University Police Department

1. Authority
2. General Provisions
3. Definitions
4. Traffic and Parking Regulations
5. Violations and Fines
6. Violator’s Obligation
7. Appeals Procedure
8. Enforcement

I. Authority

1. Pursuant to the directives of the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System, as well as the laws of the State of Texas and Texas Transportation code, these regulations are in full force and effect on the campus of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Regulations are enforced 24 hours a day by the University Police.
2. All the laws of the State of Texas and rules and regulations of the University are in effect 24 hours a day. The fact that a citation is not issued when a violation occurs does not imply that the regulation or law is not in effect.
3. It is the vehicle operator’s responsibility to know and follow the laws and regulations in force.
4. The legal speed limit on University Boulevard is 35mph, unless otherwise posted. The speed limit in the University parking lots is 10mph. It is the vehicle operator’s responsibility to observe all traffic signs.
5. All University Police Officers are duly Commissioned Peace Officers of the State of Texas. All Persons (faculty, staff, students, and visitors) are required to furnish proof of identity upon request by the University Police.
6. The University Police Department has the authority to enforce these regulations, including the right to impound vehicles for specific violations. The owner or operator of an impounded vehicle must pay the cost of impounding and storing the vehicle, in addition to any outstanding citations.

Any questions regarding interpretation or clarification of these regulations should be directed to the office of the University Police via email at: dispatcher@tamiu.edu

II. General Provisions

1. The purpose of these regulations is to facilitate the safe and orderly flow and parking of vehicular traffic on the grounds of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Parking regulations inform motorists where they may park rather than list every space where it is improper to park. TAMIU has two lots designated as reserved parking and additional reserved parking spaces across campus. All reserved areas require a parking permit. All other areas are designated as general, open parking.
   
   Disabled parking located in the reserved parking lots requires a parking permit In addition to a disabled placard.
   
   SECTION 681.008, Transportation Code is amended by adding Subsections a-1 and a-2 to read as follows:
   
   a-1: A vehicle described by Subsection a may be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities on the property of an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, regardless of whether a permit is generally required for the use of the space or area. An institution of higher education may require a vehicle described by Subsection a to display a parking permit issued by the institution specifically for the purpose of implementing this subsection, but may not charge a fee for the permit. This subsection does not entitle a person to park a vehicle described by Subsection a in a parking space or area that has not been designated specifically for persons with disabilities on the property of the institution if the vehicle has not been granted or assigned a parking permit required by the institution.
   
   a-2: Subsection a-1 does not apply to a parking space or area located in
   • A controlled access parking facility if at least 50 percent of the number of parking spaces or areas designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities in the property of the institution of higher education are located outside a controlled access parking facility
   • An area temporarily designated for special event parking. Or,
   • An area where parking is temporarily prohibited for health or safety concerns.
     
     , unless otherwise posted (e. g. General parking area where a permit is not required).
   • Parking and Traffic regulations are enforced at all times.
   • Handicapped parking spaces are reserved 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
   • Reserved lots are reserved 24 hours per day (or as posted), except on weekends and holidays.
   • Position reserved spaces are reserved 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
   • Unauthorized vehicles shall be subject to impoundment at the owner’s expense in addition to citations incurred. The University will not be liable for any damage resulting from the impoundment or removal of any vehicle.
2. The operation of a motor vehicle on Texas A&M international University property is a privilege granted by the University, not a right.
3. A valid parking permit is not a guarantee of a parking space. The responsibility of finding a legal parking space rests with the vehicle operator. Not finding a legal parking space is not a valid excuse for violating any parking regulation.
4. On special occasions and in emergencies, the University Police Department may temporarily close any campus parking area or facility or limit parking and traffic as required by the circumstances.
5. The University assumes no responsibility for the care and/or protection of any vehicle or its contents while the vehicle is operated or parked on campus. However, every effort will be made by University Police officers to protect all vehicles and property. All vehicle operators should lock and secure their vehicles properly while unattended.
6. All faculty, staff, students, and visitors operating a motor vehicle on University property shall have a valid driver’s license and motor vehicle liability insurance coverage as required by State law. The vehicle shall have proper license plates.
7. Inhabitation of Vehicles: No one may inhabit a vehicle of any kind (cars, trailers, campers, motor homes, trucks, buses, or other vehicles) on the university campus (streets, parking lots, and other areas) except as approved by the director of TAMIU Police Department. Violators may be cited for improper habitation/parking and the vehicle(s) may be towed.
8. All thefts, accidents, and offenses that occur on campus should be reported immediately to the University Police Department. The phone numbers for campus police are: 956-326-2100 and 956-326-2911.
9. The University reserves the right to wheel lock (boot), impound, or remove any motor vehicle from the premises of Texas A&M International University at the owner’s expense for any of the following reasons:
   • Parking an unauthorized vehicle in a handicapped space.
   • Receiving 2 or more outstanding traffic or parking citations.
   • Displaying a lost or stolen permit.
   • Displaying an unauthorized or altered permit.
   • Failure to display a current valid vehicle license plate.
   • Parking in a manner dangerous to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
   • Parking in or otherwise blocking a fire lane.
   • Parking with disregard to official barricades or traffic cones.
   • Parking on any lawn, sidewalk, or in any area that restricts vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
   • Endangering any life or property (e.g. leaking gasoline).
   • Obstructing any emergency vehicle or equipment.
   • Blocking access to any building, loading zone, reserved area, barricades, public bus stop, or maintenance equipment.
   • Parking, storing or abandoning a non-operating vehicle on University premises.
   • Failure to obey the lawful verbal order of a University Police Officer or Security Officer.
   • Parking in a reserved parking space without displaying the proper permit.
10. Non- Motorized Vehicles: Pedestrians have the right of way at all times. Bicycles are permitted on campus, however they must yield the right of way to pedestrians and must be parked in bicycle racks available throughout campus. Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, and similar wheeled devices are not permitted inside University buildings, residence halls and/or athletics courts/fields. Additionally, skateboards and other wheeled items may not be ridden on railings, ramps, curbs, stairs/steps, benches, or other fixtures that may be damaged by these activities, and individuals may be liable for damage to University property caused by these activities.
11. Hoverboards, and similar motorized devices: As with non-motorized vehicles, pedestrians have the right of way at all times. Such devices may not be operated in any building, and may not be charged anywhere on campus (indoors or outdoors).
12. Camping Facilities: Texas A&M International University does not offer camping facilities in all or any portion of the University. Violators will be issued a criminal trespass warning.

III. Definitions:

1. Campus includes all property owned or controlled by Texas A&M International University also referred to as TAMIU or University.
2. Motor Vehicle includes automobiles, buses, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, motor scooters, motorbikes, and mopeds.
3. Reserved parking refers to the two designated reserved parking lots and any space designated as reserved parking across campus. All motor vehicles parked in reserved parking must be registered with the University Police Department and display a valid parking permit.
4. Valid parking permit refers to an unaltered and unexpired self adhering decal or paper (temporary) issued by Texas A&M International University authorizing the motor vehicle properly displaying the permit to be parked within designated zones. The purchase and display of a parking permit serves as proper vehicle registration.
5. Impound includes immobilization, towing, removal, and storage of a vehicle.
6. Visitor is an individual with no affiliation, association, or relationship with Texas A&M International University as a student, faculty or staff member, or as determined by the University Police Department.
7. Disabled or physically handicapped is defined as a person with a medical certificate of disability and a city, county, or state issued disabled placard or license plate.
8. Legal parking space is a designated vehicular parking area marked by paint striping.
9. The term annually or academic year refers to the time frame of September 1 thru August 31 in any given year.

IV. Traffic and Parking Regulations

The campus parking zones are distinguished by two areas. General Parking: Includes the majority of the campus parking areas and does not require a permit. Reserved Parking: Includes reserved parking spaces and/or lots, so designated, around campus. The purchase or issuance of a reserved parking permit does not guarantee a parking space nor does the absence of a parking space constitute a valid justification for violation of these regulations.

University Village (UV) and Residential Learning Communities (RLC) are student living areas. These residential areas are considered general parking areas and do not require a parking permit.

Each driver is responsible for properly parking his or her vehicle in the spaces provided. Improperly parked vehicles are subject to a citation and/or wheel lock (boot).

Motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds must be parked in designated spaces only. Motorcycles spaces in any reserved area require a reserved parking permit.

Visitor parking: Visitors to the University may park in any general parking area that does not require a parking permit.

Security and information may be obtained 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by contacting the University Police Department at 956-326-2100 or email at: dispatcher@tamiu.edu .

Temporary parking permits for reserved permit holders are available at the University Police Department located in the University Police Department Building on the west side of campus. These permits are issued for very limited periods of time for extenuating circumstances for those with a current, valid reserved permit. (e.g. regular permitted car is in the shop).

A. Registration of Vehicles

1. While reserved parking is generally restricted to employees, anyone parking in a reserved parking space or lot is required to register their vehicle(s) with the University Police Department and obtain a reserved parking permit. All vehicles parked in the reserved areas must be registered on or before the first day of classes each semester. Vehicle owners and operators may purchase permits at the Bursar’s Office or other locations as determined by the University Police Department.
2. When a person is charged with violation of any provision of these regulations, proof that the vehicle was, on the date of the offense, bearing a valid parking permit is prima facie evidence that the holder of the permit committed the violation. However, if the vehicle does not bear a valid parking permit, proof that the vehicle on the date of the offense alleged, was owned or operated by an individual is prima facie evidence that the owner/operator committed the violation.
3. If a student, faculty, or staff has the same family name or home address as the registered owner of a vehicle for which a violation notice has been issued, the violation notice and accompanying violation charges will be recorded in the student, faculty, or staff member’s name.
4. Individuals with outstanding citations recorded in their names will not be permitted to purchase a reserved parking permit and must park in general parking. Additionally, students identified with outstanding citations will have a hold placed on their account which may prevent the student from receiving grades, registering, and requesting a transcript.
5. It is the reserved permit holder’s responsibility to notify the University Police Department when an emergency makes it necessary to operate a non-registered vehicle on campus. The driver must obtain a Temporary Parking Permit at the University Police Department and place it on their vehicle prior to leaving the vehicle in a reserved parking space or lot.
6. The registrant of the vehicle is ultimately responsible for its safe operation, proper parking, and payment of violations regardless of who the actual driver or operator may be.
7. Texas A&M International University parking permits should be removed and destroyed upon expiration. Vehicle owners/operators who continue to display an invalid TAMIU parking permit are in violation of TAMIU parking regulations and may be subject to citation.

B. Reserved Parking Permit Fees

Reserved Parking Permits. Sales are per vehicle.

Motorcycle Permits (Reserved Areas)

C. Refund of Parking Permit Fees

Charges for parking permits are not prorated and therefore, refunds may only be obtained prior to the first day of class of the semester in which it was purchased if the permit is intact and unused. Persons should request refunds at the Bursar’s Office located in the Zaffirini Student Success Center.

D. Lost or Stolen Reserved Permits

1. If a parking permit is lost, a replacement must be purchased at full cost.
2. An individual displaying a lost or stolen permit will be fined $50.00 and may be subject to criminal charges. Students displaying a lost or stolen permit will also be referred to Student Conduct for possible academic sanctions.
3. The University Police Department may impound any vehicle that displays a lost or stolen permit.

E. Display of Reserved Permits

Upon registration of a vehicle, a self-adhering parking permit sticker will be issued and shall be properly displayed in the bottom right hand corner (passenger side) of the windshield.

V. Violations and Fines

1. On street, parallel parking is permitted in the designated areas along the West and East Loop Roads. On-street parallel parking is not permitted in any other areas of the University regardless of the color of the curb.
2. Parking is NOT permitted at red curbed areas at any time.
3. Parking is prohibited in all campus loading docks and driveways. Vehicles found there will be subject to fines, wheel locks (boot), immediate towing, or impoundment.
4. Vehicles displaying improper permits or no permit in a reserved parking space and/or lot will be immobilized with a wheel lock device (boot).
5. Schedule of Penalties:

All Fees for the following citations:

Note:

1. All outstanding citations or moving violations receive a one–time late fee 7 calendar days after the citation is issued.
2. Vehicles with more than 2 outstanding citations will be subject to receiving an immobilization device or “boot” on their vehicle.

VI. Violator’s Obligation

1. All penalties may be paid at either the Bursar’s Office in the University Success Building, USC 137, during their normal business hours or at the University Police Department in the lower level of the Killam Library, KL 005.
2. Once the violator receives more than 2 violations and is booted, any pending appeals are null and void and all citations are due in full.
3. The citations assessed for violations constitute indebtedness to Texas A&M International University. Anyone failing to pay them is subject to referral to judicial affairs for possible disciplinary action, impoundment of vehicle, withholding of grades, ability to register, and/or transcripts. Faculty/staff may also be subject to disciplinary action and a referral may be made to the appropriate Vice President.

VII. Appeal Process

Appeal process:

Appeals must be filed in person at the University Success Center Information Desk. The following offenses are not appealable and will not be considered by the appeal committee

• No Permit
• Parked in a fire lane
• Parked in a handicapped space.

To file an appeal, follow these steps:

• Request an Appeal form from the customer service representative located at the University Success Center Information desk.
• Submit your completed form to the USC Information Desk. Forms may not be submitted online.
• You may request an audience with the Appeal Committee to verbally state your case. If you wish to do so, ask the representative for a docket date and time. You may select from the next 2 available docket dates only. You will have 5 minutes before the committee. You are not required to appear before the Committee to file an appeal, however, if you request an audience and do not make your docket time, the Committee will still rule on your case.
• The decision of the Committee will be reported to the TAMIU Police Department within 7 days of your hearing, and the Police Department will email the appeal decision to the e-mail address you provide on the appeal form. It is your responsibility to ensure you provide an active e-mail address. It is also your responsibility to check this e-mail to learn of the disposition of your appeal.

Appeals will be heard twice a month throughout the semester. The committee will be chaired by a faculty member and is comprised of the following: two faculty members, one student, a staff member, and a member from the judicial affairs department. The Appeal Committee has a quorum of 3.

The Appeal Committee’s decisions are final , and the Police Department will adhere to and uphold the Committee’s decisions. If the Appeal Committee finds in your favor and the appeal is granted, you will receive an email from the TAMIU Police Department and your citation will be removed with no further action on your part required. If the Committee denies your appeal, you will have 7 days from the date the decision was rendered to pay your citation and avoid a late fee. After those seven days, a late fee will be imposed, and a hold will remain on your account until all fees are paid.

VIII. Enforcement

The University Police department is authorized to issue two (2) types of citations for violations of University parking and traffic laws.

1. University Violation Notices are those handled by the University and are subject to University administrative violation charges and a right to appeal within the University.
2. Court Appearance Citations are those handled by the University Police but include a summons to appear before the Justice of the Peace.
3. All citations issued prior to parking changes remain outstanding and are subject to an immobilization device as per the regulations described above