Parking Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are resident lots oversold?

The number of spots in resident only lots (B, D, E, & S) is less than the total number of student resident permits sold. However, we provide overflow space in lots N, F, P, J, K - which more than accommodates the number of permits sold.
Why are commuter lots oversold?

Commuter permits may park in lots indicated from the east end to west end of campus. Because of the coming and going of students with various class schedules and the expansion and development of new lots in the summer of 1998, we have alleviated many of the parking problems which we previously had before.

Note: With the exception of Faculty/Staff Reserved lots, Faculty/Staff lots are oversold as well, with lots C, O, J, and P being overflow for Faculty/Staff Permits.
Why did I get a ticket when my friend told me I wouldn't?

Do not rely on what a friend says or on other people's examples of parking. It is best to read the regulations and familiarize yourself with your parking areas.
What do I do when I have to run into a building for just a minute?

If you must make a quick trip into a building, there are meters available near most building complexes for up to thirty minutes. You may also get a guest pass from the Parking Office located in the Security/Parking Building, 1616 9th Ave S, to park in a lot for a short period of time.
What do I do when my vehicle is unable to move?

If your vehicle is disabled, please contact the parking office at 218-477-2675 as soon as you are able. Our hours are 8-4:30, Monday through Friday.
Where do I park on weekends?

All lots, except for residence lots and lot W-5 (in front of Owens), are available for parking on weekends. This goes from 4:30 pm Friday until 7 am Monday for all lots except X lot which is free after 5:30pm Friday until 7 am Monday or U lot which is free after 8 pm until 7 am on Monday.  If you have a valid permit to park in the lots, you may park in such lots anytime.  
Where can I get a guest permit?

Guest Permits are available from the Parking/Security Office located at 1616 9th Ave S.
Where can I park motorcycles?

Motorcycle areas are located north of the Maintenance building, north and west of Nelson Hall, and north of the Newman Center. Please check the University Campus Map for exact locations. If parked on Motorcycle pads, motorcycles do not need permits.
I heard that you get one free ticket a year, is this true?

The parking office allows one grace to all permit holders who forget to hang their permit on their rear view mirror or for having it on the dash.  The vehicle must be in the correct lot, the permit must be valid, and the parking office must be notified by the ticket holder before the ticket will be dismissed.
Can permits override meters?

In no metered area does a permit override a meter, unless specific written directions have been given via the parking office.

MSUM Handicapped permits override meters when there are no available handicapped parking spaces.
Why does it cost so much to get a parking permit?

Minnesota State law requires that our parking lots be self supporting. All revenue from permit sales and citations goes directly back into parking. This money is used for the development of new lots, repair and upkeep of existing lots, snow removal, purchase of snow removal equipment and trucks, wages and salaries, and maintenance and upgrading of Power Park Flex software and equipment.

If you choose to park in campus lots a permit is required. If you prefer to park on the street, please obey the street signs. The streets are monitored by Moorhead Police Department.
Why do I have to pay tickets?

Parking tickets are given when there is a parking violation.  If the fine is not paid within 10 calendar days of the issue date, a $10.00 late fee will be added.  Unpaid parking fines will remain on the student record and could result in the issuance of an autoboot.  If you would like to appeal your citation, an appeal may be submitted at our website: www.mnstate.edu/parking.  Appeals must be made within 10 calendar days of the ticket issue date to avoid a late fee.
Why is there a cost for handicap permits?

Our lots are self supporting, we feel that all who use these lots should contribute to their upkeep. We do not discriminate against those with handicaps or without, therefore everyone using our lots contributes to the cost of their upkeep.
Are meters monitored after 5pm?

All meters are exempt after 4:30 PM except for those in U lot,  X lot and resident lots. U lot is monitored from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday so we can accommodate evening events that are going on in that area. X lot is monitored from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday for the safety of the children being picked up and dropped off at the daycare located in Lommen Hall. The reason resident lot meters are monitored 24 hours a day is to make space accessible for parents and guests or for short term loading.