Frequently Asked Parking Questions - Administrative Services

Parking and Traffic Department Questions

What are the acceptable methods of payment at the Administrative Services Office?: Parking permits are paid by cash or check ONLY. Staff may decide to pay by payroll deduction.
What are the hours of the Administrative Services Department?: The Parking and Traffic Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00AM until 4:00PM. The office is located within the Department of Public Safety, 419 Boston Ave., on the Medford Campus.

Questions about Parking Locations

Am I allowed to park my vehicle in the Dowling Garage overnight?: No. All vehicles must be out of the garage by midnight on weekdays. There is no parking in the garage over the weekends and holidays.
I have a residential decal. Do I qualify for a pass to park in the Dowling Garage?: No. The garage is reserved for visitors, employees and commuting students. Employees and commuters can obtain a garage pass with the purchase of a valid parking decal.
I currently live off campus. Can I still purchase a decal to park overnight on campus?: Yes. Any student living off campus may purchase a residential decal at the same rate as other student residents.
I am a commuter student and want to stay overnight. Will my decal allow me to do this?: No. Commuting students must be off campus by 1:00 a.m. If you want to stay overnight, you need to purchase an overnight pass.

Questions about Parking Decals

Where can I park?: You can obtain a parking map at our office 24 hours a day. The parking areas and rates are posted also. The parking areas are patrolled 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks per year by the Public Safety officers. You can also obtain a
I have purchased a parking decal. My vehicle has tinted windows. Where do I put the decal?: All vehicles with factory tinted windows should continue to place the decal in the proper displayed area on the vehicle. This area is on the driver's side rear door lower right corner of the window.
If I get a new car and have already purchased a decal, how do I get a decal for the new vehicle?: You need to scrape off the decal that you originally purchased - it need not to be in one piece - and bring it to our office along with your new registration and you will receive another decal at no charge.
My vehicle that has a valid decal but it is out of service for a short time. I am driving another vehicle to campus. Do I still need a parking pass?: Yes. Anytime a different vehicle is used other than the one with a registered decal, you need a parking pass. A temporary pass can be obtained, at no charge, for up to two weeks at the Public Safety office.
Can I swap my decal between two cars depending on which vehicle I drive on a particular day?: No. When you register you vehicle with Public Safety, the decal is assigned to one car only. If you anticipate alternating vehicles, you need to purchase a second decal for the other vehicle.
I need a temporary Handicap Placard. How do I get one?: All requests for handicap placards must be directed to Health Services. Health services needs to authorize a handicap placard as well as assign an expiration date. A full description of this process can be obtained in the Parking Regulations

Questions about Citations

I have received a citation that I don't feel was justified. Can I appeal this ticket?: Yes. The citation must be appealed within 14 days and a form filled out at the Public Safety office.
My friend was driving my vehicle and received a citation. Am I still responsible for it?: Yes. All citations are the responsibility of the registered driver regardless of who was driving the vehicle.
: Yes. Citations can be paid in person by check or cash at the Public Safety office within 14 days. Otherwise the citation will be billed to the driver's Bursar account.
: After fourteen days, your citation will be transferred to your Bursar's Bill for collection. For employees, the citation will be deducted from your paycheck. Citations can be paid by cash or check only in person or mailed to the Parking and Traffic department.
I have a citation that is more than 14 days old. Is it possible to appeal this violation or have the citation reduced?: No. After fourteen days, the violation cannot be appealed nor reduced. After fourteen days the citation stands, as is.

Questions for Campus Visitors

: Guest passes are obtained from our office 24 hours a day for a fee of $5.00 per day in Medford. Boston visitors must use Boston parking garages or street parking. Grafton visitors can obtain a pass from the Department of Public Safety in Grafton.
What is the policy for guests with vehicles that stay overnight?: All guests must obtain a parking pass for the length of their stay. Guest passes are obtained from our office 24 hours a day for a fee of $5.00 per day. Vehicles can park in valid student areas.

Miscellaneous Questions

Are discounted T-Passes available?: MBTA schedules and discount information can be obtained from the Bursar's offices in Boston and Medford and from the website of MBTA.com.
Are there free shuttles between campuses?: The only shuttle between campuses is the Museum School shuttle between Medford and Boston. The schedule is available from our office or at the Campus Center. You may also view an online version of the
I have heard of vehicles being towed from campus. What are some of the reasons these cars are towed?: Vehicles can be towed whether or not they have a decal. The accumulation of 3 or more tickets involving "No Decal/Expired Decal" or "Expired Meter" will necessitate a vehicle being towed. Also, vehicles accumulating 8 or more citations can be removed as well. Any vehicle blocking a fire hydrant, fire lane, or otherwise causing an immediate obstruction which could hinder an emergency response will also be towed. Finally, parking a car without state issued handicap license plates or a handicap pass could result in a vehicle being towed.
What should I do if I think my vehicle has been towed?: Call Tufts Police at (617) 627-3030 immediately. They will be able to inform you if your car has been towed. Remember, you must first come to the Police Station before you can claim your car at the tow yard.
Does Public Safety enforce parking and traffic regulations on weekends and holidays?: Yes. All parking and traffic regulations are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
How can I obtain a garage access card?: Garage access cards are available to staff, faculty, and commuter students only. In order to qualify for a garage access card, you must visit our office and formally request an access card. ID as well as proof of decal may be necessary. Also note that lost garage access cards constitute a $15 replacement fee.
I am a community member that uses the gym only, what are my options for parking?: If you are a community member who uses the gym only, please call us to discuss your parking options.