Receiving a Parking Citation

To maintain a safe and accessible environment at UAlbany, all vehicles must be parked correctly. Proper parking ensures smooth traffic flow and prevents hazards for pedestrians and drivers alike.
 

What's included on a citation issued for parking violations?
What's included on a citation issued for parking violations?

All citations are placed on the vehicle and include the following information:

  • Vehicle’s description

  • Parking decal or fee tag numbers, if available

  • Date and time the citation was issued

  • Badge number of the citing officer or parking attendant

  • Location of violation

  • Specific administrative and/or parking offense(s)

  • Corresponding fine(s)

Pay a Fine

If neither full payment nor a first appeal is submitted within 14 calendar days of the citation being issued, this will be considered an admission of liability.

Citations can be paid while under appeal; however, payment won’t affect the appeal outcome. If the appeal is accepted, the payment will be refunded via check within six to eight weeks.

 

Payment Options & Instructions for Parking Fines
Payment Options & Instructions for Parking Fines

You have the following options for paying a parking-related fine:

  • Pay with a credit or debit card using the Parking Services Portal.
  • Pay in cash or credit/debit card at the Parking Services Office, during normal operating hours.
  • To ensure optimal protection for customers and merchants telephone payments are not accepted. 
Parking Citation Fines
Parking Citation Fines

Blue Accessible Space or Blue Accessible No Parking Aisle

$100

No Parking Permit

$50

Reserved, University Vehicle, and Special Permit

$50

Visitor Lot No Payment

$30

No Parking Area: Dock, Grass, Travel Lanes, Fire Hydrants, etc.

$30

Restricted Area: Parking in the Incorrect Lot

$30

Time Limit Parking: EV Stations, Community 2-hour Parking in Dutch, Overnight

$30

Permit/Plate Improperly Displayed

$20

Understanding Unpaid Fines and Repeat Offenses
Understanding Unpaid Fines and Repeat Offenses

We encourage timely payment to avoid any inconvenience. 

  • $10 late fees are added to unpaid citations 30 days from the date the citation was issued.
  • Students who fail to pay parking fines will have their class and vehicle registrations withheld. Payment of all outstanding fines is required to remove a hold from a student account.
  • If a student receives seven citations between September 1 and August 30, parking privileges may be revoked for the remainder of the registration year. Students are also responsible for any citations issued to immediate family members or individuals sharing their permanent address.
  • If a vehicle owner or registrant owes $200 or more in parking fines or has five outstanding parking citations an immobilization device may be attached to the vehicle. The owner or registrant has 72 hours to contact Parking & Mass Transit Services, pay outstanding fines, and pay a $100 fee for device removal. If the issue is not resolved within 72 hours, the University reserves the right to tow the vehicle at the owner's expense of $150.
  • Unionized employees who do not pay their parking fines may have the amount deducted from their payroll, as outlined in Title 8 of the Regulations of the State University of New York, Part 561.  
  • Unpaid parking fines may be referred to a collection agency. 

Appeal a Parking Citation

appeal
Determine if you can appeal the citation
Determine if you can appeal the citation

Not all parking citations are eligible for appeal. Certain violations are classified as major infractions, particularly those related to emergencies, safety, or overall quality of life. Citations for the following violations cannot be appealed:

  • Unauthorized parking in a blue accessible space or blue accessible aisle
  • Displaying an unauthorized permit/plate
  • Vehicle immobilizations and tow charges

 

Although certain citations may be eligible for appeal, a compelling and well-substantiated reason must be provided. The following do not constitute valid grounds for an appeal:

  • Lack of knowledge about parking regulations
  • Running late
  • Inclement weather
  • Preferred parking area was unavailable
  • Short-term parking in an unauthorized area
  • Received at least two prior citations for the same offense
First Appeal Instructions
First Appeal Instructions

First appeals must be submitted via the Parking Services Portal within 14 calendar days of the citation being issued. 

Guests and University Affiliates must create an account through the portal to appeal a citation. 

Second Appeal Instructions
Second Appeal Instructions

If you have new, compelling, and significantly different information from your initial appeal, you may request a second-level appeal to challenge the decision. You may request a second appeal hearing with the Parking Appeals Board by calling 518-442-3121 within 14 calendar days of the first appeal decision. The Parking Appeals Board is independent from Parking & Mass Transit Services and may include faculty, staff, and students. 

During the Fall and Spring semesters, this process requires attending a virtual hearing before the committee at a scheduled date and time. Failure to appear at a scheduled second appeal hearing without prior notification will result in automatic denial of the appeal. No further hearings will be scheduled, and all fines will be imposed. Please note that 2nd appeals must be submitted in writing during academic break periods. 

All decisions rendered by the Parking Appeals Board are final.