Introduction and Purpose

The University of Maine at Machias’ Parking Policy requires that vehicles parked and/or operated on campus do not interfere with the normal day-to-day operations of the University or with emergency vehicles when on campus, that safety is of pedestrians and other motorists is protected, that designated  parking spots for individuals with disability plates or placards remain available for vehicles displaying appropriate plates or placards, and vehicles are parked in appropriate places on campus.

In order to ensure the orderly flow of traffic, maximum utilization of parking facilities, and access to buildings for emergency vehicles, it is necessary to establish and enforce rules governing vehicle operation and parking on campus. The policies governing parking at the University of Maine at Machias are set forth in the following rules. Please read them carefully, as they apply to everyone utilizing roadways and parking lots at the University of Maine at Machias.

Get a Parking Permit

General Reference Information

Motor Vehicle

Any automobiles including motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles.

Registration

Information required by Machias Student Life and UMaine Parking & Transportation Services and provided by the driver or owner – name, address, and vehicle information.

Permit

The means of identification by the use of a pre-numbered, color-coded hangtag-style permit displayed from the rearview mirror of the vehicle.

Temporary Permit

Issued for students and employees for up to a 7-day period. No more than 3 temporary permits will be issued per semester unless otherwise approved by the Machias Student Life and/or UMaine Parking & Transportation Services.

Permit Color Designation

Color codes on permits, signs, and parking maps that identify the corresponding permits/lots for ease of recognition. All vehicles parked on campus require a parking pass/permit, including visitors. All other vehicles are prohibited from parking therein unless special permission is granted by Machias Student Life and/or UMaine Parking & Transportation Services. Permit holders should read the front and back of their permit to clarify their lot color designations. A replacement permit will be provided for a $5.00 processing fee. Only one permit is allowed per person. Permits stolen are to be reported to UMaine Police Department or UMaine Machias Police Officer; permits lost are to be reported to Machias Student Life or UMaine Parking & Transportation Services. A vehicle displaying a reported lost or stolen permit will be cited and subject to towing.

Parking Lots

The designated paved areas on the University of Maine at Machias Campus, or University of Maine at Machias owned or controlled property. Campus lots that have signage should be noted at the entrance or plainly within view stating the restriction of the lot. Lot designation is subject to change. Posted signage will always take precedence over any campus map.

Parking Lot Color Designation

Lot designation is subject to change. Posted signage will always take precedence over any campus map.

  • Blue color parking lots signs – indicate designated lots for use by Blue permit holders.
  • Red color parking lots signs – indicate designated lots for use by Red permit holders.
  • Black color parking lots signs – indicate designated lots for use by Black permit holders.

*Note that blue permits are valid in both blue and black designated parking lots.

Motorist Assistance – Broken Down Vehicle

In the event of an emergency or mechanical failure, please immediately notify Machias Student Life at 207.255.1320 during regular business hours or the University Police Department at 207.581.4040 after business hours. The owner or driver of the vehicle must arrange for the vehicle to be moved as soon as possible or as otherwise directed. Also, see the Black Bear Safe App (link coming soon) for safety and security while walking on campus.

Motorist Assistance – Jump Start

The University of Maine at Machias Campus Police Officer and Facilities & Maintenance Department provides complimentary vehicle jump starts on campus when officers or staff are available. This service is provided Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4 pm excluding University recognized holidays.

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. call 207.255.1420 (UMaine Machias Police Officer) or call 207.255.1315 (UMaine Machias Facilities & Maintenance Department).

General Rules

University of Maine at Machias parking permits

All vehicles parked on the University of Maine at Machias campus must have a University of Maine System parking permit displayed. Permits are free and can be obtained by completing the registration found here. Once the registration form is complete, you may pick up a parking permit from the Student Life Office. Parking permits need to be visible and hanging from the review mirror or placed on the dashboard of the vehicle.

  • Parking is permitted only in areas designated for parking.  Parking is prohibited, whether it is posted or not, in roadways, loading zones, service and delivery areas, fire lanes, sidewalks, spots that block access to the dumpsters, and on any and all grass.
  • Driveways, entryways to parking lots, and the Dorward Circle are all considered fire lanes and must remain clear of parked vehicles.
  • Any parked vehicles blocking traffic, obstructing access to parking areas, located in the fire lane or marked tow-away area, are subject to fines and/or being towed away at the owner’s risk and expense.
  • All Resident Student lots are restricted at all times to resident-permitted vehicles only.
  • Any vehicle, illegally parked will be prima facie evidence that it has been parked by the person in whose name the permit is assigned, and/or by the registered owner recorded at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • No vehicle may be operated on University roadways if it violates any state or local municipal ordinance. All violations involving moving vehicles are processed through District Court.
  • The speed limit, unless otherwise posted, is twenty-five (25) miles per hour, conditions permitting.
  • Motor vehicles may not be left on University-owned/controlled property for any extended period of time during vacations, or for an academic field trip, athletic trip, or other University related business trip, without prior permission and instructions from Machias Student Life and/or UMaine Parking & Transportation Services Office.
  • Vehicles belonging to residential students left on campus during school breaks, must be moved to the lot next to the soccer field prior to each break or they will be towed there at the student’s risk and expense.
  • Motor vehicles using any parking area must have a current vehicle registration (State and University), have a current inspection sticker, in operating condition at all times, and in compliance with these Rules. Failure to comply could result in the vehicle being towed.
  • Owners and operators of motor vehicles on campus are required by Maine law, and by this policy, to carry and maintain liability insurance on their vehicle.
  • Any person using any parking area will cooperate during periods of snow removal, or when the parking area has been closed for an authorized event, by moving their vehicle promptly when requested by University staff.
  • Prior to having a motorcade on campus, a permit must be obtained through the UMaine Police Department.
  • Parking citations must be answered within 10 days.
  • Citations can be paid at UMaine Parking & Transportation Services (Office 523 DTAV, Community Center). We accept payment via check, money order, cash, credit/debit card at the office or over the phone. A student’s unpaid fees, that are at least 14 days old, will be automatically transferred to the student’s account at the Bursar’s Office. Failure to pay an outstanding balance may result: The inability to register for classes, transcripts or graduation diplomas being withheld, referral to a collection agency or loss of parking privileges, until fines are paid in full.
  • No vehicle may park or stop within twenty (20) feet of any fire hydrant. All vehicles will be towed.
  • University of Maine at Machias assumes no responsibility for damage to, or theft from, any vehicle parked at any University parking area or elsewhere on University property, or any vehicle which is damaged while being towed or in storage as herein provided for.
  • The University Of Maine at Machias assumes no responsibility for fees resulting from the towing and storage of vehicles failing to obey the rules and regulations.
  • RV parking – RV’s (motorhome/trailer/camper/camper van, etc.) that fit a regular size parking space are limited to parking on campus during regular business hours and are not to be used overnight or in a sleeping/living capacity. RV’s larger than a regular parking space should contact Machias Student Life or UMaine Parking Services for special permission and the best location to park while on campus during regular business hours. For overnight accommodations there are many local businesses, town parks, or local campgrounds that are RV friendly.
  • In compliance with Maine State Department of Environmental Protection Regulations, mechanical repairs to all vehicles, with the exception of changing a flat tire or jump-starting a dead battery, are prohibited on campus. Vehicles requiring other mechanical repairs must be driven or towed to an off-campus service facility. Changing or draining any vehicle fluids is prohibited on University property. All University vehicles must be serviced in locations designated for that purpose. The washing of motor vehicles is prohibited on campus, and vehicles must be washed at locations dedicated for that purpose.
  • Double parking is not permitted anywhere on campus.
  • Under no circumstances are vehicles authorized to be plugged into any building on campus.
  • Motorized bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and motorbikes, are not allowed in any University of Maine at Machias building for any reason.
  • The University reserves the right to change parking privileges temporarily in any area by appropriate postings.
  • Lack of space in a convenient parking lot is not a valid excuse for violating this Policy or any other parking regulations.
  • For safety reasons the driver and all passengers who are driving on campus must be in a vehicle seat and have a seat belt on when the vehicle is in motion. On the UMM campus, no one can ride in the back of a vehicle, the bed of a truck, or any other unsecured way. People cannot be hanging out of vehicle windows or off the sides of vehicles.
  • Failure to comply with this Policy and/or University vehicle regulations may result in fees, removal of the vehicle at the owner’s risk and expense, suspension and/or revocation of parking privileges, and/or appropriate disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to, proceedings under the Student Conduct Code, or any combinations of such penalties.

Parking for Individuals with Access Needs / Disabilities

Any vehicle parked in a designated parking spot for individuals with disabilities must display a valid disability plate or placard.

Winter Regulations

Between November 15th and March 31st, overnight parking is limited to the residential lots between the hours of midnight and 7:00 A.M. After snowstorms, residential students will be informed when vehicles need to be moved to the lot next to the soccer field to allow for plowing. Vehicles that are not moved and impede snow removal may be cited or towed at the student’s risk and expense.

Penalties

Failure to comply with the Rules and Regulations may result in being cited, removed, and towed or immobilization; and/or other appropriate disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to, proceedings under the Student Conduct Code; proceedings under State of Maine law or any combination of such penalties. Additional citations can be issued if the original violation is not corrected within 24 hours. If after 24 hours the vehicle is still in violation another citation can be written.

Charges for violations of these rules may be waived by payment of the fines (effective as of 07/01/22):

PenaltiesFine
Accessible/Handicap Violation
No current UMAINE disabled permit or placard displayed.
No valid state disabled plate or placard displayed.
Parked in the accessible/handicap egress area (zebra striped).		$200
Fire Lane Violation
Parking in a posted Fire Lane		$150
Unauthorized Permit Violation
Using an unauthorized permit that has been altered, found, stolen, or counterfeited.		$100
Unpaved/Turf Area Violation
Parking in an unpaved area or on the turf.		$50
Failure to Obtain a Permit Violation
Failure to register a vehicle with Parking and Transportation Services after receiving three or more citations for “No Permit”. 		$50
Parked On/Obstructing Sidewalk Violation
Parking on a sidewalk, pedestrian path, safety zone or in an area or manner constituting a safety hazard.		$50
Improper Permit for Space Violation
Parking in violation of permit issued.		$50
Loading Zone Violation
Parking in a posted “Loading Zone” space.		$50
Bus Stop Violation
Parking in the posted bus stop area.		$50
Winter Parking Ban Violation
Parking in lots that are closed to overnight parking due to Winter Parking Ban.		$50
Lot Closed Violation
Parking in lots that have been closed for snow removal, maintenance, or a special event.		$50
No Parking Violation
Parking in “No Parking” areas:
Roadways
On cement islands
Obstructing a driveway
Obstructing a street
Obstructing a vehicle
Obstructing a bicycle lane		$50
Service Vehicle Violation
Parking in a posted “Service Vehicle” space.		$50
Not EV/Charging Violation
A non-electric vehicle parked in any EV space (staff or public)
Parked in a public pay-to-charge EV charging space for more than 30 minutes after EV charging has ended
Parked in a public pay-to-charge EV charging space and not plugged in		$50
No Permit Displayed Violation
Parking without a permit (no permit).		$25
Overtime Parking Violation
Parking overtime in a “timed” space
Parked overtime in a mobile-pay space without payment		$25
Failure to Display Permit Violation
Failure to display a parking permit after it has been purchased and is valid.		$20
Multiple tickets can be issued in lieu of impoundment and towing.

Towing Policy

A vehicle may be towed or immobilized and stored at the owner’s expense without further notice when found in any of the following situations:

  • When it is parked within twenty (20) feet of a fire hydrant or overextending in parking lots in a manner as to impede fire-fighting efforts.
  • When it obstructs traffic or is parked on a roadway, driveway, loading zone, service vehicle space, electric vehicle space, fire lane, or accessible parking area including adjacent striping without special permission. Note: Van-accessible handicap parking spaces include the egress area (zebra-striped area) next to the space with the wheelchair symbol.
  • When parked in any space listed as “all other towed” without proper permit/pass or permission from Machias Student Life or UMaine Parking Services.
  • When a vehicle has remained in an area that has been closed at the direction of Machias Student Life, Machias Facilities Department, and/or UMaine Parking & Transportation Services, for snow removal, maintenance or a special event.
  • When it has been abandoned as reasonably determined by the Machias Student Life or UMaine Parking Office.
  • When it has been parked continuously for more than three (3) days in violation of any of these Rules.
  • When it is parked on unpaved or turf areas.
  • When it is parked on sidewalk or obstructs a crosswalk.
  • When it is in violation of permit issued (improper parking area).
  • When it does not display valid state registration plates.
  • When it is parked in a place other than a color-coded lot or approved campus parking lot.
  • When the vehicle has over $200 or more of unpaid citations.
  • When the vehicle is found with an unauthorized permit that has been altered, found, stolen, or counterfeited.
  • When it is parked during vacation periods and its registered owner has not been authorized to do so.
  • When there are three (3) or more outstanding citations against it or other notices of violations, each of which has been outstanding and redeemed for not less than seven (7) calendar days.
  • A vehicle will not be released until the individual requesting its release presents satisfactory evidence of their right to possession and signs accordingly. In addition, it will not be released until a Machias Student Life or UMaine Parking & Transportation Services or their duly authorized representative, certifies that all fees, fines and other charges (including, all costs of towing, notices and storage) have been paid.
  • When the privilege to park a motor vehicle on campus has been revoked, the revocation will include all motor vehicles registered to the owner of the offending vehicle either by parking permit or state registry as subject to towing and impounded until all outstanding parking citations have been paid. That revocation also applies to that individual’s parking privileges on University property regardless of vehicle used. The vehicle can be towed each time it is found on campus and/or in violation.
  • Please drive carefully and be aware of pedestrians.

Authority

Parking & Transportation Services is empowered to enforce these Rules and Regulation. All maintenance of the parking lots including but not limited to; paving and striping of lines is maintained by Facilities Management.

Appeals

The Citation Appeals Process is in place to ensure a fair and consistent application and compliance of The University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias Parking Rules and Regulations.

Appeal process:

Step 1: This is a written appeal via online form which must be submitted within 10 calendar days of the violation. You may appeal a citation if a valid explanation is provided, first review the University of Maine at Machias Parking Rules and Regulations, your parking permit/pass, as well as the list of invalid reasons for an appeal below.

Step 2:  Step 2 Appeal Requests must be filed within 10 calendar days of receiving your Step 1 decision. If the  Step 1 appeal does not satisfy your situation, you will then be required to complete a Step 2 Form, which will allow you to meet with the Director of Student Life at Machias or the UMaine Parking Manager.

Emergency Phone Number: On Campus, Dial 911 for Police, Fire, and Ambulance.

Please read and remember – It might save you a parking citation or your vehicle from being towed!

  • You are responsible for all violations by a vehicle displaying a permit issued to you. If you lend your vehicle or permit, proper parking is still your responsibility.Routine Police Business: Dial 207.581.4040 (UMaine PD) or 207.255.1420 (UMaine Machias Campus Officer)
  • If you transfer or sell a vehicle, please remember to remove the permit and transfer it to your new vehicle. A permit can be replaced at no cost.
  • If you drive another vehicle while yours is being repaired, etc., you should transfer your permit as well. If you forget to do so, a temporary permit may be obtained at the UMaine Machias Student Life Office, at UMaine Police Department and the UMaine Parking & Transportation Services Office.
  • Permits should be hung from rear-view mirror. Any permit or placard not permanently affixed to vehicle should be removed during vehicle operation.
  • Park only in a designated parking space, marked by white lines on the pavement. There is no parking on any University road or driveway. Vehicles parking in these areas will be ticketed and towed or immobilized.
  • When the privilege to park motor vehicles has been revoked, the revocation will include all motor vehicles registered to the owner of the offending vehicle either by parking permit or state registry as subject to towing and impound until all outstanding parking citations have been paid. That revocation also applies to that individual’s parking privileges on University property regardless of vehicle used.
  • Zebra stripes indicate a NO PARKING area.
  • Lack of space in a convenient parking lot is not a valid excuse for violating a parking rule and regulation.

Information regarding changes, amendments, and updates of the University Parking Rules and Regulations may be found on our website. Updated 07/1/24 – citation fee amounts.

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