Policy

The College requires that all vehicles operated on college property observe all college parking and traffic regulations and all applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code. All vehicles must have a valid license plate and properly display a valid campus parking permit.

Permits

1. Parking permits are required for all vehicles on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
2. All vehicles (including motorcycles, mopeds and motor scooters) must display a current campus permit.
3. Permits are only issued by the Public Safety Department and are property of Saint Mary's College. Permits may be revoked at any time and must be surrendered upon request.
4. Parking permits must be displayed according to instructions given with the permit.
5. Permits are only valid for the vehicle they are issued to and are not transferable to another person or vehicle.
6. Issuance of a permit does not guarantee availability of a parking space.
7. Spaces are on a first come, first served basis in lots that are valid for specific permits.

How to Apply for a Permit

• Parking Permits for Students Living in Residence Halls
• Commuter Student Parking Permit Application
• Faculty and Staff Parking Permit Applications

Responsibility

The responsibility for finding a legal parking space rests with the vehicle operator. Lack of space in lots designated for your permit is not a valid reason for violating parking regulations. Improperly parked vehicles are subject to campus citation, immobilization and/or towing at the owners expense. The College assumes NO LIABILITY for loss or damage to any vehicle or its contents nor liability for damage to persons or property for any parked or moving vehicle on campus.

Guest/Visitor Parking

Guests and visitors may park in designated visitor lots where directed by Public Safety personnel. Guests and visitors are issued temporary permits at the entrance gate. Special event parking and permit requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Regulations

Parking must be in full accordance with posted signs and campus regulations. Regulations are enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week by the Public Safety Department.

All cars, trucks, motorcycles and mopeds are required to be registered with Public Safety and display a current Saint Mary's College parking permit.

• Parking permits are to be placed on the outside of the windshield, on the driver's side, lower corner of the windshield. Only 1 parking permit per vehicle. Using your parking permit on another vehicle is prohibited. Permits are non transferable.
• The parking permit numbers must be visible at all times.
• The parking lots on campus are enforced Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. After 3 p.m., you may park in any parking lot.
• Red curbs, fire lanes, handicapped stalls, blocking traffic, blocking a walkway, not in a marked stall, no current parking permit, stop signs, and speeding are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• If you are uncertain as to where you can park, refer to your map of the campus. The map with show you where you can and cannot park from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Not all parking lots have signs. If you are uncertain where to park, refer to your map, your map is your sign.
• If you are driving a different vehicle and/or expecting a guest, it is your responsibility to obtain a temporary and/or visitor's parking permit with the map showing you and/or your visitor where to park.
• If you have a vehicle and it does not have license plates yet, you are still required to register the vehicle with Public Safety and obtain a current SMC parking permit. Once you get your license plates, inform Public Safety.
• Violation from any of the above laws and policies while on campus, can result in citation, immobilization or the towing of the vehicle at your expense.
• Moving violations (speeding, stop sign, etc) will not be tolerated. Moving violations can not be appealed. Moving violations will be handled through the Director of Public Safety.

Faculty, Staff, Commuter, Visitor and Temporary parking permits, maps of the campus, and parking policies can be obtained at the Public Safety Gatehouse at the entrance of the College, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Resident parking permits are ONLY issued from the Public Safety Administration Office located in Assumption Hall West. For questions or general information please call Public Safety at (925) 631-4282.

All policies and procedures are approved through the Saint Mary's College Parking Team.

• The campus speed limit is 15 mph.
• Pedestrians will be given the right of way at all times on campus.
• Passing another vehicle on campus is prohibited.
• Parking is permitted only in lots designated for your permit and only in marked parking stalls.
• All provisions of the California Vehicle Code must be obeyed on campus including the helmet law and restrictions against passengers in the rear of uncovered pickup trucks.
• Removal or tampering with any item placed for parking or traffic control is prohibited.
• Parking is prohibited in the following areas:

  Any roadway, driveway, walkway, landscaped or dirt area.

  In any fire lane, red zone, or within 15 feet of any fire hydrant.

  In any area prohibited by signs or markings.

  In any pedestrian crosswalk or area that impedes vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

  In any reserved space or lot without the appropriate permit.

  In any handicapped space without the proper license plate or placard.

Appeals

If you have received a parking citation and you wish to appeal the citation, you must Follow the instructions below. IMPORTANT: You are allowed only 1 free appeal per school year.

• Download Appeals Form (pdf)

Instructions for Appealing a Parking Citation

• Drop off your completed appeal form at the Public Adminstrative Office located in Assumption Hall West with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Director of Public Safety will review your appeal.
• The Director of Public Safety will return his appeal decision in your Self Addressed Stamped Envelope you provided.
• If your fine is reduced you must pay the reduced fine within 14 days upon receipt of notification. Failure to do so will result in the fine going back to the original amount then doubled and put on your student account. Faculty/Staff who do not pay a reduced fine within 14 days will have the fine go back to the original amount and doubled and your vehicle will be immobilized or towed at your expense.
• If you cannot afford to pay a citation, obtain an appeal form and indicate that you wish to do community service work for the College in lieu of paying a fine.
• If you wish to appeal a citation and you have already used your free appeal, there will be a $10.00 administrative fee for each additional appeal that you file. Follow the second step and pay the $10.00 administrative fee to the Officer at the Public Safety gate.
• Moving violations (speeding, stop sign, etc.) can NOT be appealed. If you receive a citation for a moving violation you must contact the Director of Public Safety for a hearing.

For questions or general information regarding the appeals process call Public Safety at (925) 631-4282.

All policies and procedures are approved through the Saint Mary's College Parking Team. Violation of parking and traffic regulations can result in a campus citation, immobilization, relocation, tow away at owners expense or loss of on-campus vehicle privileges.