General Regulations

 

Summary of Vehicle and Parking Regulations

Parking Services at the University of Delaware is committed to providing students, faculty, staff, and visitors with safe, accessible, and well-maintained parking facilities. Please note that the University is not liable for damage to or theft of any vehicle or personal property while on campus.

Parking regulations are in place to maintain order and ensure access for all campus users, including emergency vehicles and equipment. While voluntary compliance is encouraged, individuals who fail to follow these regulations may be subject to appropriate sanctions.

University parking regulations apply both to the person who registers a permit and to any operator of a vehicle on campus. The registered owner of a permit or vehicle is responsible for any parking violations, regardless of who is operating the vehicle at the time.

For the purposes of these regulations, parking is defined as leaving a vehicle unattended, regardless of duration. All vehicle and parking regulations are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The University reserves the right to amend parking and vehicle regulations as necessary.

The University also reserves the right to limit access to campus parking lots as needed. When changes are non-emergency in nature, affected permit holders will be notified via electronic communication and redirected to alternative parking areas.

Parking regulations are subject to change at any time. Updates may be made to reflect University policy, safety considerations, or operational needs. It is the responsibility of all permit holders and campus visitors to stay informed of current parking regulations by reviewing information provided by Parking Services.

Parking Services may provide notices, updates, or other important information via electronic means, including email, the University website, or the Parking Services portal. It is the responsibility of permit holders and campus visitors to monitor these communications regularly.

Driver’s Responsibilities

Registration

Faculty, staff, students, and visitors must register with Parking Services to park on University property, excluding hourly parking. Multiple vehicles may be registered to a single permit; however, only one vehicle may use the permit on campus at a time.

Finding Authorized Parking

Registering a vehicle does not guarantee access to a parking space, particularly one convenient to a specific location. The responsibility for finding legal parking rests solely with the vehicle operator. Lack of available spaces, mechanical issues, weather conditions, or other challenges do not justify parking violations.

Permit Ownership and Responsibility

A parking permit grants the privilege to park on University property; it does not imply ownership. All permits remain the property of the University of Delaware and are non-transferable. Each user may hold only one active vehicle permit at a time, unless otherwise authorized by Parking Services.

Permit holders must notify Parking Services within five business days of any change in status that may affect permit eligibility (e.g., a commuter student moving on campus, or a staff member becoming a student). Parking Services will determine any necessary changes to the permit and associated fees, if applicable.

License Plate Visibility

Vehicles must be parked so that the license plate is clearly visible from the drive lane. Improperly parked vehicles may be subject to citation.

Permit Display

Most permits are virtual, with the license plate serving as the parking credential. In special cases, physical parking passes may be issued. These passes must be properly displayed in accordance with Parking Services instructions. A pass is not valid unless it is correctly displayed.

Lost or Stolen Permits

If there is an issue with your permit, report it to Parking Services in writing via email at parking@udel.edu. A replacement may be issued upon completion of a report.

Permit Returns and Reimbursments

Faculty / Staff who leave the University must cancel or return their permits through their account on the Parking portal. Students may only return permits for reimbursement up to the Spring Semester Drop/Add period.  Permits are not eligible for reimbursement after the Spring Semester Drop/Add.

Refunds are prorated based on the date Parking Services receives your cancellation notice.

General Regulations

Campus Speed Limit

Unless otherwise posted, the campus-wide speed limit is 15 miles per hour.

Vehicle Safety & Operation

All vehicles must be operated safely and in compliance with all traffic control devices on campus. Parking against the flow of traffic may result in a citation for unsafe operation.

Pedestrian Right of Way

Pedestrians have the right of way at all campus crosswalks.

Lot Restrictions

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

Parking Spaces

Parking spaces are marked by white or yellow lines. Vehicles must be parked entirely within these lines. Parking in driveways or access ways is prohibited.

  • A driveway refers to any roadway or area within a lot not specifically designated for parking, loading, or marked as a fire lane.

  • An access way is any path or route that provides entry to or exit from a building.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Spaces

EV charging spaces require either a valid UD parking permit or hourly payment valid for the lot. Use is limited to 4 hours, and the vehicle must be actively charging. Non-compliance may result in a citation.

Traffic Control Devices & Barricades

Campus areas closed by barricades or other control devices may not be entered by vehicles, unless authorized by Parking Services or University Police.

Fire Lanes

Parking in fire lanes is prohibited under Delaware DMV Regulations, Newark city ordinance, and University regulations. Vehicles in violation may be towed at the owner’s expense. A licensed driver must remain with any vehicle parked in or near a fire lane. 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 authorized by Parking Services. Vehicles with valid resident or commuter overnight permits are exempt.

Reserved Spaces

Vehicles parked in reserved spaces without proper authorization will be cited and may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Disabled Vehicles

If your vehicle becomes inoperable on campus, immediately notify Parking Services or University Police. The operator must remain with the vehicle until an officer determines whether it poses a hazard. Vehicles must be moved within 24 hours or are subject to towing.

Towing & Immobilization

The University reserves the right to immobilize (boot), remove, or impound any vehicle that is abandoned, is in violation of parking regulations, or has overdue fines over $200

Appeals

Appeals must be submitted to Parking Services within 15 calendar days of the issuance of a citation.

Vehicle Maintenance Prohibited

Vehicle maintenance—including mechanical or cosmetic work—is not allowed in campus parking lots. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Washing or waxing

  • Oil changes

  • Engine, body, or other repairs

Services

Jump Start Assistance

Free jump-start service is available:

  • During business hours: Contact Parking Services via Zoom Phone at 302-831-1184

  • After 4:30 p.m.: Call University Police at 302-831-2222

Please provide your parking lot number and a description of your vehicle. Raise the hood to help staff locate your car.

Vehicle Lockout Assistance

Parking Services and University Police can assist in cases of vehicle lockouts.

Tire Inflation

If you have a flat or low tire, staff can use a portable air compressor to inflate it—enough to move the vehicle to a repair location.

Emergency Fuel Assistance

If you run out of gas, the staff will:

  • Provide a gas container

  • Transport you to a nearby gas station
    Note: You are responsible for purchasing the fuel.

Bicycle Storage (Summer/Winter Session)

If you’re unable to take your bicycle home, we offer covered bicycle storage from Commencement to Fall Move-In or during Winter Break (late December to early February).
Please contact Parking Services for current rates and to make arrangements.