Parking Regulations

Campus Speed Limit

The campus-wide speed limit is 15 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. All vehicles must be operated safely and in compliance with traffic control devices. Parking against the flow of traffic is prohibited and may result in a citation for unsafe operation. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks.

Lot Restrictions

All University parking lots are permit-restricted at all times. Vehicles must follow specific lot restrictions as indicated by posted signage at lot entrances.

Parking Spaces and License Plate Visibility

Vehicles must be parked entirely within the marked white or yellow lines. Parking in driveways, fire lanes, or access ways is prohibited. License plates, including registration stickers, must remain fully visible from the drive lane at all times. Plates may not be covered or obscured by tinted or clear covers, sprays, reflective devices, bike racks, cargo carriers, trailer hitches, spare tire mounts, or similar attachments. Plates must also remain free of mud, dirt, snow, or other materials that obscure visibility.

It is unlawful to sell, offer, possess, or use any device or spray intended to prevent photographing, scanning, or accurate reading of a license plate.

Signs and Markings

Signs and markings are provided in the interest of parking control and life safety and must be obeyed. Removal or damage of such signs or markings is illegal. Those in violation of this policy are subject to enforcement actions, including and up to arrest for damage to private and public property located within campus grounds. In the absence of a sign at the entrance to a lot, refer to the Campus Map located on the Parking Services website to determine parking regulations for that lot. Any area not specifically designated for parking is considered a no-parking zone and vehicles will be cited and/or towed/immobilized appropriately.

Motorcycle and Moped Parking

Motorcycles and mopeds must be registered with Parking Services and must display a valid motorcycle permit or be registered under a regular parking permit. Without a valid permit, motorcycles and mopeds must use designated Passport spaces and pay via the Passport system. Parking Services has the right to uncover vehicles (i.e., motorcycle covers) to determine whether they are registered and have a valid parking permit. Parking in bicycle racks, on sidewalks, in landscaped areas, or in other non-designated spaces is strictly prohibited. Violations may result in citations, towing, immobilization, or revocation of parking privileges.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Electric vehicle charging stations require either a valid University of Delaware permit for the assigned lot or an hourly payment where available. Use is limited to four hours, and the vehicle must be actively charging. Non-compliance may result in a citation or towing.

Charging stations are currently available in Lots 14C, 4C, 35, 53, 40, and 212.

Traffic Control Devices

Drivers may not enter areas closed by barricades, cones, or signage unless specifically authorized by Parking Services or University Police.

Fire Lanes

Parking in fire lanes is prohibited under Delaware DMV regulations, Newark ordinances, and University rules. Vehicles in violation will receive a citation. Vehicles left unattended in a fire lane for more than 30 minutes may be towed immediately at the owner’s expense. A licensed driver must remain with any vehicle parked in or near a fire lane, and the use of hazard lights does not justify illegal parking.

Overnight Parking

Overnight parking or vehicle storage is prohibited between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless specifically authorized by Parking Services. Vehicles with valid resident or commuter overnight permits are exempt from this restriction.

Reserved Spaces

Reserved spaces are restricted to authorized users only. Unauthorized vehicles may be cited and towed at the owner’s expense.

Disabled Vehicles

If a vehicle becomes disabled or inoperable, the owner must immediately notify Parking Services or University Police. The operator must remain with the vehicle until it is determined whether the vehicle poses a hazard. Vehicles must be moved within 24 hours or are subject to towing.

Towing and Immobilization

The University may immobilize, tow, or impound any vehicle that is abandoned or inoperable, violates parking regulations, or has unpaid fines over $200. The University assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to vehicles, contents, or equipment resulting from enforcement actions.

When a Vehicle May Be Immobilized or Towed
A vehicle is subject to immobilization or towing if it is:
– Without a current permit, or using an unauthorized, altered, or revoked permit
– Without a license plate, or with an expired license plate
– Parked in driveways, fire lanes, reserved/restricted/service spaces, loading zones, or restricted lots
– In repeated violation of parking regulations
– Blocking a loading dock or trash dumpster
– Parked more than 24 hours in a pay lot without prior permission from Parking Services
– Parked in a construction or emergency-repair area and the owner refuses to move the vehicle
– Parked in a way that creates a hazard to vehicles, pedestrians, or emergency operations

Costs & Responsibility
All costs — including citations, towing, immobilization, storage, and any tow-company “show-up” or road-service fees — are the responsibility of the registered owner or operator.

Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance is prohibited in all campus lots. This includes washing, waxing, oil changes, and engine or body repairs.