USI Traffic and Parking Regulations

Faculty, staff, students and visitors who bring vehicles to campus will be held responsible for the registration and proper operation of their vehicles. It is the responsibility of each member of the University community to read, understand, and abide by the traffic and parking regulations. Ignorance of the regulations is not an acceptable reason for appeal of a violation. 

The University of Southern Indiana assumes no responsibility for the care or protection of any vehicle or its contents when operated or parked on university owned or controlled property. The University reserves the right to change any traffic or parking regulation. These regulations are posted online at www.USI.edu/public-safety/parking   

1. All Indiana laws, county ordinances, and USI regulations regarding traffic and parking apply on all University-owned or controlled properties. ADA parking violations are strictly enforced.
2. Persons operating a motor vehicle on USI-owned or controlled property must possess and present upon request by USI Public Safety:
   1. A valid driver’s license.
   2. Valid, current proof of insurance for the vehicle they are operating.
   3. Valid, current vehicle registration for the vehicle they are operating.
3. Traffic and parking regulations are in effect year-round, unless otherwise noted, and apply to all pedestrians, cyclists and persons who operate motor vehicles or other vehicles on university property.
4. If the identity of the person operating or in control of a vehicle found in violation cannot be determined through normal University methods, the registered owner of the vehicle shall be held responsible for all citations and fines/fees incurred.
5. The speed limit on all campus roadways is 15 miles per hour for all vehicles (including bicycles, skateboards, electric scooters).
6. Parking is only allowed in marked parking spaces.
7. Parking is not permitted on boulevards or roadways, sidewalks, in loading zones, on lawns/landscaping, within 10 feet of fire hydrants, blocking walkways, wheelchair access ramps, drives or any other restricted zone identified by signs and/or yellow paint.
8. Vehicles must be parked fully within the painted lines of a parking space. Vehicles parked on or over the line are in violation.
9. Any vehicle parked in a manner that obstructs roadways, hinders university operations and/or represents a hazard to persons or property is subject to being towed at the owner’s expense.
10. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. All vehicles (including personal conveyance vehicles) must stop and remain stopped while pedestrians are in or approaching a crosswalk. Personal conveyance operators must dismount before crossing roadways on pedestrian crosswalks.
11. Public Safety officers are authorized to conduct traffic stops on USI property to enforce the traffic and parking regulations and/or other University policies, including possession of drugs, alcohol, weapons, etc.
12. Failing to comply with orders or requests from a Public Safety staff member, incivility, verbal threats, or physical abuse shall not be tolerated in any form or manner. Public Safety response to these actions depends on the individuals involved and include but are not limited to local law enforcement involvement, person(s) being asked to leave campus, referral to the appropriate University department for disciplinary sanction(s) and potential banning from University property.
13. Violations of traffic and parking regulations may result in issuance of warnings, citations, vehicle immobilization, towing of vehicles, internal sanctioning and/or revocation of privileges.

Pedestrians must use sidewalks and walking trails. Walking and running on campus roadways are prohibited except during university-sanctioned race events. Pedestrians/runners who act in a manner detrimental to the safety of themselves or others (do not use marked crosswalks, intentionally/deliberately block, or disrupt traffic, etc.) may be cited and/or sanctioned.

If your vehicle is disabled or becomes a hazard on university property or roadways, contact Public Safety for aid. Turn on your hazard warning flashers and wait for aid at a safe location near your vehicle.

Owners of large trucks, campers, buses, vehicles with trailers, and other oversize vehicles which do not fit within a single designated parking space should contact Public Safety for instructions prior to parking the vehicle on university property. Unauthorized parking or camping is prohibited on USI property.

Motorcycles may only be operated on the roadways and may not be operated on sidewalks or pedestrian paths/sidewalks. Motorcycles must be parked in designated, marked parking spaces or in designated motorcycle parking areas. Operation of motorized recreational vehicles (including golf carts, four-wheelers, side-by-sides, etc.) – other than University-owned or emergency vehicles – is prohibited without prior approval from Public Safety. 

1. On roadways, operators must obey all normal traffic regulations and traffic laws including, but not limited to, obeying the on-campus speed limit and observance of all posted traffic signs (stop signs, yield signs, etc.).
2. On sidewalks, the speed limit for PCVs is walking speed.
3. The operation of any PCV while intoxicated is prohibited.
4. Riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets while operating any PCV.
5. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
6. In areas of heavy pedestrian traffic or while crossing crosswalks, operators must dismount and push/carry the PCV (as applicable).
7. If operated between dusk and dawn, PCVs must have a working headlight and taillight – both visible from 500 feet away.
8. All PCVs must be equipped with a brake.
9. Clinging to motor vehicles while operating any PCV is prohibited.
10. Reckless or negligent operation of PCVs is prohibited.
11. The number of riders may not exceed the number for which the vehicle was designed.
12. Operators must ride next to the right shoulder of roadways and in the same direction as the flow of traffic.
13. Jumping or stunt riding is only allowed in designated areas.
14. The operation, parking and storage of personal conveyance vehicles is prohibited in all interior building spaces; on all sidewalks, stairways, steps, ledges, benches, landscaping, and athletic fields/courts unless authorized by USI Public Safety.
15. Violations of these regulations by USI students, employees or visitors may result in referral for sanctioning and/or loss of personal conveyance usage privileges on University property. Visitors who do not comply may be asked to leave University property. 

This section specifically applies to any vehicle with an electric motor including e-scooters, e-bicycles, e-skateboards/hoverboards, etc. Motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters are excluded. All regulations in section 1.8 also apply. Additionally:

1. EPCVs may not be charged within any classroom or administrative building on the USI campus, nor may they be charged via the use of extension cords plugged in to campus buildings.
2. All EPVCs batteries, chargers and charging cables must be UL compliant.
3. All EPVCs must be operated and charged according to the manufacturer’s operating manual.
4. EPVCs should not be left unattended while charging. 

University owned vehicles may only be operated by approved faculty, staff and students who have completed the appropriate vehicle safety training and been certified as an “Authorized Driver” by University Risk Management.  

Certain spaces in the University parking lots are reserved and marked by signage to that effect. Periodically, individual parking spaces, parking lots or parking bays may be reserved for University-approved events or functions. Temporarily reserved spaces are marked by signage, cables pulled across the entrances to the lots/bays and/or orange cones to denote the reserved status. Unauthorized parking in these spaces/parking lots is prohibited and may result in the offending vehicle being cited and/or towed.

Vehicles parked on campus must be in running and driving condition. Basic vehicle maintenance (checking/topping off fluids, changing windshield wipers, changing a single tire, etc.) may be performed in campus parking lots, if necessary, but more extensive maintenance tasks (e.g., changing engine oil, replacing engine/transmission) are prohibited. Any liquid spills should be reported to Public Safety immediately. Vehicles may not be left on jacks, jack-stands, blocks or similar devices unattended and, if found so, may be towed at the owner’s expense. 

The traffic and parking fine system established by the University is designed to encourage compliance. Failure to comply may result in a citation and fine. Fines shall be paid to the Bursar’s Office. See Section 5: Fines and Fees for current fine rates. 

In instances when the fine system does not accomplish the goal of voluntary compliance, the following procedures will be used to address habitual violations of these regulations:

1. Upon the determination that a vehicle or driver has received three (or more) citations during the current academic year, a warning notice will be sent – via university email or U.S. mail – to the offending vehicle’s listed driver and/or registered owner.
2. If the vehicle is found in violation again after the initial warning notice, a second notice will be sent warning that any additional violations will result in the vehicle being placed on the Public Safety boot/tow list and the owner/driver being referred to the University disciplinary system.
3. Additional violations after the second warning notice will result in the vehicle (and any other vehicles operated by the violator) being placed on the Public Safety boot/tow list. Student violators will be referred to the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) for violation of the Student Code of Behavior. Employee violators will be referred to Human Resources. Visitors and contractors/vendors will be referred to the appropriate University department.
4. Continued habitual violations may result in the offending vehicle being immobilized and/or towed – at the owner/driver’s expense – from USI property and the suspension of the owner/driver’s privileges to park and drive on university property.
5. Payment of traffic and/or parking fines has no effect on the determination of habitual offender status.  

Students, employees, and visitors who have had their driving and parking privileges suspended will be restricted from operating or parking a motorized vehicle on university owned or controlled property.

• For disciplinary purposes, the number of tickets accrued by a student during the academic year is reset to zero at end of that academic year except for those persons on suspension at the end of the academic year (payments for traffic and parking fines accrued remain the responsibility of the offender).
• If a suspension extends past the end of the academic year, the balance of the suspension carries over to the next academic year (or summer semester) in which the student is enrolled. If no additional violations occur, persons serving a suspension that is carried over to the next academic year/semester will have their citation count set to zero, as above, at the end of the suspension (payments for fines accrued remain the responsibility of the offender).
• Suspensions remain in effect during the appeals process.
• Fines and towing fees may be reimbursed if the appeal is granted.
• Employee and visitor suspensions remain in effect throughout the calendar year until expiration.
• Vehicles found in violation of this policy may be towed.  

Vehicles may be towed from university property for the following reasons:

• Habitual violation of traffic and/or parking regulations.
• Illegally parked in an ADA Accessible parking space.
• The vehicle is abandoned, illegally parked, in a position constituting a hazard on the roadway, blocking a fire hydrant, etc.  

The registered owner/driver of the vehicle is responsible for all towing related fees.

Vehicles found in violation of traffic and parking regulations may be immobilized with a wheel lock (“boot”) to determine the identity of the driver/owner of the vehicle or to prevent the vehicle from being moved prior to the arrival of a tow truck. Tampering with, removing, or attempting to remove a wheel lock from a vehicle without authorization is prohibited and may result in criminal/civil charges and/or University disciplinary action. See Fines and Fees section for the boot removal fee. 

Long-term parking is prohibited without prior authorization from Public Safety. Any disabled, unattended, or unauthorized vehicle may be considered abandoned and may be towed at the owner’s expense if parked in the same location for more than 72 hours.

Any attempt to circumvent the USI Traffic and Parking Regulations may result in the offending driver/vehicle being cited and/or towed and the responsible person(s) losing their driving and parking privileges on university property. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Providing false or misleading information on the vehicle registration form.
• Displaying a ticket/citation on the windshield that was issued at a different time, date, or location.
• Obscuring a parking permit decal with tape, stickers, etc. to allow HRL residents to park in restricted on-campus parking lots before 3:00 p.m.
• Attaching a permit decal in any way other than the backing adhesive (i.e., via Velcro, tape, etc.) to remove and replace it to circumvent the parking regulations.
• Possession of a parking permit that has been reported lost or stolen.
• Displaying a counterfeit or altered parking permit.
• Using a disability plate/placard registered to another individual to park in an ADA Accessible disability space when the registered owner of the plate/placard is not a current passenger of the vehicle.

Offending students will be referred to the Dean of Students (DOSO) for violation of the Code of Student Behavior: Student Rights and Responsibilities section 6.11 Deception/Falsification/Misrepresentation. Offending employees will be referred to their department head and/or Human Resources. In addition to the sanctions mentioned above, parking permit deception/fraud may result in the confiscation of the permit and a fee for replacement.

Appeals may be granted for two reasons:

1. There is substantial evidence that you did not commit the violation.
2. You committed the violation, but due to circumstances provably beyond your control.

Reasons that are NOT valid grounds for appeal include, but are not limited to:

• Lack of knowledge of the regulation(s).
• Lost citation or “I did not receive the ticket on my vehicle.”
• Did not see a parking sign.
• Had flashers on or parked only for a brief period.
• Inability to find a legally marked space.
• Other vehicles were parked improperly.
• “My [coach, professor, supervisor, RA, etc.] told me I could park there.” 

Student Appeals – Students may appeal a citation to the Student Government Association Court.

• Student appeals may be submitted online via the SGA website at: https://engage.USI.edu/organization/sga

Employees and Visitor Appeals - Employees and visitors may appeal to the University Appeals Committee. 

• Employee/Visitor appeal forms are available online at www.USI.edu/public-safety/parking/traffic-parking-citation-appeals
• Questions regarding the status of employee/visitor appeals may be addressed to Hilary Bemis, Committee Chairman, at hbemis@usi.edu

The deadline for submitting an appeal for students, employees and visitors is 10 business days from the issuance of the citation.  

The USI Public Safety and Parking offices are located in suite 170 of the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center.

• Reception hours are from 7 AM until 3 PM, Monday through Friday.
• The Public Safety Dispatch window is staffed 24/7 for permit pickup or questions regarding parking.

Important numbers:

• Public Safety: 812-464-1845 or, for emergencies, 812-492-7777
• Parking: 812-465-1091

University campus parking lots A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and P are open lots that do not require a parking permit and may be used, with certain marked restrictions, by commuter students, employees and visitors. However:

1. Resident students – including those employed by the University – may not park in campus parking lots G, H, I, J, or N between 7:30 am and 3 pm on days when classes are in session.
2. The Orr Center circle drive is one hour, visitor parking only except for the spaces reserved for the use of the President’s Office. 

The parking lot at the Broadway Recreational Complex is open from dawn until dusk. The parking lot entrance and exit gates will be locked shortly after dusk or after any scheduled evening event. The owners of vehicles left in the lot after the gates are locked should contact Public Safety to request the gates be unlocked to allow their vehicle to be removed. Parking is not allowed at the entrance and exit drives. Vehicles blocking the gates or otherwise impeding entrance to or exit from the complex may be towed. 

Persons with physical disabilities may use designated ADA Accessible parking spaces by displaying the appropriate state-issued disability license plate/placard or USI Temporary Disability Permit (see below). Disability parking placards must be hung from the interior rearview mirror or displayed on the driver’s side dashboard. The entire permit, including the registration number, must be visible. Failure to properly display a disability placard may result in the vehicle being cited and towed. 

USI Parking may issue temporary disability parking permits to persons with short-term physical disabilities or medical conditions restricting their mobility. To obtain a Temporary Disability Parking Permit, a copy of the Practitioner’s Certification for Temporary Disability Parking form (obtained from the Parking or Public Safety offices or online at www.usi.edu/public-safety/parking) must be completed by the person’s physician or health care provider and returned to the Parking office. Once the form is submitted and the permit approved, the requestor will be issued a 30-day Temporary Disability Parking Permit to afford them time to obtain a stateissued disability license plate or placard. Only full-time Parking staff members may approve and issue Temporary Disability Parking Permits. Extension of the 30-day period may be granted by the Director of Public Safety or their designee.  

Faculty, staff, and commuter students are not required to obtain parking permits but are encouraged to register any vehicles they intend to park in campus parking lots with USI Parking. Vehicle registration aids in timely notification of the owners in the event of damage to or other urgent issues involving their vehicle. Vehicle registration forms are available via the Parking web site at www.usi.edu/public-safety/parking.  

1. All students who are registered as residents of Housing and Residence Life must obtain and display on their vehicle a parking permit decal by the first day of classes. Failure to do so may result in referral to the Dean of Students (DOSO) for violation of the Student Code of Behavior/Conduct.
2. To register a vehicle, resident students must possess and present to USI Public Safety upon request:
   1. A valid driver's license.
   2. Valid, current proof of insurance for the vehicle they are operating.
   3. Valid, current vehicle registration for the vehicle they are operating.
      • If the resident student is not the legally registered owner of the vehicle, the registered owner’s information must be entered on the vehicle registration form.
3. Residents may have only ONE vehicle on campus at a time. The vehicle must be registered and display a parking permit. Residents may only register one vehicle at a time (See Temporary Parking Permits below).
4. Decals must be attached, via the adhesive on the back of the decal, to the outside of the vehicle (lower left rear window) as indicated on the instruction form furnished with the decal and MUST always be displayed on the vehicle in the prescribed manner.
5. Parking permit decals are non-transferable and remain the property of the University of Southern Indiana. Permits shall be returned upon request and may be confiscated due to improper display or other violations of these regulations.
6. Parking permits should be removed from a vehicle before ownership is transferred, upon termination of association with the University, expiration of the permit, or receipt of a replacement permit.

Replacement permits are available in the event of a change of vehicle, theft, or loss. Lost or stolen permits should be reported to Public Safety as soon as possible. A fee may be assessed for permit replacement due to deception/fraud, repeated loss, or multiple changes of vehicles (see Section 5: Fines and Fees for the current fee rate). 

Temporary parking permit placards are available at the Public Safety Office for residents who must temporarily drive a vehicle other than the one displaying their normal parking permit decal. Temporary permits are issued for two weeks, with one two-week renewal allowed. Initial Temporary permits are issued free of charge, but a fee may be assessed for the issuance of multiple temporary parking permits to the same individual during a single semester. Temporary parking permits may be obtained from the Parking Office during normal business hours or the Public Safety Dispatch office after business hours.  

1. HRL residents may park in any apartment or campus parking area with the following restrictions: Resident students may NOT park in parking lots G, H, I, J, or N. between 7:30 am and 3 pm on days when classes are in session.
2. All vehicles parked in the apartment complex parking lots must be parked “head in,” so the rear of the vehicle, rear license plate, and parking permit decal are visible from the roadway. Vehicles backed into a space will be cited.
3. Any resident may park in any space marked for Eagle Express Convenience Store or Laundry parking for the time period posted on the sign or in spaces marked for Residence Life visitors or Religious Life visitors while conducting business in those offices.
4. There is no parking allowed in the Residence Hall circle drives except for service or emergency vehicles.

Visitors to the HRL apartment complex may park only in areas designated for non-resident visitor parking during posted visiting hours.

Housing residents must register overnight guests via the guest registration form on the Housing Portal. Guests must also register their vehicle and obtain a Guest Parking Permit from Parking or Public Safety. Guests and residents must abide by all regulations described in:

• Guests/Overnight Guests/Cohabitation Policy section of the current Housing Resident Handbook.
• University of Southern Indiana Traffic and Parking Regulations.
• Section 6.14 Visitation and Guests, Overnight Guests, and Cohabitation of the Code of Student Behavior: Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Code for Student Behavior.  

Only one person may register a particular vehicle.

• If two resident students are sharing a vehicle, one resident must be designated as the owner and/or primary driver and register the vehicle.
• If a resident student is sharing a vehicle with a commuter student/staff member/faculty member/non-student, they must register the vehicle if it will be parked on USI property at any time.

In all cases, the registered primary owner/driver will be responsible for all violations regardless of who may have been operating the vehicle at the time of the violation. 

USI Public Safety enlists the services of private towing companies that are not affiliated with the university. Towing fees – towing, administrative, and storage - are paid directly to the towing service by the owner/driver of the vehicle and are subject to change at the discretion of the towing service. Vehicles towed from university property may also incur a university Boot Removal Fee if the vehicle was immobilized before tow.