1. As a part time or evening student, do I really need to purchase a parking hangtag?
Yes. Everyone is required to purchase a permit if they park on campus. You can obtain a parking permit through the Auxiliary Services Business Office (Union Building) or through this web site when available.

2. Where can I park if I arrive on campus and all garages are full?
In the event that on-campus garages are full, Parking Services recommends that individuals proceed to the Towson Center parking lots (lots 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21) after 8:30 a.m. to avoid wasting time searching for core campus parking. The university shuttle bus system will provide easy access to all areas of campus.

3. If I have a valid parking permit, can I park at a meter without paying?
No, meters are intended for visitors and must be payed. Students may utilize parking meters as long as time is on the meter for the period of time the vehicle is parked.

4. What should I do if I lose my parking permit?
If an individual loses his or her originally-issued hangtag or sticker, he or she must report the matter and complete a lost/stolen report at the Auxiliary Services Business Office in the University Union.  There will be a $25 replacement fee to receive a new permit. Student permit holders who lose their hangtag or sticker more than once will be required to purchase a new permit at the current full permit rate.

5. If I receive a parking citation and have a valid parking permit, do I have to pay the fine?

Individuals with valid parking permits who receive a citation should notify Parking Services in writing. The appeal will be investigated and if your permit was purchased before the citation was issued, it will be down graded to improper display or improper parking if you were parked in an area that is not valid for your permit type.

6. I was told that if you copy your own permit or you are handy with paint and scissors you can make your own.  My friend told me that they "found" a permit and used it.
Many students are sent to Judicial Affairs each year for using another individual's permit or altering a permit. Don't take the chance.

7. How many parking spaces are currently available for student parking?
Approximately 5,000 parking spaces will be available for use by students in the fall semester. Roughly 640 of these spaces are reserved for West Village residents.

8. Why can't I find parking in the garages?
The Towsontown, Union, and Glen garages are typically full by 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday.   If you arrive after 9 a.m., we advise you to proceed to the Towson Center parking lots.

9. Is it all right to park in front of a building for a short period as long as I put my flashers on ?
No, you may not leave your vehicle in front of a building for even 1 minute. If no one is in the vehicle it is considered a safety violation and a prohibited parking citation may be issued. This type of citation can not be appealed through the university.

10. Are freshman residents allowed to park on campus?
Freshman resident students are restricted from having a vehicle on campus.  A wait list will be established for students to register a request for a permit.  Freshman may not bring a car to campus.

A limited number of exceptions are granted for for critical medical reasons and for students taking a college course or ROTC at another university. Follow the procedures on the freshman resident exception form located on this web site. Exceptions will not be issued for employment and are not guaranteed.

11. A columnist in the student newspaper gave away the secret to convenient parking several years ago. I'm told I can park at meters and the police look the other way.Will I be OK doing this?
Enforcement of parking meters, 15/20 minute parking zones and parking in areas for which your permit is not valid will be strictly enforced.

12. My friend has out-of-state tags and has told me that a parking permit is not needed because you can not be caught. Why should I bother buying a permit?
Computer systems are in place that allow the department to obtain owner information from other states.  The cost of tickets is much higher than the price of a permit.  Don't risk it!

13. I just throw the citations away. They are not real citations. Why should I follow the parking regulations? 
Parking regulations are in effect to create a fair and safe parking environment. Citations issued by Towson University are written under the Maryland Uniform Citation Code and carry the weight and importance of citations issued by any law enforcement agency in the state of Maryland.

14. I work evening hours and don't return to campus until really late. How can I safely get to my dorm from my vehicle?
The University Police Department provides Escort Service from sunset to sunrise. Please call 410-704-7233 (SAFE).