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Procedure and Responsibilities

Procedure and Responsibilities

1. GENERAL

The operation of a motor vehicle or bicycle on University property is a PRIVILEGE granted by the University and is not an inherent right of any faculty/staff member, student, or visitor.

All faculty, staff, students, and visitors who park on University property must have a University parking permit. A parking permit signifies that an individual has been granted the privilege of parking a vehicle on University property and does not guarantee a parking place on campus.

All laws of the State of Texas, ordinances regarding traffic in the City of San Antonio, and rules and regulations of the University are in effect 24 hours 7 days a week. The fact that a violation notice is not issued when a violation occurs does not imply that the regulation or law is not in effect.

The University assumes no liability or responsibility for damage to or theft of any vehicle parked or driven on campus. The University assumes no responsibility or any duty to protect any vehicle or its contents at any time the vehicle is operated or parked on campus. No bailment is created by granting any parked or operating privilege regarding a vehicle on any property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the University. Each vehicle operator is responsible for knowing and following the laws and regulations in force.

The legal speed limit on any Texas A & M University-San Antonio campus is 10 miles per hour, unless otherwise posted. Speed limit on the University parking lots is 10 miles per hour.

2. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

A&M-SA PD is authorized to enforce these regulations, including the right to impound vehicles, at any time and under any circumstances deemed necessary by A&M-SA PD. A&M-SA PD officers may issue University citations or court appearance “CA” citations enforceable in municipal court, Justice of the Peace, or any court of competent jurisdiction.

APPEALS PROCESS

  • Any person issued a University citation may appeal the citation using the online appeals process. The appeal must be submitted to the University Appeal’s Officer within ten (10) calendar days from the date of the citations issuance by completing the appropriate Appeals Form available online. (Appeals Form) The appeal is then reviewed by the University Appeal’s Officer. The citation may be upheld, reduced or dismissed. The notification of the decision will be emailed within 20 calendar days of the appeal. If necessary, the decision can be brought before the Appeal Panel Chair for further review.
  • Faculty/Staff/Students must use Official University Email.
  • Visitors and Vendors/Contractors may use their personal emails.
  • Boot or Administrative citations and towing or storage fees are not eligible for appeal.
  • Any citation that is not a warning must be appealed as described in this regulation.
  • University Appeal Committee decision will be delivered via official University email.
  • No appeal will be accepted after 10 calendar days.
  • Warnings are not appealable. The following are NOT valid reasons for an appeal:

The following are NOT valid reasons for an appeal:

  • Lack of knowledge of the regulations, for example, new to campus or have not reviewed regulations;
  • Other vehicles were parked improperly;
  • Only parked illegally for a short period of time;
  • Stated failure of parking officer to ticket previously for similar offenses;
  • Late to class or appointment;
  • Inability to pay the amount of the fine;
  • No other place to park;
  • Did not see posted signs.

THE DECISION OF THE PARKING ADVISORY BOARD OR AVP FOR BUSINESS AFFAIRS IS FINAL.

3. AUTHORITY

TAMUSA-A&M-SA PD and Parking and Transportation are authorized to enforce these regulations:

Through the issuance of University citations and collection of enforcement fees, including the periodic billing of unpaid citations and the referral of individual cases pertaining to unpaid campus citations to a national collection agency;

Through the impoundment of vehicles interfering with the movement of vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic, blocking a sidewalk or space for those with disabilities, loading dock, ramp, crosswalk, entrance, exit, fire lane, or aisle;

Through the impoundment or booting of vehicles for unpaid enforcement fees or display of a lost, altered, or stolen parking permit after proper notice (issuance of previous citations, vehicle notification, holds on records, and/or citation invoices);

By the suspension, revocation, or denial of campus driving privileges, parking permit to appear in court for certain moving violations or at a University hearing for non- payment of outstanding charges or other violations of these regulations;

By requiring either the vehicle owner or operator or the person who purchased the permit to appear in court for certain moving violations or at a University hearing for non-payment of outstanding charges in accordance with University standards;

By barring re-admission and by withholding grades, degree, refunds, and official transcripts of any student for non-payment of outstanding charges in accordance with University standards;

By disciplinary actions against employees or students who fail to abide by these regulations;

By such other methods as are commonly employed by city governments or state agencies in control of traffic regulation enforcement.

4. PROOF

The issuance of a citation reflecting the existence of any parking or traffic control device, sign, short-term spaces, signal or marking at any location on University property shall constitute prima facie evidence that the same was in existence and was official and installed under the authority of applicable law and these regulations.

When any person is charged with having stopped, parked and left standing a motor vehicle on campus, in violation of any provision of these Parking and Traffic Regulation, proof that said vehicle was, at the date of offense, bearing a valid University parking permit shall constitute prima facie evidence that said vehicle was then and there stopped, parked, and left standing by the holder of the parking permit.

If the vehicle does not bear a valid University parking permit, proof that the vehicle at the date of offense alleged was owned by an individual is prima facie proof that said vehicle was then and there stopped, parked and left standing by the individual.

5. RESPONSIBILITY

The person to whom a University parking permit is issued is responsible for any citation issued with respect to a vehicle displaying that permit or a vehicle registered through A&M-SA PD by that person.

If the vehicle does not display a valid University parking permit and is not registered through A&M-SA PD to any University permit holder, then the person to whom the vehicle is registered through Texas Department of Transportation at the time of issuance of the citation and that individual’s university affiliated (faculty, staff or student) are responsible for the citation.

6. COLLECTION METHODS

The University may arrange for collection of debts due to the University pursuant to these regulations in the following manner:

  • Permit payments may be deducted from employee payroll checks with the employee’s permission. Deductions for all permit purchased will continue until the full price of the permit is paid or until the permit is returned.  Employees are responsible for monitoring their paychecks to ensure the proper deductions are being made for their TAMUSA parking permit.
  • The University may choose to use a commercial collections agency or attorney to collect past due fees for permits or citations. Late fees will accrue.

Any charge not paid when due may be forwarded to an outside collection agency or an attorney for collections. The offender will be responsible for paying all costs of collection, including any agency fees and/or reasonable attorney’s fees, which will be added to the total amount due.

To comply with system regulations and state constitutions on debt forgiveness, we do not negotiate settlements on uncollectible amounts. 

While the collection agency actively pursues past due balance collection agency fees may be added. Payments in this time period to either the university or the collection agency will be subject to the collection agency fees.

7. PARKING REGULATIONS

General Provisions:

A vehicle operator shall park only in a parking space as authorized by the parking permit displayed or as otherwise specifically authorized by A&M-SA PD. Each parking space shall be marked or defined by appropriate signs and/or other markings.

Use of Parking Permits: No person shall lend, sell, or otherwise allow another person to use their permit.

Vehicles are eligible to park only as authorized by the class of permit issued.

Manner of Parking: No person shall:

  • Park without a current parking permit except as specifically authorized by Parking and Transportation.
  • Park a vehicle such that it occupies portions of more than one parking space.
  • Park a vehicle with the left wheels to the curb unless parked on a one-way street. No more than 18” from curb.
  • Double park a vehicle.
  • Park a vehicle in a manner that obstructs “Disable” parking spaces, walkways, driveways, ramps, loading docks, or marked crosswalks.
  • Park any vehicle on a sidewalk, walkway, patio, plaza, grass, shrubbery or an unmarked or unimproved ground area.
  • Park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to stand in or block access to any area designated as a fire lane or 15 feet in either direction of a fire hydrant. Fire lanes are designated by posted signs and/or yellow or red painted curbs. Any emergency authorization for the use of fire lanes must be obtained through A&M-SA PD.
  • Park a vehicle in a no parking zone.
  • Park a vehicle in an area designated as a bus stop.
  • Park in a space with a barricade or remove a barricade, except as specifically authorized by A&M-SA PD.
  • Park a trailer, recreational or mobile home on University property unless specifically coordinated and approved by A&M-SA PD.
  • Park or store a bicycle except in designated bicycle racks. Bicycles are not allowed inside any university building.
  • Leave a vehicle overnight in any parking area without notification to and permission from Parking and Transportation or A&M-SA PD. Parking and Transportation, A&M-SA PD and the University assume no responsibility for vehicle by granting permission to leave vehicle parked on University property.

LOADING ZONES: Vehicle operators may park in a Loading Zone (LZ) for 15 minutes to load/unload a vehicle. Once the loading/unloading process has been completed or the time limit has expired, the space must be vacated.

DISABLE PARKING: No person shall park a vehicle in a “Disable” space without a University permit and appropriate state disable placard or license plate.

VETERAN PARKING: Disable Veterans, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients, Former Prisoners of War, Pearl Harbor Survivors, and Purple Heart Recipients, whose vehicle display the special license plate issued by the Texas Department of Transportation, upon registration and proper identification or notification to A&M-SA PD are exempt from the payment of fees for any University surface parking permit for which they are otherwise eligible, in accordance with State Law. This privilege applies to the veteran only and not to anyone else driving the vehicle (see section 8 PARKING PERMITS for details).

VISITOR PARKING: Official Visitors (individuals not eligible for an annual University parking permit and who come to campus to conduct important business or to render an important service to the University) may be offered no-cost visitor permits, not to exceed three days without the specific permission of Parking and Transportation. Faculty, Staff and Students are not authorized to park in Visitor Parking.

EMERGENCY VEHICLE PARKING: Emergency vehicles are exempt from the provisions of these regulations when operating in response to an emergency situation.

ABANDONED VEHICLES: The University may deem a vehicle parked on University property for more than 48 hours without a valid permit to be abandoned and may remove such vehicle as provided in Section 683.001-683.078 of the Texas Transportation Code.

8. PARKING PERMITS

Issuance of Parking Permits

Parking and Transportation may issue a parking permit to any employees or students of the University and vendors or contractors operating on the campus upon payment of the appropriate fee. Parking and Transportation shall allocate permits among the faculty, staff, students, and visitors of the University in a manner intended to serve the needs of the University. Access to registration and payments are here.

A parking permit will be issued upon application and payment of the parking permit fee will be completed online. Eligibility for permits will be determined by the individual’s primary reason for being on campus, as either a student or an employee, except as may be determined by Parking and Transportation, in the Parking and Transportation’s discretion, for certain class(es) of students providing services to the University. An individual is authorized to purchase only one permit, with the exception of a motorcycle and may only use one permit at any time. A parking permit is transferable to any passenger vehicle being operated by or for the transportation of the permit holder. Ownership of all permits remains with the University and is not transferable.

Bicycles operated or possessed on campus are expected to be registered with A&M- SA PD at no cost. Bicycles must be parked on a bike rack and in operable condition.

Special Event Parking

Parking and Transportation is authorized, as need dictates, to designate restricted parking areas. A special event parking permit will be issued by Parking and Transportation which will assign the vehicle to park in a designated restricted area. Parking and Transportation may issue special permits for events to the host department. Parking areas are subject to open/closure by Parking and Transportation or A&M-SA PD for special events, construction, or other special circumstances. Parking and Transportation may establish fees for special circumstance parking, including event  parking. The special event parking permit must be obtained through the Parking and Transportation office. Only authorized Parking and Transportation and A&M-SA PD personnel are allowed to direct or enforce traffic and parking. Special Events must have a completed Special Event Form  with at least ten (10) University working day notice.

Classes of Permits and Eligibility

Eligible: All full-time and part-time faculty and staff to include such positions as teaching assistant, graduate assistant, lab instructor, or grader, and individuals under temporary, part-time, or work-study status do qualify for this classification.

Parking permits are purchased on an annual basis (academic year beginning each fall semester), and by individual semesters (only if student is graduating in that semester).

Disabled and Decorated Veterans must display a valid A&M-SA permit and are exempt from the payment of fees for any parking permit for which they are otherwise eligible.         

                           To qualify for this exemption, you must have the following:

  • Must be a faculty, staff, or student at the university.
  • Be the registered owner of the vehicle for which you are applying for exemption.
  • The vehicle must have DV or military honors license plates. For more information on how to receive these, please visit the TxDMV webpage and click the "Disabled Veterans" tab.

Those exempt from paying a fee must display the following plates on their vehicle:

  • Congressional Medal of Honor
    • Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, and Coast Guard Cross
    • Silver Star
    • Bronze Star
    • Purple Heart
  • Prisoner of War
  • Pearl Harbor Survivor
  • Disabled Veteran

If you have a current parking permit you may obtain a motorcycle permit at an additional charge.

Visitor Parking - Eligibility: Visitors

Visitors must use the posted QR Code to pay for parking.

Vendor: ParkMobile

Price:  $3 - $5 daily

Location: Central Campus West- Lot 2A, West-Lot 3,  Central Campus East- Lot 4, & City Lane

No Faculty, Staff or Student is authorized to parking in the designated area reserved for Visitors.

ONLY the President or the Chief of Police has the authorization to waive the parking regulations in cases of special events and emergencies.

Temporary Parking Permits can be purchased through the Parking and Transportation office. A vehicle information form must be completed to receive the Temporary Parking pass.

Parking Restrictions

Parking assignments are in effect as follows:

07:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.         Monday-Friday and non-holidays

07:00 a.m. until 01:00 p.m.           Saturday

OPEN PARKING                          Sunday

Parking spaces will be maintained as reserved at all times. Disable Parking, No Parking, Loading/Unloading and Reserved areas are in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All permit holders must park in the same zone for which they have purchased a permit. Should parking in a particular zone become filled throughout the entire campus, contact the Parking and Transportation office for alternate parking.

Display of Permits

A permit must be displayed in accordance with instructions furnished on the permit.

  • Display re-positionable sticker above the vehicle registration sticker (can be re-applied to a different vehicle).
  • Display hang-tag permit from rear view mirror with the front side facing outward

Failure to affix parking permit appropriately will result in a citation being issued.

Surrender or Removal of Permits

Termination of relationship with Texas A&M University-San Antonio: A permit holder shall return their permit to Parking and Transportation when the permit holder’s relationship with the University terminates. Permits not returned to Parking and Transportation remain active and the permit holder is responsible for any fees/citations incurred.

When Permit holders are required to remove and surrender their permit:

  • In the case of a decal permit when there is a change in ownership of the vehicle
  • When a replacement permit has been issued
  • Upon revocation of the permit

Expiration of Permits

Permits expire on the date listed on the face of the permit.

Payment of Permit Fees

When application is made for a permit, the fee charged will be for the entire permit period or for the entire unexpired portion of the permit period. See Appendix A: Parking Permit Fee Table for specific permit fees.

Permits may be purchased online with the following payment methods:

  • American Express, Master Card, and Discover. Visa may be used as an e-check method.
  • United States Currency in person at Student Business Services during their operating hours.
  • Permit payments may be deducted from employee payroll checks with the employee’s permission. Deductions for all permit purchases will continue until the full price of the permit is paid or until the permit is returned. Employees are responsible for monitoring their paychecks to ensure that proper deductions are being made for their TAMUSA parking permit.

Lost/Stolen Permit

A permit holder shall immediately report to Parking and Transportation any lost/stolen permit and complete a report with University Police Department

Lost/Stolen permits may be replaced for a fee of ten dollars ($10.00).

Any permit recovered after such a report has been filed must be returned to Parking and Transportation immediately. The use of a permit that has been reported as lost/stolen is subject to fines and penalties as described in these regulations and up to loss of parking privileges.

Permit Refund

Only Employees may receive a prorated refund with a $5.00 administration fee. Refunds will be reimbursed by Parking and Transportation or Student Business Services depending what method was used to pay for permit.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio will not allow refunds for lost permits. Student and Resident permits are non-refundable.

Permit Misuse

Misuse of any permit shall result in confiscation of permit, and no permit shall be issued to that individual for at least one calendar year thereafter.

Parking and Transportation is authorized to suspend campus parking on University property for any person whose vehicle is cited for displaying a lost, stolen or altered permit or any Texas A&M University-San Antonio parking permit not issued in accordance with these regulations.

Additional criminal charges, such as theft of services may also be imposed on individuals found in possession of lost, stolen, or fraudulent production of permit.

Other Permit Requirements

No permit will be allowed from another College or University to be used as a Texas A&M University-San Antonio parking permit. All students, faculty and staff must purchase a Texas A&M University-San Antonio parking permit to park on TAMUSA’s property. Only the Parking and Transportation Department can create parking permits.

9. ENFORCEMENT

Parking and Traffic Citations

Issuance: Any person violating these regulations may receive a citation(s).

A&M-SA PD and Parking and Transportation Authority: A&M-SA PD and Parking and Transportation enforcers are authorized to write University parking citations. A&M-SA PD officers are authorized to issue University citations and court appearance citations for violation of these regulations; however, A&M-SA PD reserves the right to transfer a parking citation to a court appearance citation.

University Police Officer: All University Police Officers are duly Commissioned Peace Officers of the State of Texas under Section 51.203 of the Texas Education Code. The primary jurisdiction of a peace officer commissioned under Section 51.203 of the Texas Education Code grants primary jurisdiction in all counties in which property is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise under the control of the institute of higher education that employs peace officers. Sworn members of the University Police Department are authorized to issue two (2) types of citations for violations of University parking and traffic laws. Non-sworn authorized members may only issue University violation notices.

University Violation Notices: Those handled by the University, subject to University administrative violations charges and a right to appeal within the University.

Court Appearance Citations: Those handled by the University Police but constitution a summons to appear in either the San Antonio Municipal Court or any other court of competent Jurisdiction in the State of Texas.

Failure to Discharge Court Appearance Citations: Failure to discharge a court appearance citation may result in the issuance of an arrest warrant.

University Citations: University citations are issued for offenses listed in Appendix B: Driving and Parking Offenses Fee Table. Any person receiving a University citation must remit the payment in the amount of the charge to the Student Business Services office or submit an appeal to the A&M-SA PD within 10 business days after issuance of the citation. Any towing, booting, and/or storage fees for removal of an impounded or immobilized vehicle or bicycle must be paid regardless of whether an appeal has been submitted. Failure to pay citation charges can result in student financial holds preventing students from receiving grades, refunds, official transcripts or graduating.

Vehicle Immobilization or Impoundment: A&M-SA PD may immobilize (boot) or impound (tow/relocate to a storage area) the vehicle of any person who accumulates four (4) or more unpaid parking or traffic citations and/or charges of $200 or more, has any outstanding citations over 120 days past due, or who is in possession of a lost, stolen or altered/fraudulent parking permit. All outstanding citations must be paid in full prior to the release of the vehicle.

Vehicles may also be booted for other violations of these regulations or State Law in the discretion of A&M-SA PD. The University is not responsible for any damage to the vehicle during booting, towing, relocation, or storage. After notice has been posted on the vehicle, vehicles booted for longer than 36 hours may be impounded (towed to a storage area), the owner and operator are solely responsible for any booting, towing, or storage fees.

Suspension of Privileges: Driving and parking privileges may be suspended by A&M-SA PD if the violator has displayed a lost, stolen, fraudulent or altered permit or other flagrant violations of these regulations. The loss of the privilege of driving or parking a vehicle on campus shall commence immediately following notification of suspension. Such notification shall state the term of the suspension and consequences for violation of the stated terms. The violations of the suspension shall be reported to the Office of Student Conduct if the person is a student. If the person is a Faculty/Staff member, the violation shall be reported to the appropriate Dean, Director, or Administrative official for possible disciplinary action.

If a person whose privilege of driving or parking on campus has been suspended receives a University citation by reason of having a vehicle on campus during the period of their suspension, the period of suspension may be extended and a referral to the appropriate University office may be made for further University disciplinary action.

Suspensions may be appealed to the Appeal Panel Chair, or their designee, within ten

(10) calendar days on the grounds that the imposition of such suspension is improper or will create serious and substantial hardship. No appeal shall be considered if there are any unpaid citations outstanding at the time such an appeal is filed unless special arrangements are made with Parking and Transportation. During the appeal period the suspension remains in effect.

A person receiving notice that their privilege of driving or parking on University property has been suspended shall return, without a refund, the remnants of the permit given to the Parking and Transportation office within ten (10) calendar days after date of such notice.

Collection: Any charge not paid when due may be forwarded to an outside collection agency or an attorney for collection. The offender will be responsible for paying all costs of collection, including any agency fees which will be added to the total amount due.

No Excuse: The absence of sufficient parking spaces on the University property is not justification for violation of the parking regulations. Failure to enforce any regulation shall not constitute a waiver of the University’s authority to enforce these regulations. Other improperly parked vehicles do not constitute an excuse for improper parking.

Permit Holder Accountability: Permit holders are responsible for all fees and fines issued to a vehicle displaying a parking permit issued to the permit holder or a vehicle registered to the permit holder or a member of the permit holder’s family. Use of the parking permit evidences that the permit holder agrees to abide by these regulations.

10. TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Compliance: Every vehicle operator shall comply with these regulations, State Law, and traffic control devices at all times, unless otherwise specifically directed by A&M- SA PD. State and local laws pertaining to operations of a motor vehicle, bicycles and pedestrians on public streets apply on the campus and streets owned and operated by the University.

Special Instructions: No person shall fail to comply with any instructions related to traffic or parking given by a University police officer.

Temporary Restrictions: The Chief of Police for A&M-SA PD is authorized to temporarily implement restrictions that govern parking and traffic relating to construction, emergency situations, or special events on campus, and by agreement with the City of San Antonio or Bexar on public streets. Notices of such restrictions may be given by the posting of temporary signs or barriers or in any other area deemed appropriate.

Speed Limit: 10 mph on campus roads, 10 mph in parking lots, and service drives is the maximum speed limit, at all times, unless otherwise posted.

Traffic Obstruction: No person shall park or bring to a halt on the campus any vehicle in such a manner as to interfere with normal vehicular or pedestrian traffic or jeopardize safety or University property.

Bus-only Lanes: No person shall operate a vehicle other than a TAMUSA vehicle or bus on roadways or in lanes marked for buses only.

Vehicles in Buildings: With the exception of wheelchairs, ADA scooters, or other devices specially authorized by Parking and Transportation or Disability Student Services, no person shall place, use, park or otherwise leave a vehicle within any University building.

Sidewalks, Grass, or Shrubbery: No person shall drive a vehicle on a sidewalk, walkway, patio, plaza, grass, shrubbery or any unmarked or unimproved garage at any time.

Passenger Pick-Up and Drop Off: No person shall stop a vehicle on any street, alley, or driveway on the campus for the purpose of picking up or dropping off a pedestrian without first drawing up to the right-hand curb and cannot interfere with the flow of traffic.

Pedestrians: Pedestrians have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks, in intersections, and on sidewalks extending across a service drive, building entrance, or driveway.

Pedestrians crossing a street at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the street. No pedestrian shall stand on the traveled portion of any street, alley, or driveway in such a manner as to obstruct or prevent the free flow of traffic.

Traffic Restrictions: Vehicles with two or more rear axles, or other oversize vehicles, are prohibited from traveling on any TAMUSA roads unless required or requested by TAMUSA, and at no time may such vehicles, other than emergency vehicles.

Texting While Driving: A person commits a violation if the person uses a handheld mobile communication device to send, read, or write a text message, view pictures or written text, whether transmitted by internet or other electronic means, engaged in gaming or any other use of the device, besides dialing telephone numbers or talking to another person, while operating a moving motor vehicle on any University property.

Vehicle Registration: Any University vehicle operating on a TAMUSA campus must be registered with Fleet Management and must be clearly marked, as set out in Fleet Management policies and procedures (Provide link here). Any University vehicle, including golf carts operating on a TAMUSA campus not properly registered and marked may be disabled or removed from campus, without liability to the cart owner.