Parking and ID Card Services Office > Information > Campus Parking Information

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About Parking Permits

  • A current parking permit must be properly displayed at all times when on campus otherwise your vehicle is subject to citation.
  • Parking permits are available to SMU students for purchase online through My Parking Account.
  • Parking permits for SMU employees, adjuncts, temporary employees and service providers are available at the Parking and ID Card Services Office. Please note all adjuncts, temporary employees and service providers must purchase their parking permits with cash or check only.
  • Temporary Parking Permits are available for visitors and guests at the Parking and ID Card Services Office during normal business hours.
  • Having purchased a permit does not imply that parking is allowed without displaying the permit. 
  • Notes do not function as a permit and Parking Coordinators will not recognize notes inside or affixed to a parked vehicle.

 

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Policy Statement

 

  1. Students, faculty and staff are expected to be familiar with and abide by all regulations.  Negligence and/or unawareness does not warrant parking in unauthorized areas or citation waivers.  There is no free parking on campus for anyone.
  2. The University has enacted the following rules and regulations for the safety and security of the SMU community.  They apply to all students, faculty, staff and visitors.
  3. The objective is to obtain voluntary compliance with the regulations rather than to assess fines. Parking fines have been enacted to deter violations. 
  4. The plan provides parking spaces as conveniently as possible within the available limits. No one is guaranteed a parking space on campus. 
  5. The fact that a citation is not issued when a vehicle is illegally parked does not mean nor imply that the regulation or law is no longer in effect. The motor vehicle operator is responsible for being informed about the laws and regulations in force. 
  6. Persons with registered vehicles are responsible for any citations issued to their vehicles. Lack of a convenient parking space is not justification for violation of any parking rule.  Any unregistered vehicle parked on campus by faculty, staff or students will be cited. Repeated violations can result in the vehicle being towed or mechanically immobilized (booted). Citations are not voided from an individuals parking record once paid.  They accumulate during the academic year even after being resolved by payment.  The moment the sixth citation is issued during the academic year, an individual is designated as a "Habitual Violator".  Habitual Violators who park illegally on campus will not only receive a citation, but their vehicle will be booted.   Individuals who receive 10 or more citations will be fined at double the amount of the violation penalty.
  7. All appropriate Texas criminal laws and motor vehicle laws, in addition to University regulations, are in effect on SMU property.  Police officers have jurisdiction to enforce regulations and the authority to remove or impound any vehicle operated or parked in violation of the regulations. 
  8. No more than one citation may be issued in the same day, to the same vehicle, for the same violation, in the same parking space.  However, more than one citation may be issued in the same day, to the same vehicle, for the same violation (and all other applicable violations) only if the vehicle in question is in violation and in another parking space.
  9. Throughout the year the university hosts several major special events that require reserved parking for event patrons. To facilitate reserved parking demands for event patrons, parking lots normally designated for student, staff, and faculty use will be closed. This may result in some inconvenience to the campus community but does not authorize drivers to park in violation of campus, state, or city ordinances. 
  10. Unpermitted vehicles with two or more unpaid citations are subject to immobilization.  Students and faculty/staff will be assessed a boot fee and all unpaid citations will be applied to their SMU account.

 

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Parking Enforcement

Regular Enforcement (effective August 13, 2012)
  • Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
  • Friday 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Weekend Enforcement
  • Permit and metered parking is not enforced on weekends.  Fire-lanes, handicap and reserved parking spaces are enforced at all times.  
  • Overnight parking between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. in the Meadows Museum Garage is not permitted at any time.
  • Vehicles with Resident Parking Permits are prohibited from parking in the Meadows Museum Garage at all times.
  • Special Event and Guest Parking Services such as Visitor Permits, space reservations and Bishop Boulevard reservations are used for evening and weekend events and meetings.
Summer Enforcement (effective May 20 - August 12, 2013)

  • Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • The permits listed below are eligible to park in the following locations:

 

 Permit Type

R S AUP 
F/S
 Employee Parking Permits* X X X X

 Non-Resident Parking Permits X X X  
 Resident Parking Permits X X X  
 Summer Parking Permits X X X  
 Summer Conference Parking Permits X X X  
 AARO Parking Permits X X X  
 Admissions Recruitment Parking Permits X X X  

*Employee parking permits eligible to park in unassigned faculty/staff parking spaces only.

  • Contractor Parking Permits:  Valid in the lot designated on the permit.
  • Temporary Parking Permits:  Valid for dates and locations designated on the permit only.
  • Guest Parking Permits:  Valid for dates and locations designated on the permit only.

 

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Signs and Curbs

  • Parking signs are frequently posted or changed to meet the needs of the SMU community, so nearby signs should be read carefully each time when parking as signs take precedence over curb markings.
  • There is not a sign for each space, but each space is in a zoned area subject to parking enforcement.

 

Parking Meters


Double Space Meter serves 2 parking spaces, flanking the meter. On one side of the meter you will see 1 slot to insert coins and 2 buttons for space selection

1. Push Button to Select Space Push the button associated with the space where your vehicle is parked. The arrow below the button points to the associated parking space.

2. Insert Coins - Current US coins ONLY A message will appear displaying the accumulated time. Add more coins if you would like to extend the time. Recall the maximum 2-hour limit.

3. Color turns GREEN on the other side of meter, facing your vehicle


Single Space Meter serves only 1 space, positioned adjacent to the meter

1. Insert Coins – Current US coins ONLY A message will appear displaying the accumulated time. Add more coins if you would like to extend the time. Recall the maximum 2-hour limit

2. Color turns GREEN on the other side of meter, facing your vehicle

 Metered Parking                                                                                                                           

  • Enforcement is in effect Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. & Friday, 7:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.        
  • Meters allow a maximum 3 hour parking at 25 cents for every 15 minutes.  If parking requires more than 3 hours, coins must be inserted to add time.
  • To add time to a space correctly, first press the desired space (i.e. A, B, C, D), then insert coins.

Meter parking is available as indicated on the Visitor Parking Map.

 

First-year Males

First-year male students are not allowed to park in the resident areas until they've accumulated enough credit hours (30) to be at Sophomore status.                                                                    

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  • Loaner/Rental Cars

     

    • An SMU parking permit is mandatory for any vehicle on campus unless parked in a paid meter space.  SMU permits are repositionable and may be moved to any rental or loaner car.
    • It is the responsibility of SMU parking permit holders to obtain a temporary parking permit from the Parking and ID Card Services Office if your SMU parking permit is forgotten.
    • Rental car companies will be contacted regarding unpaid/unappealed citations.

     

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    Compact vs. Non-Compact Car

     

     

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    Motorcycle Regulations

     

    • All vehicles on campus including motorcycles, Vespas, scooters and all other motorized cycles require a permit.  If a motorcycle is the secondary mode of transportation and a parking permit for the primary has been paid for, the second motorcycle permit is free of charge.
    • Parking enforcement is usually lenient with regard to motorcycle violations barring that the vehicle does not block critical areas i.e. loading zones, disabled spaces/ramps, sidewalks, or driveways.

    East Campus Parking

    • Looking to get to East Campus but don't want to hassle with parking?  Check out the Mustang Express!
    • The East Campus Parking Lot is located east of the Expressway Tower building.
    • "All University Permit" (AUP) and all other valid SMU parking permits are required in the SMU parking lot.
    • SMU parking permits are not honored at the Expressway Tower parking lot (which is considered to be any parking immediately around the Expressway Tower building.
    • SMU Employee Parking at Expressway Tower
    • SMU Employees at Expressway Tower who purchase an SMU parking permit may park in the East Campus Parking Lot as well as in any AUP parking locations on the main campus including the Airline, Binkley, Moody and Meadows garages. 
    • A limited number of sheltered and garage parking spaces are available for purchase at Expressway Tower at a premium rate.  SMU employees who are interested in purchasing sheltered or garage parking spaces should contact the SMU Real Estate Office directly at 214.768.7000.

     

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    Gated and Assigned Parking Lots

    • Only those with parking permits are granted access to gated parking areas.
    • You must use your SMU ID card to access these areas. Your SMU ID card will give you access to the Airline, Moody and Binkley garages.
    • Many of the gated parking lots are reserved and subject to a waiting list. Eligible employees interested in assigned lot parking can sign up by selecting the "Add/Edit Wait Lists" link at My Parking Account.
    • All valid permit holders are allowed to park within gated lots after 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated by signage.  Negligence does not warrant violation of policy.

     

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    Parking Garages

    Airline Parking Garage

    • Airline Parking Garage is strictly for valid permit holders.
    • Any student resident or non-resident student with a valid permit may park in this garage, however, never in the Faculty/Staff spaces.
    • Valid Faculty/Staff Permit holders may park anywhere in the garage.

    Binkley Parking Garage

    • Binkley Parking Garage is available to all valid permit holders and visitors.
    • SMU "H" permit holders may enter through Ownby Drive or Binkley entrances with an SMU ID card 
    • Valid permit holding faculty/staff and students may enter via the Binkley Avenue entrance using their SMU ID card and exit via either the Ownby Drive or Binkley Avenue exit using their SMU ID card. Visitors with a visitor permit may enter and exit Binkley Avenue using the guest code provided. Visitors self paying or using parking validators may exit using the paystation at either exit.
    • For more information abut visitor parking in Binkley garage, please visit the Park and Pay section.
    • Students and AUP Faculty/Staff with parking permits must use the Binkley Avenue entrance.
    • Binkley Parking Garage Level Directory:
      • Level 1:  Faculty/Staff "H" permit only.
      • Level 2 and above:  Visitors Only with Visitor permit or Visitor entry ticket.
      • Level 3 and above:  All University Permit (AUP) parking.  Students and faculty/staff or visitors with permits or entry tickets.

    Law Parking Garage

    • Only "Law" Permit Holders (represented by an "L" on the SMU parking permit) may park in this garage.
    • The gated entrance is traditionally left open during the daytime, Monday - Friday beginning at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m.

    Meadows Museum Parking Garage

    • Meadows has three entrances:  two located on the south end of the Garage and one located on the north:
      • The left entrance is for Faculty/Staff and Non-Resident Permit Holders.
      • The right entrance is for Meadows Museum patrons.
    • For more information about visitor parking in Meadows Museum Parking Garage, please visit the Park and Pay section.
    • Resident permit holders are prohibited from parking in Meadows Garage at all times. 
    • Valid Student/Commuter permit holders may park in Meadows above the second level only—never in the Faculty/Staff Spaces.
    • Overnight parking is prohibited in Meadows Museum Parking Garage from midnight to 6:00 a.m.

    Moody Parking Garage

    • Parking is available in Moody Parking Garage to all valid permit holders and visitors. 
    • For more information about visitor parking in Moody Garage, please visit the Park and Pay section.
    • Moody Parking Garage Level Directory:
      • Level 1:  Faculty/Staff. 
      • Level 2:  Visitors with a valid parking permit (students are prohibited to park on Level 2).
      • Levels 3-5:  All University Permit (AUP) Parking.

     

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    Park and Pay Parking

    • Park and Pay Parking is available as indicated on the Visitor Parking Map.
    • All pay stations accept coins, $1 and $5 bills, Visa and Mastercard*.

    * Please note: Binkley Parking Garage accepts cash only - Visa and Mastercard are not acceptable forms of parking payment at this location.

    • Park and Pay Parking without a SMU Parking Permit:  The following information is applicable for visitors and guests without a valid permit.  Individuals with a temporary parking permit should adhere to the Park and Pay Parking instructions for individuals with a SMU Parking Permit.
     Binkley Parking Garage
    • May enter through the visitor entrances.
    • May park anywhere on Level 2 or above.
    • Must display time stamped ticket on the dashboard of the parked vehicle.
    • Payment is made before exiting the garage.
    • Please note: Binkley Parking Garage accepts cash only - Visa and Mastercard are not acceptable forms of parking payment at this location.
    • Detailed Visitor Parking Map for Binkley Parking Garage
     Meadows Museum Parking Garage
     Moody Parking Garage
    • May enter through the right entrance on the north side of the garage.
    • Must display a time stamped ticket on the dashboard of the parked vehicle.
    • The one-time fee of $5.00 is good for the entire day.
    • Detailed Visitor Parking Map for Moody Garage
    • Park and Pay Parking with a SMU Parking Permit:  the following information is applicable for visitors and guests with a valid permit.
     Binkley Parking Garage
     Meadows Museum Parking Garage
     Moody Parking Garage

     

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    Game Day Parking

    Faculty/Staff and all students with annual SMU parking permits must adhere to the following rules during athletic events:

    • The following parking areas must be vacated by 11:00 p.m. the night prior to home football games:
      • Meadows Garage and surface lot
      • Moody Garage
      • Theology Lot (adjacent to HPUMC and Perkins School of Theology)
      • Dedman Parking Lot
      • South Quad Parking Lot (Westcott)
      • Binkley Garage and Binkley Avenue surface spaces
      • Peyton Parkway
    • Vehicles must be moved in accordance with the Athletic Dept. Vehicle Relocation Map.
    • Failure to remove your vehicle from the locations listed above will result in towing.
      • Vehicles will be towed to E Lot (Heroy Lot) beginning at 11:00 p.m. on Friday evening.
      • Relocated vehicles must be retrieved and moved before 7:00 a.m. Monday morning.
      • Failure to do so could result in an additional citation.
    • Please visit the Athletic Department Game Day website for all parking information at  http://www.smumustangs.com/trads/parking.html                                                                                                                                                                          

    *Affected areas are indicated as red striped areas on the map below.  Vehicles left in these areas will be towed to the Heroy Lot and an $80 relocation fee assessed.

     

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  • Disability/Handicap Parking

    • A valid SMU Parking Permit and state-issued disabled parking permit are both required to park in any designated handicapped parking spaces on campus.
    • SMU provides spaces throughout the campus for the parking needs of persons with disabilities.  The campus honors any government-issued disability designation visibly displayed.  Requirements for authorization to park a vehicle in a "Disabled" space are:
      • A state "Disabled" license plate,
      • A state "Disabled" decal,
      • Or any disabled designation issued by a government entity.
    • Guests to the campus with proper state designation and with the disabled person in possession of the vehicle, may park in any legal parking space, including spaces designated for disabled parking.  This does not apply to "RESERVED" disabled spaces.  Permits or license plates denoting disability do not permit anyone to park in "Fire Lanes", "No Parking" areas or "Reserved" parking spaces.  If there is a question regarding special parking needs, contact the Parking and ID Card Services Office at 214.768.7275.
    • SMU has provisions to issue a temporary disabled permit.  Temporary disabled permits may be issues with written authorization from a physician.  This issuance is done at the Parking and ID Card Services Office.  Temporary Permits may be issued for a maximum of 6 weeks.  This provision will enable an individual to obtain a State temporary permit if the disability is expected to continue longer.  Persons with "Disabled" permits must pay to park in SMU-operated (private property) metered parking spaces.
    • An unauthorized vehicle in a space reserved for disabled persons will be towed away at the expense of the owner/operator.
    • Spaces designated for disabled persons may be used only by vehicles displaying an appropriate permit. The regulation applies at all times (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).  Vehicles improperly parked in such spaces will be towed away.  A $300 fine will be charged for each violation.  This will be in addition to the towing/boot charge and impoundment fees.

    NOTE:  Article 6675a.5e.1, Vernon's Texas Civil Statues

    • Section 10. (a) A person commits an offense if the person is neither temporarily or permanently disabled nor transporting a temporarily or permanently disabled person and arks a vehicle with such special device or displaying a disabled person identification card in a parking space or parking area designated specifically for the disabled by a political subdivision or by a person who owns or controls private property used for parking for which a political subdivision has provided for the application of this section under Subsection (c) of Section 6A of this Act.
    • Section 11.  Presumption.  In a prosecution of an offense under Section 10 of this Act, it is presumed that the registered owner of the motor vehicle that is the subject of the prosecution is the person who parked the vehicle at the time and place the offense occurred.

     

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    Campus Construction

    • While SMU aims to effectively communicate changes to parking, please be advised.  Due to the ongoing construction and maintenance in and around campus, changes in parking signage may occur abruptly thus changing the designations of Faculty/Staff, Resident or Visitor parking without notice to the University Community.  The University asks that everyone use diligence and carefully observe the signs prior to parking.

     

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    Dedman Center Member Parking

    A permit or the use of a “self-pay and park”-visitor parking location is required to park on campus.  Dedman Center membership permits are available from the Dedman Center.

    Dedman Center Parking Map 

    Where do I place my permit on my vehicle?

    • The permit is placed on the inside of the front windshield, passenger side lower right corner. Your parking permit must be displayed at all times in that location only.

    Where can my Dedman Center parking permit be used:

    • The SMU section of Meadows Garage #60 (left-hand entry); levels 3, 4 & 5 of the Binkley Garage #53 or on levels 2, 3, & 4, of Moody Garage #92 as referenced on the parking map attached. 
    • However it is not valid for game day parking or for meters.

    How do I get in to the parking garages?

    • To access the parking garage entrances and to exit from the Binkley Garage, please swipe your Dedman Center card using the keypad reader at the entry gate or exit gate of the garage.
    • Please have your card with the magnetic stripe side facing the right side and run the card downward from top to bottom in the slot. The gate will rise after the card is swiped.

    What do I do if my car is in the shop or if I have more than one vehicle?

    • The Dedman Center permits are repositionable and can be moved to any vehicle such as a rental, loaner or an additional family vehicle.

    When does my permit expire?

    • Dedman Center permits expire each year on December 31. Be sure to renew your permit with the Dedman Center prior to that date to receive a new permit before it expires.

    What if my permit or Dedman Center ID Card is lost or stolen?

    • Contact the Dedman Center as soon as possible to report the loss and arrange for replacement.

    If I am a SMU Student or employee can I purchase a Dedman Center permit?

    • No. Students and employees must purchase & use an appropriate student or employee permit only.

    Parking tips and suggestions:

    • The peak parking demand period on our campus is generally weekdays between 10 AM and 2 PM when classes are in session and parking availability is very limited during this time. 
    • If you are currently using the Dedman Center facilities when parking demand on our campus is greatest, you should consider adjusting your schedule to use the facilities, during times when parking is less in demand. 
    • There will generally be better parking availability during early mornings, late afternoons, and most evenings after 5 PM and on weekends. 
    • Generally, when classes are in session parking will be most limited on campus between 10 AM and 2 PM weekdays.

    Where do I place my permit on my vehicle?

    • The permit is placed on the inside of the front windshield, passenger side lower right corner. Your parking permit must be displayed at all times in that location only.

    Where can my Dedman Center parking permit be used:

    • The SMU section of Meadows Garage #60 (left-hand entry); levels 3, 4 & 5 of the Binkley Garage #53 or on levels 2, 3, & 4, of Moody Garage #92 as referenced on the parking map attached. 
    • However it is not valid for game day parking or for meters.

    How do I get in to the parking garages?

    • To access the parking garage entrances and to exit from the Binkley Garage, please swipe your Dedman Center card using the keypad reader at the entry gate or exit gate of the garage.
    • Please have your card with the magnetic stripe side facing the right side and run the card downward from top to bottom in the slot. The gate will rise after the card is swiped.

    What do I do if my car is in the shop or if I have more than one vehicle?

    • The Dedman Center permits are repositionable and can be moved to any vehicle such as a rental, loaner or an additional family vehicle.

    When does my permit expire?

    • Dedman Center permits expire each year on December 31. Be sure to renew your permit with the Dedman Center prior to that date to receive a new permit before it expires.

    What if my permit or Dedman Center ID Card is lost or stolen?

    • Contact the Dedman Center as soon as possible to report the loss and arrange for replacement.

    If I am a SMU Student or employee can I purchase a Dedman Center permit?

    No. Students and employees must purchase & use an appropriate student or employee permit only.

    Parking tips and suggestions:

    • The peak parking demand period on our campus is generally weekdays between 10 AM and 2 PM when classes are in session and parking availability is very limited during this time. 
    • If you are currently using the Dedman Center facilities when parking demand on our campus is greatest, you should consider adjusting your schedule to use the facilities, during times when parking is less in demand. 
    • There will generally be better parking availability during early mornings, late afternoons, and most evenings after 5 PM and on weekends. 

    Generally, when classes are in session parking will be most limited on campus between 10 AM and 2 PM weekdays.

    Parking Enforcement and avoiding citations on campus?

    • Permit parking and meters are enforced

    Mon-Thurs: 7 AM to 7 PM and Fri: 7 AM to 5 PM.

    • A permit does not excuse payment of the meters.

    The following are enforced at all times:

    • Parking in fire lanes
    • No parking zones
    • Parking on grass
    • Parking on sidewalks
    • Blocking driveways
    • Handicapped spaces
    • Meadows Museum garage
    • Reserved spaces
    • Additional parking info is available online:

    What do I do if I receive a citation on campus?

    • The instructions and online link to file an appeal request or submit a payment are referenced on the back of the citation or are available at: http://www.smu.edu/BusinessFinance/ParkNPony/Information/visitors.aspx  
    Appeals and/or payments must be made within 15 days of the citation date. Click on the link in blue for “Guest Account” to set up an account or to log in. Then follow the steps as directed

     

     

     

     


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