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.

Use of Hazard Lights

Activating hazard lights does not grant permission to park illegally or stop in restricted areas. Vehicles using hazard lights are still required to follow all University parking regulations, including permit requirements, payment requirements, posted time limits, loading zone rules, fire lane restrictions, and ADA accessibility laws.

Hazard lights are intended solely to warn other drivers that a vehicle is temporarily stopped due to an emergency or mechanical issue. They are not to be used as a substitute for legal parking, standing, or loading. Vehicles parked illegally with hazard lights activated are subject to citation, immobilization, or towing.

If you experience a mechanical problem that requires you to stop, please contact Parking Services or University Police for assistance.

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 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless specifically authorized by Parking Services.

Vehicles displaying a valid Resident Student permit, Student Commuter Overnight permit, or Visitor parking pass, as well as vehicles that have paid to park during overnight hours, are exempt from this restriction.

Vehicles parked on University property during overnight hours without proper authorization or payment are subject to citation.

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, inoperable, in violation of parking regulations, or associated with unpaid fines exceeding $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 displaying 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 for 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 manner that creates a hazard to vehicles, pedestrians, or emergency operations

Costs and 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.

Removal of Immobilizing Device (Boot)

All outstanding fines and fees must be paid in full before a vehicle immobilizing device (boot) will be removed. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner or permit holder to promptly notify Parking Services once payment has been made.

Parking Services will schedule removal as soon as practicable; however, no guarantee is made regarding the exact time of removal. Vehicles remain subject to towing at the owner’s expense if the immobilizing device is tampered with, removed without authorization, or left in place beyond the designated removal period.

Tampering Prohibited

Any attempt to remove, damage, or defeat a University-installed boot is strictly prohibited and will result in additional charges and possible referral to law enforcement. The vehicle owner is responsible for all related damages.

Removals requested outside of normal business hours, on weekends, or on University holidays may be delayed until the next business day.

Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance is prohibited in all campus parking lots and garages. This includes, but is not limited to, washing, waxing, oil changes, tire replacement (except flat tires), and any engine or body repairs.

Activities that may cause damage to the lot surface, such as fluid leaks, chemical spills, or the use of jacks or tools that can gouge or mark the pavement, are strictly prohibited. Individuals found performing maintenance or causing damage to University property may be subject to citations and/or charges for repair costs.

Vehicle Storage, Coverings, and Abandoned Vehicles

Storage of vehicles in any University of Delaware parking lot or facility is strictly prohibited. All vehicles parked on campus must display valid registration and be in regular operational use. Vehicles that remain stationary for extended periods, including those displaying old or unread citations, or that appear abandoned or have expired registration, are subject to citation, immobilization, and/or towing at the owner’s expense.

The use of tarps, car covers, or any material that conceals a vehicle’s identifying information — including, but not limited to, the license plate, vehicle identification number (VIN), or registration details is not permitted. Parking Enforcement Officers are authorized to move or remove any covering or obstruction as necessary to verify compliance and identify the vehicle.

Vehicles left in violation of this policy may be considered abandoned under University regulations and will be subject to additional enforcement action.

Vehicles left unattended for an extended period of time, or those that appear neglected, inoperable, or unregistered, may be deemed abandoned under University regulations. Indicators of abandonment include, but are not limited to, flat tires, missing parts, excessive dirt or debris, expired registration, or multiple old or unread citations.

Abandoned vehicles are subject to citation, immobilization, and towing at the owner’s expense. In certain cases, vehicles may be removed from campus property without prior notice to ensure public safety, accessibility, and the efficient use of University parking facilities.

Parking Services will make reasonable efforts to contact the registered owner before removal when possible. However, the University assumes no responsibility for damage or loss resulting from the towing, storage, or disposal of an abandoned vehicle.