the Oxford campus vehicles that display the YELLOW MUH/MUM permit must park in West Millett and Ditmer lots from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and may park in other campus lots after restricted hours as posted. Faculty, staff and students who work or attend classes on any campus are not considered visitors to the Oxford, Hamilton or Middletown campuses.

SECTION 07.503 Regional Campus Violations

07.503.A. All permits are issued with the understanding that permit holders will abide by the motor vehicle regulations of the University. Below is a list of violations and respective fines:

1. Unregistered vehicle. Fine: $10.
2. Failure to display valid permit. Fine: $10.
3. Illegal parking in a restricted area or on the grass. Fine: $10.
4. Blocking any access road. Fine: $15.
5. Parking in handicapped zone. Fine: $75.
6. Exceeding 20 mph speed limit. Fine: $30.
7. Hazardous operation. Fine: $75.
8. Disregarding traffic control device. Fine: $15.

07.503.B. Repeated violations may subject the offender to immobilization of the vehicle and the loss of parking privileges on the campuses of Miami University. Fines must be paid within three working days of the issuance of the citation. All fines must be paid prior to release of an immobilized vehicle.

Miami Hamilton—pay at the cashier's office in 102 Mosler Hall.

Miami Middletown—pay at the cashier's office in 114 Johnston Hall.

SECTION 07.504 Appeals

Citations or penalties must be appealed in writing to the Office of Business Services on the appropriate regional campus within three working days of the citation date for consideration by the Traffic Appeals Board. All decisions of the Traffic Appeals Board are final.

STUDENT PERMITS

Permit Fees

No student permits of any type are allowed to park in restricted spaces (red, red/green, visitor) during posted hours.

Please check the signs at the entrance to or within each parking lot.

A map of campus parking lots is available at the Parking Office, or at www.muohio.edu/Parking.

All student permits are accepted in non-restricted areas on Saturday and Sunday.

All student permits are accepted in the Ditmer and West Millett lots. Student vehicles must be removed from the West Millett lot on specific event dates.

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