Motor Vehicle Parking

I. SCOPE

The policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, volunteers, visitors, guests, and University contractors at all George Mason University locations, owned and leased.

II. POLICY STATEMENT

The purpose of this policy is to:

  1. Ensure that all pertinent parking procedures and regulations are collected in one, comprehensive document that is widely available to the campus community;
  2. Articulate the process and procedure for changing, modifying, and deleting parking and citation procedures and regulations;
  3. Ensure that the citation program reflects university goals for safety and order, is enforced in a fair and equitable manner and that the appeals process is available to all parties in a timely manner; and
  4. Maintain a comprehensive program of strategic planning to ensure that parking resources are available to support the mission of the university.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Administrator: The Director of Parking and Transportation is responsible for administering this policy. In addition, the Director will act as the Contract Administrator for the parking services contract and is responsible for the strategic direction of all parking operations.

Parking and Transportation Department: This department is responsible for the day-to-day management of all parking operations. In addition, the department will recommend to the Policy Administrator appropriate additions and deletions to the parking procedures.

Parking and Transportation Advisory Committee:
The Advisory Committee is responsible for reviewing proposed changes to the parking procedures. Additionally, they are charged with reporting parking issues to the policy administrator for policy or administrative action. The composition of the Committee should reflect student, staff, contractor, and special events constituencies within the university community.

Parking Services Coordinator: The Parking Services Coordinator is specifically responsible for the training of parking enforcement staff to ensure consistent and accurate ticketing on all three campuses. Further, the assistant will administer the appeals process to ensure appeals are granted in a fair, timely, and equitable manner.

IV. DEFINITIONS

Parking Lot Locations and Designations [Refer to the maps for lot locations and designations].

Faculty and Staff Defined. Faculty/staff status is defined and regulated as set forth by the University [“Human Resources Department”]. Only faculty and staff members defined and categorized by the University, including affiliates and contractors, are eligible to purchase faculty/staff parking permits and park in spaces restricted for faculty/staff use.

Graduate Assistants. Graduate research assistants and graduate teaching assistants maintain student status and are eligible to purchase student permits only.

Student Wages Employees. Full-time undergraduate students taking three credit hours or more and are working are treated as student wages employees. These individuals are eligible to purchase student permits only.

Temporary Employees. Individuals hired directly as contract employees of the University or through a temporary agency to work on temporary assignments. Parking permits may be issued to them at prevailing rates on a daily, weekly, monthly, semester or annual basis upon written request from the Human Resources Department.

Student Defined. A student is defined as an individual enrolled in a class offered by George Mason University. This includes Graduate Teaching Assistants, Graduate Research Assistants and Graduate Staff Assistants. Faculty and classified staff attending courses are not considered students. Refer above for faculty/staff definitions.

Non-Resident (Off-Campus) Students. Students who reside in areas not located on George Mason University property are considered non-resident /off-campus students and not eligible for any resident student permit.

Resident Students. Students who reside in housing areas located on George Mason University property are considered resident students and and shall be eligible for certain resident student permits as well as certain off-campus student permits. Residents of the Student Townhouses are to be considered resident students.

Vendor Defined. Vendors are defined as those individuals using vehicles to deliver supplies from outside the University in support of University departments and contractors.

Visitor Defined. A visitor is defined as any person who is NOT classified as a faculty, staff, student, or vendor at George Mason University. However, members of the Board of  Visitors duly appointed by the Governor are deemed faculty/staff for purposes of this policy.

Disabled Parker Defined. A disabled parker is someone with short-term or long-term disabilities who requires use of disabled parking facilities and is supported with appropriate documentation.

Parking Space Defined. Parking spaces are defined as the designated areas for parking motor vehicles on University property. Each parking space is designated by painted control lines. Certain areas may be used as parking spaces without painted control lines. These areas will be marked with appropriate signage. Parking is prohibited in any area that lacks control lines or otherwise appropriate signage.

V. PERMITS AND PERMIT REGULATIONS

Parking Permit Requirements. Unless otherwise noted in this policy, all vehicles parked on property owned or operated by George Mason University are required to display a valid George Mason University parking permit. Visitors are required to park in designated areas with the appropriate temporary permit or pass, obtained from Parking Services, or must park in pay-based areas which include the parking decks and parking lots with daily payment options. Permit options may be limited based on status of employment, availability, and location. Each permit type has associated rules and regulations which can be found at http://parking.gmu.edu.

Vehicle Authorization. The purchase, acceptance, and use of any permit on George Mason University property conveys authorization to appropriate and authorized departments of the University to relocate any vehicle, by means of towing, to another parking space or lot when deemed necessary. Notification to the University Police Department must be made when any vehicle is relocated. No fine or towing fee will be applied, unless the relocated vehicle was parked in violation of the Motor Vehicle Parking Procedures or posted signage.

Permit/Vehicle Owner Responsibilities. If a vehicle is displaying a registered George Mason permit and incurs a citation for violation of these rules and regulations, the registered owner of the permit will be held responsible for all citations and fines issued to the vehicle displaying that permit.  However, the registered owner of the vehicle is ultimately responsible for all violations issued to that vehicle, regardless of who is operating the vehicle.

Liability Disclaimer. George Mason University, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and agents of MASON or the Commonwealth do not assume responsibility for any vehicle or its contents when parked on University property. The University and the State do not assume responsibility for damage to vehicles that are booted, immobilized, or towed due to violations incurred or as a result of other Policy violations.

Permit Purchase Requirements. To purchase a parking permit, individuals must comply with George Mason University and associated state regulations and not have any outstanding citations or fines.

Parking Space Availability. The purchase of a George Mason University parking permit gives the permit holder the right to park in a designated campus location only when there is space available in that location. The purchase of a parking permit does not guarantee the purchaser access to a parking space at all times.

Permit Transferability. George Mason University Parking Services is the only agent authorized to sell or in any way disburse parking permits. Permits may not be sold or transferred from one individual to another. Permits may be moved from one vehicle to another but are not to be “shared” or used together by two or more individuals without prior permission from Parking Services. Each individual is required to purchase their own permit. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in a “No Valid Permit Displayed”, “Improper Display” or “Fraudulent Display” citation.

Permit Purchase Options. All faculty, staff, and student permits are sold at one of the following locations or in one of the following manners. Certain types of special permits must be purchased in person at a designated sales location.  [See Appendix A for current permit options and prices]

Online Payments. All student and faculty/staff annual and semester permits must be purchased online unless paying cash or using Mason Money at http://parking.gmu.edu.

Permit Payment. Parking Services accepts cash, checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Mason Money, and pre-tax payroll deduction as payment options for permits. Pre-tax payroll deduction is limited to full-time faculty and staff only as defined as being eligible by Human Resources. Payment by coin, in entirety, will not be accepted unless coins are wrapped. Payment will not be credited until verified by the Cash Office. Some locations accept mobile payment.

In-Person Payment. All of the above payment methods are acceptable for in-person permit sales.

Online Payments. Visa, MasterCard and electronic check (ACH).

Permit Rates. Permit rates are established each year with the approval of the University’s Ways & Means Committee.

Lost and Stolen Permits

Replacement Permits. Parking Services may issue replacement permits at its discretion.

Lost Permit Acknowledgement. Before a replacement permit is issued, the purchaser must acknowledge in writing that the permit is lost and that he/she understands that the registered owner(s) of any vehicle displaying or using a permit verified as lost by the purchaser will be cited for fraudulent display and subject to any and all fines and legal ramifications imposed by the University and/or the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Lost Permit Replacement Policy. Replacements for lost permits will be issued only to the original purchaser. All outstanding citations and accrued late fees must be paid or the purchaser must enter into a contractual agreement to pay said fines before a replacement permit is issued. Use or participation in the use of a reported “lost permit” by the original purchaser can/will result in the forwarding of information to appropriate University and legal authorities for further action.

Lost Permit Replacement Fee. A replacement fee will be charged for the replacement of a lost permit. Full refunds, less a $15 administrative fee, for replacement fees will be processed in cases where the lost permit is found and returned to Parking Services within 30 calendar days.

Law Enforcement Report Requirement. All stolen permits must be reported to a law enforcement agency/official in the jurisdiction in which the theft occurred.

Police Report Submittal. A copy of the police report and/or case number must be submitted with the request for a replacement of a stolen permit.

Stolen Permit Acknowledgment. The purchaser must sign an acknowledgment indicating that the permit was stolen and that he/she understands that the registered owner(s) of any vehicle displaying or using a permit verified as stolen by the purchaser will be cited for fraudulent display and subject to any and all fines and legal ramifications imposed by the University and/or the Commonwealth of Virginia. Use or participation in use of a stolen, or counterfeit permit may result in the forwarding of information to University Police and Administration for judicial review for appropriate criminal or University action.

Stolen Permit Replacement Fee. A replacement fee will be charged for the replacement of a stolen permit.  Full refunds will be given if the permit is returned while still valid. Replacements for stolen permits shall be issued only to the original purchaser upon presentation of George Mason University identification. In addition, all outstanding citations and accrued late fees must be paid or the purchaser must enter into a contractual agreement to pay said fines before a replacement permit is issued.

Permit Refund Regulations. The original purchaser must present valid identification and surrender the permit before a refund can be processed. Refunds are issued from the Commonwealth of Virginia and may take up to six weeks to process, with the exception of credit card refunds, which are refunded to the original credit card used to purchase the permit.  Refund scheduled are established annually in conjunction with the  approved permit fee rates. All outstanding citations and accrued fees must be paid before a refund can be processed.

Placement of Permits. Permits must be displayed in one of the following manners. Failure to display a permit properly may result in a citation and fine for “No Valid Permit Displayed” or “Improper Display”. Purchase of a permit does not alleviate the responsibility for proper display of a permit at all times.

Windshield Stickers. Windshield stickers must be placed on the front windshield, anywhere from the center to the driver’s left.

Hangtags. Hangtags must be placed in a hanging manner from the rear-view mirror of the vehicle with the front of the permit facing the outside of the vehicle. Vehicles without a rear-view mirror must prominently display the permit in the center of the front dashboard. Supplemental hangtags (except DMV disabled placard) should be placed on the vehicle’s dashboard so as to not obstruct view of Mason parking permit.

Motorcycle Permits. Motorcycle adhesive permits must be displayed in clear view on the motorcycle. Motorcycles are required to park in designated motorcycle parking areas. Mopeds, scooters, and bicycles are categorized as motorcycles for permits, where applicable.

Special Parking Needs. University faculty, staff, and students with special parking needs must make prior arrangements to obtain the necessary permit through the Parking Services office during normal hours of operation.

Service and Repair Permits. Service and Repair spaces are reserved for vehicles displaying valid Service and Repair permits. University vehicles with state government license plates may also park in Service and Repair spaces without displaying a Service and Repair permit.

Service and Repair Restrictions. All service and repair technicians must have a valid Mason parking permit displayed and a supplemental service and repair tag displayed provided by your department head. Service and Repair vehicles may not park in restricted areas, disabled spaces, fire lanes, metered areas, grassy landscaped areas, or sidewalk areas.. The use of Service and Repair spaces is limited to four hours unless otherwise designated by signage while performing University business that requires loading and unloading of equipment or frequent access of the vehicle. These areas are strictly enforced, and vehicles are subject to citation and fine. Any deviations must be approved by Parking Services and be on a short-term basis only. Third-party contractors and service providers may purchase Service and Repair permits from Parking Services with authorization from their University liaison or contract administrator.

Administrative Permits. Administrative spaces are reserved for vehicles displaying valid Administrative permits which are issued to departments upon request to the Director of Parking and Transportation or designee and may only be used in conjunction with a valid faculty/staff permit. The use of Administrative spaces is limited to a maximum of four hours unless otherwise designated by signage. Administrative spaces are intended for short-term occasional use, by those whose job requires them to move their personal vehicle between campuses.  University vehicles with state license plates may also park in Administrative spaces without displaying an Administrative permit.

Surface Reserved Permits. There are several individually numbered reserved spaces that are designated as individual reserved spaces.  These spaces are reserved at all times for the holder of the permit designated for that individual space.  Vehicles found to be parked in a Reserved space without the proper permit are subject to citation, fine and/or towing at owner’s risk and expense.

VI. ENFORCEMENT

All regulations enacted by the Commonwealth of Virginia and George Mason University are duly enforced. Vehicles in violation of the rules and regulations set forth in this document may be subject to citation, fine, immobilization, towing, and/or impoundment at the owner’s risk and expense.

Hours of Enforcement. The hours of enforcement for George Mason University owned and operated parking areas are twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise posted. This includes all times when the University is closed, whether or not classes are in session. Permits are required at all times.

Multiple Citations. A vehicle may be issued multiple citations and fines for multiple violations at one time. A vehicle may be issued additional citations for the continued noncompliance of parking policy, not to exceed one citation per four-hour period for the same violation.

Towing. A vehicle in violation of any parking policy may be towed. All towing arising from enforcement actions is at the owner’s risk and expense. Any vehicle impeding the flow of traffic, whether in a roadway or parking lot, is subject to towing, at owner’s risk and expense. Towing without notification can occur under certain circumstances. All towing tickets must be paid within ten days of citation issue date. Notification of towing will be reported to the George Mason University Police.

Impounding/Booting of a Vehicle. A vehicle may be impounded if its registered driver or owner accrues $300.00 or more of unpaid citations. In addition, one can also have their car towed and immobilized on each citation after having received five valid prior citations in a semester, regardless if the citations are paid for. Impounding may be by means of booting and/or towing of a vehicle at owner’s risk and expense. Reacquisition of an impounded vehicle or tampering with a booted vehicle, without payment and release by an appropriate and authorized George Mason office, may result in additional action(s) being taken by the University in accordance and compliance with all applicable laws.

Parking Space Designation. Parking is permitted only in marked areas with painted control lines. Any vehicle parked in an area not marked as a parking space without making an arrangement with Parking Services is subject to citation, fine, and possible towing, at owner’s risk and expense.

Fire Lane Violation. Any vehicle parked in a fire lane or a roadway is subject to towing, at owner’s risk and expense.

Disabled Space Violation. Any vehicle improperly parked in a disabled area is subject to towing, at owner’s risk and expense, without notice.

Reserved Space Violation. Any vehicle improperly parked in a reserved space is subject to towing, at owner’s risk and expense, without notice.

Blocking of Egress and/or Ingress. Any vehicle which blocks, impedes, or restricts another vehicles ability of egress or ingress, as a result of violating a parking regulation, is subject to towing, at owner’s risk and expense, without notice.

Parking on Non-University Business. For the purpose of this George Mason University parking facilities procedures guide, “business” is described as any activity sanctioned by the University to take place on University property. These activities would include library use as well as all unofficial activities permitted or authorized by the University. Persons not attending an activity on University property are not permitted to park a vehicle on campus. No commuter parking, excluding George Mason campus to campus commuter parking, is permitted on University Campuses at any time. Exceptions to these rules must be approved by Parking Services in advance.

Overnight Parking. As outlined above, parking facilities at the University are intended solely for the use of persons with business at the University. Overnight parking is permitted for resident students only; no other overnight parking is permitted. Those requiring overnight parking for special circumstances are to contact Parking Services to make arrangements. Overnight parking may also be restricted by facility as posted.

VII. VISITORS TO MASON

All visitors to George Mason University are to pay for parking unless prior arrangements have been made with Parking Services.

Special Event Visitor Parking. Visitors may be assigned parking for special events. Parking Services may designate specific parking areas or issue special permits to visitors or to a sponsoring University program/activity for distribution. Individuals visiting the University for Special Events may only park in areas designated for the event by Parking Services or may park in any other pay visitor area at the prevailing rates.

University Volunteers and Temporary Employees. University volunteers and temporary employees must observe all permit and/or pass requirements and parking regulations when using University operated facilities. Permits will be sold and issued only upon written request to the Parking Services office by a sponsoring department. Departments may underwrite the cost of parking for volunteers and temporary employees, in accordance with University and State guidelines.

VIII. FACULTY/STAFF REGULATIONS

This applies to all George Mason University Campuses, sites, and any location managed  or leased by the University.

Board of Visitors. Members of the Board of Visitors duly appointed by the Governor are issued special “BOV” permits. Reserved parking will be specifically designated for Board of Visitors meetings. BOV permits are valid for surface and deck parking on all campuses at all times except for 1) disabled; 2) surface reserved; and 3) spaces with marked restrictions.

Faculty/Staff Permit and Parking Requirements. Faculty/staff parking is restricted to employees displaying a valid George Mason University faculty/staff parking permit. Selected special permits are also considered valid in faculty/staff parking areas. Permits are not transferable to other persons. Fairfax/SciTech permits are not valid at the Arlington Campus except with prior authorization from Parking Services. Arlington permits are valid in General parking areas of the Fairfax and SciTech Campuses.

NOVA Faculty and Staff Parking. A reciprocal agreement between George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College allows vehicles displaying valid NOVA faculty/staff permits to have the same parking privileges and responsibilities afforded to vehicles displaying valid George Mason University faculty/staff permits if one is an employee at both NOVA and George Mason. In order to use one’s NOVA faculty/staff permit, they must obtain a complimentary Mason permit from the Parking Services office and display that in conjunction with the NOVA faculty/staff permit. To get the complimentary Mason permit, one must bring in their NOVA faculty/staff ID as well as their Mason faculty/staff ID to the Parking Services office.

Emeritus Faculty. Faculty members duly appointed to emeritus status by the George Mason University Board of Visitors are eligible to receive each year once complimentary annual General faculty/staff permit upon proof of status.

Faculty/Staff Parking Locations. Faculty/staff displaying a valid George Mason University or NOVA faculty/staff permit may park in any non-restricted space in any general permit area as well as spaces marked for faculty/staff use only unless otherwise restricted based on the rules and regulations associated with one’s permit type.

IX. STUDENT REGULATIONS

Student Permits and Parking Requirements. Student parking is restricted to students displaying a valid George Mason University student parking permit. Permit options may be limited based on student classification, availability, and location.

Parking Restrictions. Freshmen and sophomore resident students as well as off-campus freshmen may have restrictions on what types of permit options are available.

Qualifications for Free Student Permits. Senior citizen students who qualify for free tuition and/or course audits as outlined in the George Mason University catalog and presented in University Administrative Policy Number 21, Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974, shall be entitled to a free General student parking permit for the duration of their enrollment under said status. Only one free permit will be issued per waiver period. Valid proof of tuition waiver from the Registrar’s Office is required to qualify.

X. VENDORS AND CONTRACTORS AT MASON

Regular and Occasional Vendor/Contractor Parking. Vendors and contractors who come to campus on a regular basis or will be on campus on a daily basis for a set period of time will be required to purchase parking permits. These individuals should have the department sponsoring their visit contact Parking Services to arrange payment for parking. Parking permits can be purchased for or by vendors on a daily, weekly, monthly, semester, or annual basis at the prevailing rates. Parking Services may issue Service and Repair permits to vendors as needed.

Marked Service and Delivery Vehicles. Marked, short-term delivery vehicles from organizations that have agreements with University departments to deliver supplies and services may park in Service and Repair areas without displaying a permit. Departments which require these vehicles to park in other areas should contact Parking Services to arrange parking.

Vendor/Contractor Responsibilities. Vendors and contractors are responsible for adhering to George Mason University parking regulations. Permits issued to contractors or commercial firms may be restricted as to date, time, duration, and parking area. Vendor/contractor permits are not to be used for any other parking purposes. These individuals are responsible for any citations and fines assigned to their vehicles.

Employees and Volunteers of Contractors and/or Vendors. Employees and volunteers of contractors and vendors must observe all permit requirements and parking regulations when using University operated facilities. Said contractors and vendors may pay parking costs for their employees and/or volunteers.

XI. LOAD/UNLOAD AND STATE VEHICLE SPACES

Load and Unload Spaces. Loading and unloading is permitted only in designated time-limited areas and in accordance with the signing of that space. Restricted areas, disabled spaces, fire lanes, and meters are not designated for loading and unloading. Any vehicle loading or unloading in these areas is subject to citation, fine, and/or towing, at owner’s risk and expense. Any vehicles that are not marked delivery vehicles nor have a valid Service and Repair or Administrative permit must request permission from Parking Services in advance to load and unload at a loading dock for any University building loading dock.

Loading and Unloading When No Designated Space Exists. Under certain circumstances, close-up building access may be required for load/unload purposes where no space has been designated. In these instances the individual must contact Parking Services to obtain permission and direction to ensure that campus safety measures are met and that Parking Services can readily contact the individuals in the event the vehicle must be moved for emergency equipment. All other load/unload regulations apply as stated above.

State/Service and Repair/Administrative Vehicle Spaces. State vehicle spaces are reserved for vehicles with official government license plates. These spaces are intended for short-term, occasional use by those who must travel around campus in University vehicles. State vehicle spaces may be used by those with valid Service and Repair or Administrative permits unless the space is signed as reserved specifically for a department.

State and Service Vehicle Restrictions. State and service vehicles may not park in prohibited zones, restricted areas, and disabled spaces, fire lanes, on grassy landscaped or sidewalk areas.

State and Service Vehicle Parking Where No Designated Space Exists. Under certain circumstances, close-up building access may be required for state and service vehicle purposes where no space has been designated. In these instances, the individual must contact Parking Services to obtain permission and direction to ensure that campus safety measures are met and that Parking Services can readily contact the individuals in the event the vehicle must be moved for emergency equipment. All other state and service vehicle regulations apply as stated above.

XII. PARKING FOR THE DISABLED

A George Mason University parking permit must be prominently displayed at all times for all vehicles. DMV issued disabled permits authorize the use of disabled parking at George Mason University owned or operated facilities in conjunction with the display of a valid George Mason University parking permit. The owner of the DMV issued disabled hangtag or license plate must be present in the vehicle when parking in a disabled-designated parking space.

Visitor Disabled Parking. A DMV issued license plate, hangtag, or other permit is not a valid permit authorizing parking at George Mason University. A George Mason University parking permit is also required when parked at any disabled-designated space, on property owned or operated by George Mason University. Disabled visitors must purchase a temporary parking permit from Parking Services or pay the prevailing rates at visitor parking locations such as in the parking decks.

George Mason University requires that employees and students must also have a valid disabled sticker issued by Mason Parking Services when parking in disabled spaces on campus.  These stickers are issued at no cost and are required to ensure that disabled parking spaces are accessible to only those that are eligible.  To obtain one of these stickers please be prepared to provide Parking Services with the following:

  1. A valid George Mason University Parking Permit
  2. A valid DMV issued ADA placard
  3. A valid DMV issued ADA registration card

Disabled Parking Designation. All parking spaces reserved for the use of persons with disabilities are identified by above grade signs and markings painted on the ground within each space. Disabled parking is available to students, faculty, and staff whose vehicles display a valid DMV disabled permit and George Mason University permit, only as follows:

Surface Lots. Disabled parking is available in surface lot spaces marked with above grade disabled signs and markings painted on the ground within each space. Only those with lift-equipped vans may park in van lift designated spaces.

Parking Deck. Disabled parking is available in all parking deck permit areas with a valid George Mason University permit at no additional charge with at least the purchase of a General permit. Please contact Parking Services about parking in the permit areas of the parking decks. Those without a permit may use disabled designated spaces, but must pay prevailing rates.

Use Restrictions for Disabled Permits. Disabled permits may only be used for and/or by the persons to whom they were issued. Individuals are limited to one disabled permit. Disabled parking is not permitted where stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited to ALL vehicles, or which is reserved for special types of vehicles. Neither does it apply where parking would clearly present a traffic or safety hazard. Photocopied disabled permits are not valid.

XIII. FINES AND FINE PAYMENTS

Parking Fines. Current parking fines and corresponding fees charged for said fines are listed at http://parking.gmu.edu.

Fine Due Dates. Fines are to be paid within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of citation. Fines paid within five (5) calendar days of issuance will be discounted according to citation fine schedule. All fines not paid or appealed by the tenth calendar day will be assessed a ten dollar ($15.00) late fee. Fines not paid within thirty (30) calendar days of issuance will be assessed an additional ten dollar ($25.00) late fee.

Late Letter Reminders. Parking Services mails two (2) late letter reminders to individuals who have outstanding parking fines. The first letter is mailed to the address of record ten (10) days after a citation was issued. The final letter is sent thirty (30) days after date of issuance.

Delinquent Fines. Students who fail to pay or appeal citations will be placed on financial suspension ten (10) days after the date of issuance. As stated in the George Mason University catalog, financial suspension (hold) “means that no transcripts or records are issued, no diplomas are released, and no registrations are permitted until outstanding obligations including the reinstatement fee, have been paid in full.” Upon payment of delinquent accounts, financial suspensions will be released the following business day. Faculty/staff and visitors are also considered delinquent when citations remain unpaid more than ten days after the date of issuance.

Collections and Tax Set-Off. Parking fines outstanding for sixty (60) days or longer will be referred to a collection agency and corresponding fees will apply. Accounts chargeable to a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia will also be reported to the Virginia Department of Taxation, Division of Set-Off Debt Collection. The balance of the unpaid account will be deducted from the individual’s Virginia State income tax refund. The amount deducted will be forwarded to George Mason University, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Vehicle Immobilization and Conditions of Release. Vehicles with outstanding fines of $300.00 or more, and over ten (10) days late, or vehicles that have accrued five (5) or more citations during the course of a single semester (whichever occurs first), are subject to towing and/or immobilization on the University Campus, at the owner’s risk and expense. All outstanding fines must be paid in full or the ticket holder/vehicle owner may enter into a contractual payment agreement with the University before the vehicle will be released.

Vehicle Release Policy. Immobilized vehicles will be released only to the registered or permit owner. Said owner must prove ownership by producing the original vehicle title and/or registration together with a picture identification proving the claimant’s identity. If the claimant is not the registered owner of the vehicle, he/she must produce a written and notarized letter with embossed seal from the owner permitting the University to release the vehicle to the claimant. The original title and registration or copies thereof must accompany the letter of release.

Contractual Payment Agreement. Faculty, staff and students who have incurred parking fines of $300.00 or more and who are unable to pay said fines in full may opt to enter into a contractual payment agreement with the University to satisfy their indebtedness. A one-third initial payment, plus a $25 administrative fee, is required before the payer can be released from financial suspension or have an immobilized vehicle released. These individuals are responsible for paying off the remaining balance within a maximum three (3) additional timely payments without benefit of a reminder. Any default by the payer as outlined in the contract will negate the agreement and any outstanding balance will be due in full. Payment plan agreements will not be renewed following a defaulted contract.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Access. As an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the University has access to certain DMV computer files. Said access enables the University to determine the name and address of a vehicle owner by license tag or vehicle identification number.

XV. CITATIONS APPEALS PROCESS

The procedures provided herein apply to all George Mason University faculty, staff, student, University contractors, visitors, and others who use University owned and leased parking facilities.

This procedure is designed to assist the University administration in evaluating the parking program, to highlight problem areas, to provide a learning experience to those who receive citations while using George Mason University parking facilities, to provide an avenue to correct enforcement errors, and to provide a means of redress.

The Director of Parking & Transportation has the responsibility of monitoring the policy and recommending new and/or revised policies and procedures.

Requests for an appeal must be done online within seven (7) calendar days of the issued date of the citation. Any appeals being submitted after seven days or not submitted online are subject to an administrative fee and are at the discretion of Parking Services to be accepted for review. The Parking Appeals hearing officer will carefully review each appeal. The Parking Appeals hearing officer will base his/her decision on the Motor Vehicle Parking Policies and Regulations and on the information presented to them. Fines associated with appealed citations need not be paid until five calendar days after notification of the decision to the appellant. The appeals officer may approve the appeal (dismiss the citation), deny the appeal (uphold the citation), or downgrade the violation to an appropriate lesser violation. The appellant can appeal the decision of the hearing officer in certain cases. See below for Appeals Board information. Any fines due after the appeal has been heard must be paid within ten days of notice of the decision. Failure to pay will result in the accumulation of late fees and the individual’s outstanding account being turned over to a collection agency. Students who fail to pay within ten days will also be placed on academic hold.

All appeals must be submitted online at http://parking.gmu.edu using the Appeal Your Citation tab. Appeals will not be accepted by mail, email or fax. Any appeals submitted in person will be assessed a $15 fee.

All appeals must be submitted with the appellant’s name, active address, ID (G-number), and telephone number. Appeals submitted without this information will not be processed.

The hearing officer will make any decision on the appeal based on the guidelines below:

  1. The citation and fine is presumed valid. It is the obligation of the appellant to present information that would invalidate the ticket.
  2. Reasons that might warrant invalidation of the ticket are: evidence of illness that necessitated the violation, mechanical breakdowns that were handled in a reasonably expeditious manner, documented erroneous information given by a Parking Services employee, or other circumstances that are unusual enough to warrant special consideration.
  3. Reason to warrant a downgrade of the ticket are: when further information that was not readily available to the citing officer is provided to the reviewer as a justification for the downgrade, valid misunderstandings regarding ambiguous parking areas in the judgment of the reviewer, etc.
  4. A specific reason for denial need not be given. A general statement can be made that a sufficient reason for reversal was not made.

Parking Appeals Boards. Certain determinations may be appealed to an appropriate Appeals Board (Student or Faculty).  A request for reconsideration of denied appeals to an Appeals Board must be made within ten calendar days from the time a decision was made by the hearing officer. For an appeal to be reconsidered by Student Appeals Board or the Faculty/Staff Appeals Board, the appellant must schedule a hearing and be present at that hearing. The appellant will have the opportunity to present their case directly or may submit a written appeal to the board members. The decision of the board members is final.

Parking Appeals Board Review Fee. Appellants requesting a second level or final appeals hearing before the Faculty/Staff or Student Appeals Board will occur an administrative fee of $15.00 if one’s citation appeal is not dismissed in its entirety by the appeals board.

Student Parking Appeals Board. The Student Parking Appeals Board is made up of members from the Student Government. The Student Government takes direction from the Parking Services Coordinator. They follow the rules and regulations set forth in Motor Vehicle Parking Policy and Procedures, and base their decision on the facts presented to them.

Faculty/Staff and Visitor Parking Appeals Board. The Faculty/Staff and Visitor Parking Appeals Board has been appointed to hear parking citation appeals and advise Parking & Transportation on parking-related matters. The board consists of three Faculty members and three Staff members, appointed by the Director of Parking & Transportation. They follow the rules and regulations set forth in Motor Vehicle Parking Policy and Procedures, and base their decision on the facts presented to them.

XVI. AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS

All amendments and additions to this chapter are to be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Senior Vice President.

XVII. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPROVAL

The policies herein are effective upon publication. This Administrative Policy shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, annually and to become effective at the beginning of the University’s fiscal year, unless otherwise noted.

Approved:

__/S_____________________
Carol D. Kissal
Senior Vice President, Administration and Finance

__/S___________________
Mark R. Ginsberg
Provost and Executive Vice President

Approved: May 3, 2004
Revised: October 31, 2011
Revised: May 18, 2021