Beginning this fall, all student parking permits will be virtual, eliminating the need for physical hangtags. Permits will go on sale at 8 a.m. Aug. 1. Zone permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis with a limited quantity in each zone. Students are encouraged to visit the Student Parking webpage to learn about parking options and permit sale timeframes.
Virtual permits are tied to the student's vehicle license plate number and require the plate to be visible to the drive lane at all times. Because the permit is tied to the student's license plate, it is crucial that the registration information is correct in the UAB Parking Portal.
Faster enforcement:
Unfortunately, illegal parking is the number one issue that leads to full lots and lack of parking—especially in the first few weeks of the semester. UAB Transportation’s enforcement team’s goal is to ensure valid permit holders have the ability to park easily.
In the past, enforcement of a 1,200-space zone would take 4-8 hours. With the new system, enforcement personnel will be using vehicle-mounted license plate readers to validate permits, reducing enforcement time to 25 minutes. The new system will enable enforcement personnel to monitor zones more frequently. Parking tickets will continue to be printed and placed on windshields.
Tips for parking:
- Ensure your vehicle information is correct in the UAB Parking Portal
- Do not back into a parking space
- Do not block your license plate with bikes or other accessories
- License plates must be visible to the drive lane
No replacement permits:
The previous policy regarding lost hangtags required students to repurchase their parking permit at full value. The new system will eliminate this requirement, as they are tied to students’ license plate numbers. Importantly, the new system enables students to register up to two vehicles to their permit. However, the system will cross check if both vehicles are parked on campus at the same time, resulting in a ticket.
Expedites waitlist process:
In the past, two waitlists were maintained by UAB Transportation: housing and commuter. This system did not allow students to indicate their preference for a specific zone. The new system enables the department to manage waitlists per zone, and students can register for up to two waitlists in the UAB Parking Portal.
Students are encouraged to order permits from zones with available permits. The department cannot guarantee additional permits will become available in specific zones. For example, Zone G often sells out quickly and additional permits rarely become available
Refunds:
The new system makes the refund process easier as well. Students can return their permit in the UAB Parking Portal, and their refund will be processed to their account within 3-5 business days. However, it’s important to note that permits are immediately deactivated when they are returned in the portal. Students should make returns carefully, as they may be ticketed if their vehicle is parked on campus at the time of the return.
If you have questions about the new system, contact UAB Transportation by visiting the office between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., calling the main office at 205-934-3513, or by emailing