I. INTRODUCTION

Parking & Transportation Services is an income generating auxiliary, funded solely through revenues generated by permit sales and other fees. Parking & Transportation Services is located in the Swingle Building at 7th & Grant.

Parking regulations are applicable to all persons operating motor vehicles on university owned or controlled property year-round. By parking on university property, each person agrees to comply with all parking regulations. Failure to comply may result in a citation or the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense.

Parking regulations foster convenience and safety for all who park on campus and facilitate the efficient operation of the university. Regulations are deemed part of the privilege to operate motor vehicles on campus. For more information on the authority of Parking & Transportation Services to enforce these regulations, please refer to Montana Code Annotated 20-25-312.

Please be advised that your registered license plate will serve as your parking permit and must be visible from the parking lot drive lane while parked on campus. A parking permit is required for all motor vehicles parked on campus. Vehicles may only be parked in lots corresponding to their permit designation and may only occupy a single parking space.

 

II. DEFINITIONS

  1. Motorized Vehicle: Any motorized conveyance having three or more wheels including "trikes" and ATVs, designed or used to transport persons or property on the highways of the state.
  2. Motorcycle: Any motorized or electric conveyance with two wheels and a seat or saddle for the use of the operator (Section XII).
  3. Motorized Personal Mobility Device: A personal mobility device that has a motor or battery that powers movement. This includes but is not limited to the following types of devices: e-bikes, hover boards, motorized bicycles, e-scooters, motorized skateboards, motorcycles, and Segways.
  4. Personal Transportation Device (PTD): A device that iseither motorized or non-motorized that provides transportation.Some examples include bicycles,e-scooters, and skateboards.

 

III. ENFORCEMENT

  1. Parking regulations are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.
  2. A permit is required 24 hours a day, 7 days a weekto park inEagle and Bison lots. A permit is required Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to parkin the Parking Garage. All otherparking areas require a permit Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless signed otherwise.
  3. Parking is enforced as signed. All lots have a monument-type sign at each lot entrance indicating the permit designation and the enforcement hours. Overhead signs are also posted to indicate the permitted lot designation and lot number for easy identification. Drivers are responsible for complying with parking designations and restrictions.
  4. All exceptions to permit requirementswill be posted on the parking website.
  5. Please note that parking is also enforced when classes are not in session.

 

IV. PARKING UPDATES

  1. Please note that parking permits are only valid in their corresponding lot(s). For example, a Bobcat permit will allow you to park in any lot designated as Bobcat. *Bobcat Resident permits are only valid in Bobcat lots 20 and 25.
  2. If you are returning to campus and are unsure of the new lot names and designations, please refer to the campus parking map at montana.edu/parking.
  3. Hourly visitor parking is available in the Parking Garage, in the back-in parking on Harrison Street, and in the Bobcat 20 and Bobcat 25 lots.
  4. A valid license plate number is required for all parking permit purchases. Failure to provide an accurate license plate number may result in a citation.

 

V. PERMITS

  1. Long-term parking permits may be purchased online through My Info, at montana.edu/parking/permits.html, or by contacting Parking & Transportation Services. Please visit the parking permit webpage for current permit prices.
  2. Vehicles may share a single parking permit. However, only one vehicle associated with a permit may be parked on campus at one time. Ifmore than one vehicle will be on campus at the same time, each vehicle will need a parking permit. Up to eight vehicles can be linked to a single permitfor convenience.
  3. Low-emission vehicle permits are available for purchase at a discount upon verificationof thevehicle registration. Low-emission permitsmay only be shared among low-emission vehicles. To find out if your vehicle may qualify for a discounted permit, please visit: montana.edu/parking/levparking.html.
  4. Visitor permits may be purchased atthe paystations in the Parking Garage, online through our website, or through the Passport app, available for download through the App Store or Google Play Store. Payment by cash or check is only available in person at Parking & Transportation Services during normal business hours. Please visit our visitor parking webpage for more information: montana.edu/parking/directions.html.
  5. Parking permit refunds are offeredfor long-term permits only. The2023-2024 parking permit refund schedule can be found here: montana.edu/parking/refunds.html.
  6. State of Montana disability placards or license plates must be obtained from the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division. Forms to apply for placards or license plates are available online at Montana Department of Justice - Motor Vehicle Division - Vehicle Services - Forms.
    1. Allcampus ADA accessible parking spacesrequire a valid ADA permit and any campus permit.
    2. When not parked in an ADA space, MSU permits are valid only for the lots specified by the permit designation.
    3. The ramp laydown (hashed out) area adjacent to the space is considered part of the ADA space and will be enforced accordingly.
  7. Department or other non-emergency state and federal vehicles must obtain a valid permit, with the exception of select university service vehicles.
  8. Retirees or spouses of deceased retirees from Montana State University Bozeman may be entitled to a single Retiree Bobcat permit, free of charge. Each permit will be valid for up to three years and can be transferred among vehicles. Documentation is to be provided by university Personnel & Payroll to substantiate retired status. Retiree status is defined as eligible for MSU retirement benefits.

 

VI. REGULATIONS

  1. A parking permit is required to park on campus.
  2. A valid license plate number is required to park on campus. Failure to provide accurate license plate information may result in a citation.
  3. Vehicle license plates must always be visible from the parking lot drive lane and clear of obstructions.
  4. Permit holders may not park outside of their designated parking areas.
  5. Vehicles must be parked completely within the designated boundaries of a single parking space.
  6. Vehicles must be parked in compliance with all state, federal, and university parking regulations.
  7. The person to whom a vehicle is linkedis responsible for all future citations unless Parking & Transportation Services receives a release of liability from the original owner.
  8. A customer cannot have 10 or more citations on their account in each academic year. Parking privileges will be revoked after accumulating 10 citations in a single academic year.
  9. The university assumes no responsibility for the care or protection of any vehicle or its contents while operated or parked on campus.
  10. Parking conditions as depicted on the campus parking map and regulations are subject to change.
  11. Any change in vehicle registration information must be reported to Parking & Transportation Services as soon as practicable.
  12. Falsifying parking registration information voids allactive permitsassociated with the account. This includes falsification of name, residence, license number or any other data.
  13. Vehicles shall not park in any university parking area while undergoing major repairs. All vehicles must be operable and in good running condition when parked on campus.
  14. Whenever a car is parked improperly because of mechanical failure or maintenance, the owner or driver must notify Parking & Transportation Services by calling 406-994-1723 as soon as practicable.
  15. Vehicles may not be left on campus over summer and winter breaks without the approval of Parking & Transportation Services. Parking & Transportation Services may designate parking areas where vehicles can be stored over breaks. Vehicles left in parking lots other than those designated are subject to tow at owner’s expense.
  16. Parking & Transportation Services may impose parking limitations as needed (e.g. temporary lot closures due to events, maintenance, etc.)
  17. Vehicles may only occupy a specific timed/metered parking area once per two-hour period. Moving a vehicle to a different parking space within the same30-minute area within a two-hour period is strictly prohibited.
  18. Any accident involving a vehicle on university property must be reported to University Police by calling 406-994-2121 as soon as practicable.
  19. The purchase of long term parking permits for privately owned vehicles and payment of parking citations shall not be paid from institutional funds. Payments may be made by cash, personal check, personal credit card, Cat Card or by payroll deduction.
  20. Trailers, campers, RVs, and oversized vehicles are not allowed on campus without prior approval of Parking & Transportation Services. Overnight camping is prohibited. Exceptions are noted below in Sections VII and XI.

  21. Any vehicle parked along curbs or sidewalks, hindering/damaging university operations or property, or obstructing roadways, designated disability parking spaces, wheelchair ramp laydown (hashed out) areas, bus pull-offs, fire safety lanes, or reserved spaces is subject to ticketing and/or towing at the owner’s expense. Vehicles are not permitted to park in any space that may have any type of obstruction. This includes, but is not limited to, snow piles.

  22. All reserved spaces, such as ADA, service/delivery, manager spaces, etc., are reserved 24 hours per day, seven days per week unless otherwise noted on the sign. This includes holidays and times when the university is not in full operation.
  23. If a vehicle becomes disabled (DEFINE - keys, battery, any mechanical issue that would prevent movement of vehicle) the owner must notify Parking & Transportation Services immediately with their name, the vehicle's license plate number, and location. If a vehicle becomes disabled on a weekday between 5 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. or any time on a Saturday or Sunday, the owner must immediately email parkingservices@montana.edu with the above-listed information. A grace period of up to 12 hours may be allowed. No extension. If 12 hours is not sufficient time to remove the vehicle, the owner is required to contact a towing company to have the vehicle removed at their expense. This grace period does not automatically exempt your vehicle from being ticketed; however, it may be used as a basis for appeal.

 

VII. SPECIAL EVENTS

  1. Football Game Day Parking: Overnight occupancy of campers, RVs, and trailers may be permitted at the discretion of the Parking Manager. Portions of Bobcat Lot 20, Bobcat Lot 25, and Bobcat Lot 15 may also be designated as RV parking for home football games.
    1. RVs must be self-contained as there is no dumping on campus.
    2. Mid-week home games will be handled on a game-by-game basis.
  2. Special Event Parking Requests: Campus departments must make prior arrangements for event parking by filling out the Special Event Parking Request Form located at montana.edu/parking/special-events-parking-request-form.html.
    1. Please note that requests may not be processed unless submitted at least 48 hours prior to the event.
    2. Requests are approved at the discretion of the Parking Manager.

 

VIII. BOOTING/TOWING

  1. Any vehicle found in violation of the following may be booted/towed and impounded at the discretion of Parking & Transportation Services. The operator/owner of any booted/towed vehicle will be liable for paying boot/tow fees, impound fees, and parking fines at the time of vehicle release. Boot/tow fees apply when the tow truck is dispatched even if the vehicle is not towed. The university assumes no liability for damages caused by the tow process. Any unclaimed impounded vehicle will be disposed of as an abandoned vehicle in accordance with state law. Infractions resulting in a tow or boot include and are not limited to:
    1. Vehicles parked in 24-hour Reserved spaces without a valid permit or special permission.
    2. Vehicles parked in a “no parking” zone or areas not designated for parking.
    3. Vehicles displaying a lost, stolen, forged, altered or counterfeit permit.
    4. Any vehicle constituting a hazard or interfering with university operations.
    5. More than three unpaid citations.
    6. Ten or more citations in one academic year will result in revocation of parking privileges.
      1. All parking permits belonging to the owner will be deactivated and are not eligible for any refunds.
      2. Parking privileges will be revoked for the remainder of the academic year. The revoked person mustcontact the Director of Parking to request permission to purchase a permit for all future academic years.

 

Do not attempt to drive or tamper with the boot. Boot removal or tampering will result in criminal charges.

 

IX. UNPAID CITATIONS

  1. Parking & Transportation Services may withhold the amount of any unpaid parking fines from any student or employeevia student accounts or payroll deduction. 
  2. Failure to pay parking fines may prohibit a student from registering for classes.
  3. When a registered vehicle is issued a citation, the designated owner of the vehicle in our system is responsible for all violations recorded against thevehicle.
  4. When an unregistered vehicle is issued a citation, the DMV-registered owner is responsible for all violations recorded against the vehicle.
  5. All citations must be paid or appealed within 10 days of the issue date. Failure to pay on time will result in a $10 fee increase on the 11th day. A collections process will be initiatedafter 30 days of the issue date and additional fees will apply.All fines and collections processes are placed on hold while a citation is under appeal.

 

X. APPEALS

  1. The appeals process is not an alternative to compliance with parking regulations.
  2. Failure to comply with parking regulations is not legitimate grounds for appeal and will not be referred to the Parking Appeals Board. Examples include:
    1. Lost citations. The fact that a citation exists is prima facie evidence that it was placed on the vehicle.
    2. Parking illegally for a short period of time.
    3. Failure to take note of properly signed and marked areas.
    4. Unfamiliarity with university parking regulations.
  3. If you choose to appeal your citation, it must be filed online at montana.edu/parking/appeals.html within 10 calendar days of the citation issue date.
  4. Citations upheld by the Parking Appeals Board must be paid within 10 calendar days of the appeal decision to avoid additional fees.
  5. Appeal results will be sent via email.
  6. In-person and third-party appeals are not permitted.
  7. Cancelled appeals and appeals that have been ruled on cannot be resubmitted for review.
  8. All fines and collections processes are placed on hold while a citation is under appeal.

 

XI. Personal Transportation Device (PTD)

  1. PTD regulations are applicable to all persons operatingPTDs on university owned or controlled property year-round.
  2. By parking on university property each person agrees to comply with all PTD policies. The full list ofPTD regulations can be found here: MSU PTD Policies.
  3. PTDs should only be parked in parking areas specifically provided for said PTD parking. Such parking areas may include but is not limited to bike racks, secure bicycle parking areas and bike lockers.
  4. Parking a PTD in any manner which creates a hazard or impedes access will be subject to immediate impoundment. The operator/owner of any impounded PTD will be liable for paying fees at the time of release.
  5. PTDs do not require a parking permit.
  6. PTD registration is free and aids in the return of stolen or lostdevices.
    1. The PTD's serial number is requiredfor registration along with a detailed description of thedevice and any accessories.

 

XII. MOTORCYCLES

  1. Motorcycle permits are available for purchase. Please see the parking permit webpage for permit fees.
  2. Motorcycle license plates may be added to standard long-term permits. However, only one vehicle associated with a permit may be parked on campus at one time.
  3. A motorcycle permitallows the permit holder to parkonly in motorcycles designations as noted on the parking map.A motorcycle using a standard parking permit may park in any space thatthepermit is designated for.For example, amotorcycle linked to aBobcat permit may park in any Bobcat space ifthe motorcycle is parked in compliance with all parking regulations.

 

XIII. ADDITIONAL SERVICES

  1. Service Drives: No parking will be allowed at any time in service drives, service parking, or loading zones without prior permission.
    1. Please call 406-994-1723 to obtain temporary permission. Service Drive permission is only granted to individuals if they have loading/unloading needs.
    2. The number of times Service Drive permission and the length of time permitted is granted at the discretion of Parking & Transportation Services.
    3. Permission is only allowed in 20-minute increments.
  2. Safety Escorts: A safety escort may be requested 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 406-994-2121 or through the Safe Cats app.
  3. Battery Jump Starts: Vehicle jump starts may be requested for vehicles located on campus Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm by calling 406-994-1723.
  4. Vehicle Unlocks: Vehicle unlocks may be requested for vehicles located on campus Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm by calling 406-994-1723.