Parking and Traffic Regulations

FORWARD

The policies and regulations contained herein are given the effect of law by Senate Bill 162, 60th Legislature, 1967, of which Section 2 is quoted in part below:

“Each governing board of the State institutions of higher education of this State is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the safety and welfare of students, employees and property and such other rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and the governance of the respective institutions, providing for the operation and parking of vehicles upon the grounds, streets, drives and alleys or any other institutional property under its control.”

MISSION STATEMENT

(Approved by The Texas State University System, November 2017)

Lamar University engages and empowers students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their personal lives and chosen fields of endeavor.  As a doctoral granting institution, Lamar University is internationally recognized for its high quality academics, innovative curriculum, diverse student population, accessibility and leading-edge scholarly activities dedicated to transforming the communities of Southeast Texas and beyond.

I. POLICY STATEMENT

The control of automobile vehicle traffic on campus is a necessary part of the efficient operation of the University. During business hours certain areas are adequate only for those vehicles necessary to University business.

The purpose of these regulations is to facilitate the safe and orderly conduct of University business and to provide parking facilities in support of this function within the limits of available space.

These rules and regulations are part of the rules and regulations of the University and as such are to be observed by members of the staff, faculty, student body and visitors.

1. In these regulations the term “campus” includes all property under the control and jurisdiction of Lamar University.
2. Texas laws governing the use of motor vehicles, in addition to the following regulations, are effective at Lamar University.
3. The University assumes no responsibility for the care and/or protection of any vehicle or its contents at anytime it is operated or parked on campus.
4. The University reserves the right to remove and impound abandoned motor vehicles, or any vehicle found on campus without a permit, with unanswered parking tickets, with an unauthorized or altered permit, with no license plates, parked in a tow-away zone, or parked in such a way as to constitute a serious hazard to vehicles or pedestrian traffic or to the movement and operation of emergency equipment. The owner will be responsible for cost involved in removing such vehicles. The University will assume no responsibility for cost involved in removing such vehicles. The University will assume no responsibility for damages to those vehicles moved by the University.
5. The University reserves the right to change any or all parts of these regulations as necessary, during the current academic year.

II. PERMIT REGISTRATION

1. Any student, faculty or staff member who wishes to park a motor vehicle on property owned or controlled by the University must purchase a Lamar University parking permit. Motor vehicles shall include all automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motorbikes, motor scooters, or any other vehicle that is self-propelled.
2. Students will purchase their parking permit as part of their academic registration procedure at the beginning of each semester. All passes expire on August 18 of the following year. For example, if the pass was purchased in the fall of 2017. The pass expires August 18, 2018. If the pass was purchased in the spring of 2018. The pass expires August 18, 2018. Students will need to log into Self-Service Banner to request the specific parking permit needed by selecting the parking tab.  The permit will be charged to the student’s account.  The student will then have the option to either have their permit mailed to the address provided or pick up the permit at the Parking Office before classes begin. 
3. Faculty and Staff will need to log into Self-Service Banner to request the specific parking permit needed by selecting the parking tab.  All employee permits will be purchased through payroll deduction.  Employees only have to do payroll deduction if they fill out a payroll deduction form. If an employee does not wish to fill out the form, then they have to pay the total annual cost at the cashier’s office. Faculty and staff have the option to either have the permit mailed to the provided address or pick up the permit at the Parking Office before the beginning of the academic year or the term for which the permit is needed.
4. Permit registration is available and will begin on August 1st for the upcoming academic year. Fees for each permit and all classifications of students (except students enrolled in Continuing Education online courses) are as follows:
   1. If purchased during Fall Semester - $60
      If purchased during Spring Semester - $40
      If purchased during Summer I or II Semester - $20
   2. Motorized Two and Three Wheeled Vehicle Permits:
      If purchased during Fall Semester - $13
      If purchased during Spring Semester - $9
      If purchased during Summer I or II Semester - $5
5. Continuing Education students enrolled in short, special, and seminar courses are responsible for all provisions of these rules and regulations. The parking fees for continuing education students are as follows:
   
   Each Permit: 1-3 weeks - $3; 4-6 weeks - $5; Semester - $10
6. Faculty/Staff Registration Fees (Non-Reserved): $48/year or $4/month (regardless of salary) including any portion of month purchased.
7. Faculty/Staff Registration Fees (Reserved):
   1. Less than $25,000 salary--$60/year or $5/month, including any portion of month purchased.
   2. $25,000 to $60,000 salary -- $72/year or $6/month, including any portion of month purchased.
   3. Over $60,000 salary -- $84/year or $7/month, including any portion of month purchased.
8. Persons less than 50% time and less than $10,000 salary -- $12/year or $1/month, including any portion of month purchased; plus, a $10 deposit required if a card key is needed. (Deposit refundable upon return of card key to Parking Office).
9. Temporary help, etc. -- $1/week or maximum of $10/semester; plus, a $10 deposit required if a card key is needed. (Deposit refundable upon return of card key).
10. REFUNDS: a request for refund will not be honored unless it is filed with the Parking Office during the University’s fiscal year in which payment for the permit was made. A request for refund must be accompanied by a sizable portion of the decal or the return of the hanging permit. Refunds will be made to members of the faculty and staff upon request in the event service is terminated. The refund will be based on the number of full months remaining in the University’s permit year.
    
    Student parking refunds will be in accordance with current academic catalog refund policies. A request for a refund will not be honored when a person’s privilege to park on campus has been suspended or if outstanding charges or other debts remain unpaid.
11. Faculty, staff and students who purchase a parking permit may transfer the permit to any vehicle they wish. The individual who purchases the permit, however, will be responsible for violations by any vehicle bearing or displaying the permit.
12. To be valid, a hanging permit must be clearly visible and hanging from the rear view mirror of the vehicle. In the event that no rear view mirror is present, place PERMIT in the center of the dash. It must be in clear, full view. It is recommended that a piece of tape be used to secure permit in place on the dash. A permit must not be defaced or altered in any way.
13. The theft or loss of a parking permit should be reported to the Parking Office immediately. The replacement cost will be the same as the purchase price for that current semester. There will be a $10.00 fee for all lost or stolen card keys to gate-controlled lots.
14. Replacement permits will be issued without charge where there is a defective permit, or change of classification, provided the original permit is returned to the Parking Office. If the permit is not returned, the full parking fee will be charged.
15. Faculty, staff, and students who receive a citation for parking on Lamar University property without a valid permit displayed, should file an online appeal through Self-Service Banner via the Parking tab.
16. Accessibility Parking for People with Accessibility Needs
    1. Lamar University values diversity and providing the best possible access for customers with accessibility needs as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Customers desiring accessible parking can apply online through their Self-Service Banner with a state-issued accessibility placard and their state-issued ID to receive a Lamar University accessible parking permit. In addition to the state-issued accessibility placard, you must also display a valid Lamar University accessible parking permit.
    2. Here are some helpful steps in obtaining access to our accessible parking:
       1. When purchasing a parking permit online, have a picture in JPG or PNG of your state-issued accessible placard and Driver’s License.
       2. Any additional accommodation request to have the best physical access should be directed to the Accessibility Resource Center.
       3. After completing registration, you can park in any accessible parking space or standard space. You must display a Lamar accessible parking permit along with the state-issued accessibility placard on the windshield of your vehicle.
    3. Persons with permanent accessibility needs are entitled to special parking if verified through the State of Texas. However, all other rules and regulations will apply.
    4. Persons with temporary accessibility needs are entitled to special parking dependent upon available space.
       1. The full parking fee will be charged for all temporarily accessible persons.
    5. Persons not covered by any of the above special provisions must produce a signed letter from their doctor to the Accessibility Resource Center stating the need for temporary parking, the length needed, along with proper identification.  The maximum length of this permit will be either the fall or spring semester.  Summer I and II will be combined.  A new letter is needed each semester.
    6. For additional support or accommodation requests, please contact the Accessibility Resource Center, either by phone (409) 880-8347 or by email: arc@lamar.edu.
17. Special Plates
    1. All Veterans with disabilities, Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, former Prisoners of War, Pearl Harbor survivors, Purple Heart recipients, and all persons with disabilities, whose vehicles display the specially designed license plates and placards issued by the State Department of Transportation printed thereon, in compliance with the provisions of Section 502.253, 502.254, 502.255, 502.257, 502.259, 502.260, 681.006, and 681.008, Texas Transportation Code, are exempt from the payment of fees or charges for parking located on the campus.
    2. All veterans with disabilities and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients are further exempt from the payment of all parking fees on campus.  A current University parking permit and the appropriate license plate or placard or hangtag from the Texas Department of Transportation or disabled permit from the County Tax Assessor Collector must be displayed before parking in specially designated accessible parking areas on campus.

III. PARKING

1. Parking permit assignments are made on the basis of a student’s classification. Special lots are reserved for Seniors (with 105 earned hours or more) and for University employees.
2. There are two faculty/staff permits available:
   1. Reserved Permit holders can park in any reserved faculty/staff lot.
   2. Non-Reserved Permit holders can park in any non-reserved lot or student lot.
3. Faculty and Staff of Lamar University, and LIT who have properly registered their vehicles have reciprocal parking privileges. Students of LIT also have the same reciprocal agreement. Permit holders should familiarize themselves with the Rules and Regulations enforced at each campus to avoid citations.
4. Student parking areas are designated by letter. Student vehicles may be parked only in the lots indicated by the parking permits. Lot assignments are as follows:
   1. NO LETTER PERMIT — Commuting Academic Students are allowed to park in the Parking Lots listed below:
      
      Lot A-2 - South of Football Stadium
      Lot A-5 - North of Montagne Center
      Lot B-1 - Corner of E. Lavaca & MLK
      Lot B-2 – LIT Lot
      Lot B-3 - LIT Lot
      Lot C-1 - Setzer Center Lot and J-4 Lot (ONLY AFTER 12:00 NOON)
      Lot C-3 - Mamie McFaddin Bldg.
      Lot D-1 - E. Virginia St.
      Lot D-2 - Tennis Courts
      Lot D-3 - E. Virginia St. Lot B-1 - Corner of E. Lavaca & MLK
      Lot F-1 - Cardinal Village II Lot B-2 - LIT Lot
      Lot F-2 - Cardinal Village I
      G-2 – East of Campbell Hall
      Lot H-2 - Baseball Field
      Lot H-3 - Baseball Field
      Any Temporary Lot
      
      
   2. S PERMIT — Seniors (with 105 earned hours or more) permitted to park in Lot C-1, or any other commuter lot.
   3. EMPLOYEE PARKING — Faculty, Administration, and full-time staff personnel are per- emitted to use any student parking lot except any area prohibited by signs.
   4. MOTORCYCLE PARKING — All motorcycles, motorbikes, and motor scooters will park only in the areas designated. (See Map)

IV. RESERVED PARKING

Admittance to any reserved parking area is by authorization of the Parking Office only. Any person who is assigned to a reserved area and finds an unauthorized vehicle parked in - the area should report the unauthorized vehicle to the University Police Department.

Any vehicle with a valid permit can park in a space marked reserved, or a gate controlled lot after 5:00 p.m. (unless marked otherwise) or if the lot is being used for a special event. If a gate is in the up position during a period that the University is open for business, the lot is still restricted for Faculty/Staff.

Any space marked RESERVED, even in a non-gated lot is reserved from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise marked for Faculty/Staff.

V. VISITOR PARKING AND REGULATIONS

1. Visitors may park in any of the areas designated for visitor parking or they may wish to utilize the convenience of the Visitors Lot (Lot #E2) north of the Plummer Building.
2. A visitor shall be defined as one who is neither a student nor a staff e or faculty member of Lamar University.
3. Visitors are required to observe all parking and traffic regulations.
4. If a citation is issued to a visitor, he/she is requested to deliver it to the Parking Office.

VI. PARKING AND TRAFFIC REGULATIONS - FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS, & VISITORS

1. All of those regulations embodied in the Statutes of the State of Texas and in the Ordinances of the city of Beaumont governing and regulating vehicular traffic are applicable to and will be enforced on the Lamar campus. In addition, the following regulations, which are unique to this institution, will be enforced.
   1. Not in designated parking space. MUST BE BETWEEN TWO YELLOW LINES IN PERMANENT LOTS AND FRONT TIRES AGAINST PARKING STOP IN TEMPORARY LOTS.
   2. Parking at yellow curb. Curbs, blocks or pavements painted yellow indicate “No Stopping, Standing, or Parking”.  Parking allowed on curbs with time limits stenciled on the curb.
   3. Parking in visitor’s area. Students are not allowed to park in any of those areas designated for visitor parking unless approved in writing in advance by the parking office.
   4. Double Parking. The entire vehicle, whether parking parallel, diagonal, or vertical, must be within the boundaries of the parking space. No part of the vehicle may extend beyond the boundary of the parking space lines and/or encroach into the adjoining space.
      
      The fact that other vehicles are parked with impropriety will not constitute an excuse for parking with any part of the vehicle over the line.
   5. Parked in roadway. PAVED PORTION DESIGNED FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
   6. Motorcycle parking only. AREA DESIGNATED FOR MOTORCYCLES.
   7. Parking in area not designated a proper parking area. (Turf or grass).
   8. Parking on sidewalk or curb.
   9. Parking in crosswalk.
   10. Permit violations (see remarks on citation).
   11. Overtime in timed zone.
   12. Other violations (see remarks on citation).
   13. In Unauthorized Area.
       1. Texas Academy-General Studies - F/S RESERVED
       2. TReligious Center. NO STUDENT PARKING.
       3. TWomen’s Gym - F/S RESERVED
       4. TMcDonald Gym - F/S RESERVED
       5. THealth Center - F/S RESERVED
       6. TNursing Patients. PATIENTS ACTUALLY BEING TREATED AT THAT TIME.
       7. TAll other areas not listed.
   14. No valid permit displayed.
   15. In handicap space or ramp.
   16. In fire lane. Curbs, blocks, or pavement painted red indicate FIRE LANE-TOW AWAY ZONE.
2. Parking Offenses
   ALL PARKING & TRAFFIC REGULATIONS ARE ENFORCED 24 HOURS A DAY.
3. Traffic Offenses
   1. Exceeding speed limit (the maximum speed in parking lots is 10 miles per hour unless otherwise posted).
   2. Operating motor vehicle upon or over sidewalk.
   3. Operating motor vehicle in a prohibited direction on a one-way street or parking lot lane.
   4. Failure to yield right of way to pedestrians (pedestrians have right of way at all times).
   5. Failure to report traffic accidents.
   6. Operate motor vehicle upon or over an area not designated as a road or parking area.
   7. Any other applicable violations as defined in the Texas Traffic Law Manual (Transportation Code).
4. Other Violations
   1. Failure to comply with a lawful order and direction by a University Police Officer.
   2. Altering, damaging or moving University traffic signs, markings or signal devices.
   3. Littering.

Note: There is a max 4 hour charge limit for all ev charging stations. Vehicles will be ticketed if they are charging past the 4 hour charging limit. When a person receives a citation, he/she should comply with the instructions on the citation.

VII. VIOLATION PENALTIES

1. Students, staff and faculty members receiving Lamar University parking citations should report to the Cashier’s Office within fourteen (14) school days to pay the reinstatement fee for each citation received. Any disputes concerning citations should be addressed as an appeal through Self-Service Banner via the Parking tab.
2. The amount of reinstatement fee for each violation is as follows:
   Parking violation #1-12 - $20.00
   Parking violation #13 A thru H - $40.00
   Parking violation #14 - $40.00
   Parking violation #15 - $200.00
   Parking violation #16 - $50.00
3. Other Penalties
   1. Falsification of information when registering online for a parking permit or other forms pertaining to permit registration, displaying a falsely made or altered permit, or displaying or possessing a lost or stolen permit - $100.00 penalty fee.
   2. Unauthorized possession of a reserved lot card key - $100.00 penalty fee.
   3. Permitting someone use of Parking Permit to copy - $100.00 penalty fee.
   4. Permitting unauthorized person use of Gate Key - $100.00 penalty fee.
      1. The card key will be confiscated.
      2. Parking privilege (Parking in Reserved Lot or Space) will be revoked
4. Suspension of Parking Privileges
   As provided under the Texas Ed. Code Section 51.207, Lamar University reserves the right to suspend the parking privileges of any permit holder for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months under any of the following conditions:
   1. Possession of a lost stolen parking permit.
   2. Displaying a fraudulent parking permit.
   3. A person deemed to be a "habitual violator." A "habitual violator" is defined as a person who has recorded in their name three (3) or more unpaid or outstanding parking citations. Reinstatement of parking privileges may be granted upon application, payment of parking fee, and approval of the Parking Advisory Committee.
5. Violation of Suspension
   A student or an employee who parking privileges have been suspended and continues to park a motor vehicle on University property may be reported to the Beaumont Police Department.  The student will be referred to Student Services and the employee will be referred to his Dean or Department Head.

VIII. ENFORCEMENT

Parking and traffic violations are enforced by Lamar University Police. 
› REVIEW ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS

IX. TOWING OF VEHICLES

1. The University Police are authorized to remove motor vehicles on Lamar University property under the following circumstances:
   1. When, in the opinion of the University Police, a motor vehicle should be removed in the interest of the safety of persons or property because of fire, flood, storm, snow or other emergency reasons.
   2. A motor vehicle blocking access to any building, loading zone, parking lot entrance, reserved area, barricades, handicap zone or ramp, or maintenance equipment.
   3. A motor vehicle displaying a lost, stolen, altered, or unauthorized parking permit.
   4. A motor vehicle illegally parked in a designated reserved parking space.
   5. A motor vehicle parked in a designated tow-away zone.
   6. A motor vehicle parked outside of a designated parking area on the grass or turf.
   7. A motor vehicle left unattended continuously for more than 48 hours under such circumstances which indicate it has been abandoned.
   8. A motor vehicle whose displayed permit or license number has accumulated three (3) or more outstanding, unanswered parking citations.
   9. Violation of a conditional release.
   10. Blocking a legally parked vehicle.
2. This is at the owners expense and transportation will not be provided.
   NO ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO ALLOW ANOTHER ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLE OUT.
3. The University Police and the Parking Office require owners of vehicles towed or impounded, to satisfy any penalties, costs, or fees properly imposed and legally due before releasing such vehicles.
4. Owners of such vehicles will be responsible for costs involved in removing, impounding, and storing of such vehicles. The University will assume no responsibility for damages to those vehicles moved by the University.

X. EXTENSIONS AND APPEALS

1. If a student believes the parking citation is unwarranted, he/she may file an online appeal using Self-Service Banner via the parking tab. Online appeals must be filed within 30 days of the citation issuance. After the 30 day period, they are locked out of the system, and the only option they have is to pay it. Failure to comply within the prescribed time limit shall constitute forfeiture of all appeal privileges.  Once the online appeal is filed the citation monetary amount remains on the faculty, staff and/or students account until the appeal is resolved regardless of the time needed to process the appeal.
2. Faculty and staff members desiring to appeal a citation may do so by submitting an online appeal using Self-Serv Banner via the Parking tab.

XI. SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND EMERGENCIES

On special occasions and in emergencies, parking and traffic limitations may be imposed by the University Police Department as required by the conditions that prevail.

XII. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. The Parking Office of Lamar University is located in the lobby of the Wimberly Building. Parking Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
2. A record of all serial numbers or valuables should be kept. Mark your auto accessories so that they may be identified. Write your name, address, and student number in all textbooks.
3. Keys or valuables should not be left in the car. Always keep your car locked.

A faculty, staff, student or contract employee who has an unpaid parking ticket at the end of a fiscal year may not purchase a parking permit for the following fiscal year until the citation charged to their account is paid or dismissed. The individual’s s vehicle will be subject to being booted if parked on campus without a current parking permit.

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The Parking Office seeks to support students, faculty, staff, and the university community who have disabilities.  If you have a question or require assistance in accessing parking information, please call our office at (409) 880-7275 or email us at parking@lamar.edu. The Parking Office is located in the Wimberly Building room 118, and our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.