Parking regulations, violations, and fines
Parking tickets may be appealed within seven days of receipt (date of the ticket). A Parking Ticket Appeal form, available at parking.colgate.edu, must be completed. Campus Safety staff reviews submitted information and either approves or denies the appeal. An appeal denial is automatically forwarded to the Parking Ticket Appeal Committee. This committee meets on a regular basis, and its decisions are final.
The following are situations that are typically not accepted as valid extenuating circumstances for parking in violation of Colgate University parking regulations:
- An appeal based on how long you were parked in violation. Campus Safety Officers will issue a parking ticket to any vehicle parked in violation of regulations. An appeal that states that the vehicle was only parked for two minutes, five minutes, etc. is not considered a valid reason. A parking restriction is effective for parking any period of time.
- An appeal based on a need to get to class, work, or an appointment on time. Typically it only requires a few minutes to locate a parking space within the campus' parking system. It is suggested that you plan your schedule such that there is sufficient time to find and park in a legal space.
- An appeal based on lack of a parking space near your destination. Parking spaces are very competitive, and the campus' parking system doesn't guarantee a space in a specific lot. You must park in a designated, via white-lined, legal space.
- An appeal based on the assertion that class wasn't in session. Parking regulations are in effect throughout the entire calendar year, including breaks in the academic calendar.
- An appeal of a restricted/prohibited violation during evening or weekend hours. Although the requirement of display of a permit is suspended during some evening and weekend hours, all parking restrictions and prohibitions are enforced 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
- An appeal based on your need to load or unload. Any vehicle that does not receive prior authorization from Campus Safety to load or unload and displays a valid permit is in violation of parking regulations. Approval cannot be granted after the fact for loading/unloading.
- An appeal based on the appellant's assertion that a sign or line markings were not noticed. It is the driver's responsibility to observe and comply with all posted signage, notices, and line-markings.
- An appeal from a guest/visitor stating that he or she was not aware of the parking regulations. It is well-publicized that faculty, staff, and students are responsible for obtaining a valid parking permit for their guests and should ensure that their guest parks legally.
- An appeal based on the assertion that you forgot to register a vehicle. All vehicles must be registered with the Campus Safety Department within 24 hours of the vehicle being brought onto campus. A temporary parking permit can always be issued if you are waiting for new plates, do not yet have a Colgate Identification card, or your driver's license, etc. No matter the length of time the vehicle is on campus, any vehicle not properly displaying a valid decal or permit is considered to be unregistered.
- An appeal based on a vehicle malfunction. Those who experience a vehicle malfunction should notify the Campus Safety Department Office. Campus Safety can assist with on-campus vehicle jump-starts and unlocks, or will assist with contacting a tow service.
- Use of four-way hazard flashers. Four-way flashers are designed to warn other motorists that your vehicle may be a hazard. Use of four-way flashers does not authorize you to park illegally for any period of time.
- Parked on campus Monday - Friday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Students may not park anywhere on upper campus prior to 4:30 p.m. Picking up mail, needing to see a professor, turn in a paper, or had an appointment at Career Services or Conant House are not valid reasons for parking illegally prior to 4:30 p.m.