Regulations

There is no free parking on the main UW-Milwaukee campus. It is the responsibility of the motor vehicle operator to be aware of UWM parking regulations and to find legal parking space. Lack of legal space is not considered a valid excuse for parking illegally. Parking is enforced at all times 24 hours / 7 days a week, throughout the calendar year. Please see the Washington County and Waukesha pages for rules and regulations at branch campuses.
Parking Rules and Regulations
  1. There is no free parking on campus. Parking is enforced at all times 24 hours / 7 days a week. There is no grace period before parking has been paid for or after the paid time has expired.
  2. Any vehicles exiting a parking garage without payment are subject to a $200 fraudulent parking citation plus (the maximum daily parking fee) for that garage and a ($5 insufficient funds fee). Ex: tailgating, breaking through gate arm, etc.
  3. Parking in a reserved/restricted area without a proper permit, a no-parking zone, loading zone, fire lanes, in front of dumpsters, or in a manner which obstructs traffic is strictly prohibited. This is enforced at all times.
  4. All vehicles and their license plate(s) must be registered when purchasing a permit, including the Upark permit. It is the customer’s responsibility to update any changes to their vehicle(s). Vehicles must be attached to a permit if added after purchase of the permit. Enforcement is done by license plate; failure to update a vehicle(s) is not grounds for a valid appeal.
  5. When using mobile payment such as ParkMobile, Passport, or PayByPhone, the zone and license plate number must be correct. Failure to verify this information before starting a parking session is not grounds for a valid appeal. Only faculty/staff members can park in designated spaces, and faculty/staff members must have listed their plates with Transportation Services prior to using this service. See this form to register your plates.
  6. Customers are limited to one vehicle per permit on UWM property at any particular time. Customers may register multiple plates under their account, but only one vehicle linked to the permit is allowed on UWM property at one time. Motorcycle and mopeds cannot be combined with cars and trucks on a permit. There are separate parking areas and a separate permit for motorcycles and mopeds. Any additional vehicles linked to the permit on campus must pay for their parking. Failure to do so will result in a violation.
  7. Pedestrians shall be given the right-of-way at all crosswalks.
  8. Vehicles cannot reverse into a parking space unless they have a license plate on the front of the vehicle. If not, vehicles must park with the rear of the vehicle facing out. Violators will be ticketed. The exception to this regulation is the four gated garages on the UWM Campus: Union, Lubar, Northwest Quadrant (NWQ), and Pavilion.
  9. Vehicles parked illegally are subject to tow-away at the owner’s expense. Unauthorized vehicles parked in excess of 24 hours are subject to tow-away at owner’s expense.
  10. Speed limit is 5 MPH in driveways and all parking areas.
  11. Overnight parking is permitted only for vehicles with UWM issued resident overnight permits or third-shift permits in areas designated for their use, which is 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM. If overnight parking is required, Sandburg and Kenilworth garages do allow visitor overnight parking for a fee.
  12. Payroll deductions usually begin after the purchase of permits and bus passes, not after the start of the permit. By allowing payroll deductions to start immediately, we are able to minimize the amount an employee pays per check. As a result, some employees may pre-pay for a portion or all of their payroll deduction; any amount overpaid is subject to refund on cancellation of the permit. Transportation Services reserves the right to choose a different start date for payroll deductions.
  13. Parking balances owed are the responsibility of the permit holder/parker even if the individual is no longer employed by or attends UWM. Payroll deductions will not stop until the owed balance is collected. If there is a balance owed after payroll deduction is stopped, it is the permit holders responsibility to pay the remaining balance. Failure to do so could result in extra fees and charges including collection agencies. If UWM Transportation Services does not receive a cancellation notice prior to the contract end date, the permit holder is responsible for the charges that accrue until the contract end date.
  14. Vehicles must be parked within stall markings or between brackets.
  15. The University Police will not honor calls requesting that vehicles parked without permits be exempt from parking citations.
  16. If you have a payroll deductible permit and cancel, your cancellation is prorated forward to the 15th of the month or the end of the calendar month dependent on the date of cancellation. Permit cancellations must be made in writing including payroll deductions. (See next rule for permits paid for without payroll deductions.)
  17. Permit cancellations that are not paid via payroll deduction must be made in writing using the Permit Cancellation form. (See prior rule for payroll deduction cancellations). Any permit cancelled prior to the start of the date the permit will receive a full refund minus a processing fee. Any semester permit cancelled by the last day to drop or withdraw from full-term courses may receive a prorated return minus a processing fee. Semester permits cancelled after the last day to drop or withdraw from full-term courses will not receive a refund. Cancellation requests for annual permits must be received no later than the drop or withdrawal deadline of the Spring semester to qualify for a refund. Monthly, weekly, and daily permits will not be refunded after the effective date commences.
  18. Observe regulations posted on signs. All metered parking is limited to the maximum amount of time posted on the sign. Exceeding the time results in the vehicle being subject to multiple enforcement actions. If the meter is out-of-order, notify the Transportation Services office (414) 229-4000. Failure to pay at another meter is grounds for a citation. Parkers can pay online at parkmobile.com, by calling (877) 727-5003, or using the mobile apps ParkMobile, Passport, or PayByPhone.
  19. The right is reserved to close any parking area or facility for University purposes. Advanced notice will be given when practical. No refunds or special accommodations are guaranteed to permit holders. Permit holders may be relocated at any time. The University reserves the right to cancel a permit; advanced notice will be given if possible.
  20. The regulations are enforced throughout the calendar year, including recesses.
  21. The registered owner, and/or permit-holder, and/or operator is responsible for all violations attached to the vehicle and is thus subject to any and all forfeitures resulting from these violations.
  22. Transportation Services has the right to reserve lots/ramps for event parking on campus. Parking may be sold in advance or at the lot entrance on a first come basis. Transportation Services has the authority to close a lot for construction, maintenance or safety issues. Permit holders will be notified in advance of lot closures, whenever possible. Permit holders may be relocated at any time.
  23. All provisions of Chapter 346 Wisconsin Statues (1975), entitled “Rules of the Road”, as applicable to highways and which are not inconsistent the specific provisions of these regulations, are hereby incorporated by reference and adopted for the regulation of all vehicular traffic, excluding bicycles, on all roads and driveways, including all off-street areas designated as parking facilities, under the control of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. Said statutory provisions are intended to apply with the same force and effect. All traffic shall obey the posted signs approved by the Chancellor or his designee responsible for regulating such traffic.
  24. Any person avoiding payment of required parking fee or in violation of University Parking Regulations is subject to penalties and forfeitures described under Penalties.
  25. Any vehicle with over $150 in unpaid fees which are over 30 days is subject to be towed from campus lots at owner’s expense. Any customer is eligible to be towed if they meet this criteria, regardless of whether they are parked legally at the time of towing.
  26. Students with unpaid parking and citation balances may have their class registration, class transcripts and /or diploma access suspended. Access is granted when the balance is paid in full.
  27. No person shall conduct vehicle repairs in a University space. Exceptions may be issued for emergency roadside repairs to allow the vehicle to save the space.
  28. Any damage outside of normal wear and tear to University equipment, spaces, or lots may be assessed to the person found at fault for the damage.
  29. The University assumes no responsibility or liability for loss from theft or damage to vehicles operated or parked on campus. Vehicles exclude any mode of transportation approved to park on campus including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, etc. accordance with State Statues 895.46 & 893.82, damages to personal vehicles while parked in a University lot or ramp are not covered the University’s insurance unless the damage is a direct result of negligence. Damages that are not covered include equipment malfunctions, wind, vandalism, etcetera.
  30. Any vehicle parked in an accessible (ADA) space without the proper permit and placard is subject to a $200 fine plus immediate tow.
  31. Vehicles with an accessible (ADA) permit, including hourly or transient permits, must park in a designated accessible parking space. Handtag must be displayed on dash or rear. If all accessible parking spaces are full, customer may park in non-ADA space.
  32. An ADA hangtag does not entitle the holder to free parking on campus. The customer must have a permit or pay for parking via app, web, or pay station. Discounted rates for eligible parkers are available at most lots; check signage for more details.
  33. There is no grace period once the paid parking time expires. Unpaid vehicles may receive citations either on their windshield, through email, or mail.
  34. The K-permit does not allow parking in reserved spaces, Chancellor’s spaces, accessible spaces, spaces reserved for events/guests, or loading/drop-off areas (including the Lubar, Union, and Sandburg circle driveways).
  35. The all-access permit does not allow parking in Chancellor’s spaces, accessible spaces, spaces reserved for events/guests, or loading/drop-off areas (including the Lubar, Union, and Sandburg circle driveways).
  36. The customer is responsible for ensuring there is an active connection (Wi-Fi, cellular data) to their mobile device when making payments via ParkMobile, Passport, or PayByPhone. Parking sessions must be started and stopped properly and if there are any issues, they should be reported directly to ParkMobile, Passport, or PayByPhone support.
  37. Mobile payment services such as ParkMobile, Passport, and PayByPhone may charge a processing fee for credit and debit card transactions.
  38. Digital student IDs, such as the GET mobile app, are not supported by Transportation Services. You must have a physical PantherCard for services, such as entry/exit to garages and riding the Prowl Line. Customers with permits for Lubar, NWQ, Pavilion, and Union Garages need to have a PantherCard to access their designated parking facility in case the vehicle license plate is not recognized by the camera; permit holders should press the help button at the entry/exit machine to raise the gate.
  39. No refunds will be given for permits or other paid parking (hourly, daily, etc.) at the U-PARK (Capitol & Humboldt Park & Ride) Lot.
  40. Most main (Kenwood) campus permit holders, including those with Cambridge, Kenilworth, and Riverview permits, can park in outdoor lots at the main campus between 4 pm and 2 am on weekdays and all-day on weekends. Customers cannot park in garages and must obey all other parking regulations and signage (such as for accessible spaces, etc.). Customers with U-PARK (Capitol & Humboldt) Park & Ride, Washington County Campus, and Waukesha Campus permits are not eligible.
  41. For outdoor lots and ungated garages, parking must be paid before or immediately on arrival. There is no grace period after your arrival. There are several payment options: pay stations/meters, multiple mobile payment providers, pay by calling a phone number, and, for permits, the Parking Portal. Text to pay is available through Parkmobile. If one payment provider is unavailable, you must use one of the alternative options presented above. Customers may use a variety of payment methods that fit their needs, such as starting a session via a pay station, and extending time via website. ParkMobile, Passport, or (coming later summer 2022) PayByPhone are the currently supported mobile payment vendors on campus.
  42. Parking permits and bus passes do not automatically renew. It is the customer’s responsibility to purchase permits and passes as needed. The expiration date for each permit is listed in the customer’s receipt and account. As a courtesy, customers will receive a generic email from uwmpark@uwm.edu informing them that their permit will expire a few days before their permit’s expiration.
  43. Customers can get 30 minutes of free parking through Parkmobile on weekdays after 8 pm and all day on weekends. The customer must select 30 minutes of parking; choosing another length of time (such as one hour) would result in a paid transaction. This promotion is eligible only at surface lots.
  44. Parking permits are valid only at one facility only unless otherwise specified. It is the customer’s responsibility to park in their designated location and obey related rules. Check receipt or account if unsure regarding chosen parking lot. Customers with main campus permits are eligible for special parking privileges after 4 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends; see rule above for more information.
  45. Parkers can only park in spaces where the associated signage is covered by bag when authorized by Transportation Services. Such spaces are reserved for visitors on official university business. If not authorized to park in a space, the violating customer may receive a citation.
  46. Exact change must be given at surface lots and ungated garages. No refunds are given by Transportation Services for overpayment.
Frequently Asked Questions – Parking
Q: I am a new employee. How do I apply for parking?
A: New employees can purchase parking permits online at uwm.edu/transportation/getpermits. Employees must have an ePantherID (uwm.edu/iam/services/epantheraccount-services) and Password to setup payroll deductions. Other options include Parkmobile.com and daily & hourly parking (uwm.edu/transportation/rates).

Q: I have a new vehicle. What do I have to do with my permit?
A: Your license plate is your permit; thus it is very important that your new plate information is linked to your account (uwm.edu/transportation/portallogin). Information on managing your account is available at uwm.edu/Transportation/AccountManagement.

Q: How do I cancel my payroll deductions?
A: In order to cancel your payroll deduction, you need to complete and submit the Payroll Deduction Cancellation Form (uwm.edu/transportation/payroll-deduction-cancellation-form/), your payroll deduction will be stopped according to the timeframes provided on the cancellation form.

Q: How do I appeal a citation?
A: Citations can be appealed online (uwm.edu/transportation/citation). Appeals need to be made within ten days of when the citation was written.