Parking Tickets & Appeals

We are committed to ensuring that you have a parking space when you need one. That's why we uphold the regulations set forth by the University's Traffic and Parking Ordinance (PDF). These rules are in effect 24/7—including holidays. 

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 rear-view 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. 
• Purchase your permit through our office.
• Use only valid permits that are not defaced or reported as missing. 
• Only use your permit in your designated 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. 

Appeals

Appeals are an opportunity for you to settle contested parking violations. They also help us evaluate the effectiveness of campus parking regulations and figure out ways to improve them.

You can file an appeal via our online application up to 10 calendar days after a citation was issued, otherwise you forfeit your right to appeal. You may need to wait up to 24 hours after receiving a ticket before filing an appeal to ensure the violation has been entered into our system.

Required Appeal Information 

Have the following information readily available when filing an appeal online or by phone:

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

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

 

Definitions of Appeal 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 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. 

Payments

All fines that are not undergoing an appeal process must be paid via our online portal or through the mail up to10 days after the date in which the parking citation was issued.

You can pay your fine via our online portal using a credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Ensure you have your citation and license plate number readily available when paying your fine.

You can also pay your fine via cash, check, or money order. Simply make the check or money order payable to the University of Pittsburgh and mail your payment, citation and license plate number to the following address:

University of Pittsburgh 
Parking Services Office 
127 North Bellefield Avenue 
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

If you do not pay your citation on time, then the University may deduct the fine from your paycheck if you are a faculty or staff member or through PittPay if you are a student. The University also uses third-party collection agencies to recoup delinquent fines.