Commuter and Parking Services

Parking FAQ

General Parking Related Questions

What are your hours?

Today is a University Holiday, what parking restrictions are enforced?

On employee-holidays when the university is closed, only fire lanes, and handicap, service, and reserved spaces will be enforced. This does not apply to student-only holidays and breaks, during which permit parking will be enforced. Winter overnight parking restrictions will remain in place, holiday or not, from December 1 through April 1 each year.

Today is a holiday (not recognized by the university), is it open parking?

No. Parking regulations are being enforced as usual. On-campus parking is by permit only throughout the calendar year. Metered lots and spaces are open to everyone.

Vehicle Registration

Do I need to register my vehicle with the university?

Yes. If you are a member of the Cornell community (faculty, staff, student, or affiliate) and ever plan to park on the grounds of the university at any time, or for any reason, you have to register your car with Commuter and Parking Services.

How much does it cost?

If I buy a parking permit, do I have to register my car with the university?

When you purchase a parking permit you are registering your vehicle with the university at the same time.

What parking privileges do I receive for registering my vehicle with the university?

You may park in the 'A' lot on North Campus after 2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. No permit is required for this privilege.

Why must I register my car with the university?

It is required by the University.
It allows us to contact you in the event of an emergency, if your vehicle needs to be moved, or even if you left your vehicle's headlights on.

I got a new car but kept the same license plate. What do I need to do?

If you transferred the license plate from your old vehicle to your new one, fill out a change form online, call us 255-PARK, or e-mail us at transportation@cornell.edu and give us the following information:

License plate number

Year of the new vehicle

Make

Model (2 door, 4 door, minivan, etc.)

Color

Registered owner

Do I need a new parking permit?

I have a new car and new plates. What should I do?

Fill out a change form online, or come to our office at 116 Maple Ave. Bring your permit (to turn in) and your vehicle's registration (so you'll have all of the new info handy). You'll fill out a form and we'll print you a new permit.

Parking Permits and Cost

What do I do if I lose my parking permit?

Fill out a lost permit form at Transportation Services, 116 Maple Ave. Call 607-255-PARK for assistance. If it's been stolen be sure to inform the Cornell Police (607-255-1111).

Do I have to buy a new permit?

No. We'll give you a two-week temporary permit to give you time to locate your permit. If you can not find it, you'll pay a replacement fee and we'll issue you a new permit.

Do I have to come to the Transportation Office?

No, we can process most transactions via phone, fax, campus mail, and/or e-mail. But because most transactions require a signature, coming to the office is the quickest way to get what you need.

I am just going to be at Cornell for the day--do I need a permit?

You may park in a metered area and pay the meter, or you can stop at one of the four information and parking booths located at the entrances of the campus and purchase a visitor permit for the day.

What is the cost of short-term parking at the parking meters?

There is a whole page devoted to metered parking areas; it covers locations, fees, and time limits.

What is the cost of the daily permits at the booths?

Daily permits purchased at 116 Maple Avenue or the information and parking booths range in price from $6 - $10. Go to Short Term Parking for details.

Do I need a permit to park on campus after 5 p.m.?

Many areas of the campus are unrestricted after 5 p.m.; however, some areas are restricted until 10 p.m. and/or on weekends, and residence hall parking areas are restricted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Be sure to observe all signs before parking.

If I have a handicap plate/placard, can I use the handicap spaces on campus?

Without a Cornell parking permit, you may only use the metered parking spaces, and must pay the meter. All other parking on campus, including handicap parking, is by Cornell parking permit only. If you are a Cornell community member, you must obtain a Cornell handicap permit to park in general handicap spaces.
A visitor who has a handicap designation on their vehicle may use a metered handicap parking space, or purchase a visitor permit at an information and parking booth and use the general handicap parking spaces.