Tickets

The Parking Services Office is here to make sure that you have a parking space when you need one. Your safety is our top priority. That's why we uphold the regulations set forth in the University's Traffic and Parking Ordinance (PDF). These rules are in effect round the clock, every day of the year—including holidays.

You play an important role in keeping Pitt's parking system running as smoothly as possible. By following these guidelines, you can help us achieve our goal of making your parking experience as convenient and safe as possible:

• Park only within the boundary lines of a legal, marked parking space.
• Display your parking permit on the rearview mirror of your vehicle so that the permit number is visible through the front windshield.
• Obtain a permit for motorcycles and mopeds and park within designated areas.
• Follow parking rules during severe weather conditions.
• Pay any fines promptly to protect your access to parking permits and status at the University.
• Buy your permit only from the Parking Services Office.
• Use only valid permits that are not defaced or reported as missing.
• Use your permit only in the specified lot and time.
• Keep access and traffic clear.
• Keep yourself informed of special event procedures and park accordingly.

If You Get a Ticket

If you get a ticket, you have two options: Either pay the fine or, if you believe the ticket was issued in error, appeal it.

How to Appeal

Appeals are an opportunity for you to settle contested parking violation notices. They also sometimes help us evaluate the effectiveness of campus parking regulations and figure out ways to improve them. There are four ways to appeal:

• Fax your appeal (PDF) to 412-624-0956.
• E-mail your appeal to parkappeals@bc.pitt.edu.
• Mail your appeal to:
  • University of Pittsburgh
    Parking Services Office
    204 Brackenridge Hall
    Pittsburgh, PA 15260
• Appeal by telephone.

Be sure to include the required appeal information listed below.

Enclose both the citation and the completed Parking Violation Appeal Form (PDF).

If you choose to submit your appeal by telephone, call the appeals office at 412-624-8899 during designated hours, which are Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 2:30-4:30 p.m. (You usually need to wait at least 24 hours after receiving the ticket to be sure it has been entered into the computer system.)

Whatever method you choose, be sure it is postmarked or received within 10 calendar days of when the citation was issued. Otherwise, you forfeit your right to an appeal. And remember to keep a copy of your appeal and citation for your own records.

Required Appeal Information

Be sure to include this information with your appeal:

• Name
• Student ID number or Employee PR number
• University status (i.e. student, faculty, staff, visitor, vendor, etc.)
• Permanent address
• Daytime phone number
• Citation number
• Vehicle state and plate number
• Permit number
• Reason for appeal

In most cases, you should receive a decision by mail within 10 business days.

Definitions of Appeals Actions

Approved means the appeal was granted and the fine was waived.

Reduced means that there may have been mitigating circumstances which warrant a reduced fine, which is still required.

Denied means that your citation has been upheld in accordance with the Traffic and Parking Ordinance (PDF) and that payment is due.

If the appeals officer decides to uphold the citation, you may appeal to the Appeals Board, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the appeals officer's decision.

The Appeals Board has the final say on the status of the citation.

Paying a Fine

If you do not plan to appeal your ticket, be sure to pay your fine within 10 days of receiving your citation.

You may settle your fine with cash, check, a money order, Panther Funds, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Mail fines to:

University of Pittsburgh
Parking Services Office
204 Brackenridge Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260-4924

Collection of Fines

If you do not pay your citation, the University may deduct the fine from your paycheck if you are a faculty or staff member or through the University cashier if you are a student. Pitt also sometimes uses collection agencies to recoup these fines.

Paying Your Fine Online

The Parking Services Office plans to offer online ticket payment. Please check back regularly for updates.

Traffic & Parking Ordinance

The Traffic & Parking Ordinance (PDF) is available to download and print.

Have questions about the ordinance? We have the answers! Please contact us for more information.