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Parking and Transportation Services

Rules and Regulations

We want campus travel to be safe and enjoyable for everyone. You can help by following the rules, so learn more about our policies and let them guide you. 
All rules and regulations are subject to enforcement 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including break periods and holidays.

Accessible Parking 

In order to park in authorized ADA accessible parking spaces on campus, students and employees must have the following: 

Parking Rules & Conduct 

Hourly Parking 

Need short-term parking on campus? There are three easy ways to pay: 

  • Meters – Coin pay.  Please use US currency only.
  • Passport App – Use your phone to pay and extend time remotely.
  • Mobile Pay – Pay online through text or QR code.

Tips on Avoiding Citations 

  • You can only park head-in on campus. Pull-through parking and backing into a space is not allowed.
  • Purchase a parking permit.
  • Display your permit properly on your rear-view mirror, front side facing forward or face up on your dash.
  • Read and follow instructions on posted signs.
  • Park only in areas where your permit is valid.
  • Abide by signs indicating No Parking, Reserved, or ADA Accessible.

All parking rules and regulations (pdf)

Appealing a Citation  

You may appeal a citation if you believe it was issued in error or without just cause.  

Appeal Process 

  • File an appeal within 3 business days of the citation.
  • Submit through your parking account .

Note: No late appeals will be accepted. 

Substantial Reasoning and Evidence 

What to Include in Your Appeal: 

  • A written statement explaining why you believe the citation was issued in error
  • Valid documentation that supports your claim (e.g., photos of signage or your vehicle, receipts, GPS logs, screenshots showing permit status or time stamps, etc.)
  • Permit information or relevant correspondence (e.g., emails with Parking Services)

Reasons NOT Accepted for Appeal: 

The following are not considered valid reasons for appealing a parking citation: 

  • Lack of knowledge of the regulations 
  • No other place to park / Not enough spaces 
  • Running late to class or an appointment 
  • Other vehicles were parked incorrectly and not cited 
  • Only parked illegally for a short period of time 
  • Inability to pay the citation amount 
  • Parking officers failed to issue citations for previous similar violations 

How to Pay a Parking Citation 

You have multiple options to pay a citation issued by USC Parking & Transportation Services: 

Payment Methods 

  • Online:
    Pay through the USC Parking Portal (steps below). 
  • In Person:
    Visit the     PTS office at: 
    411 Huger Street, Columbia, SC 29201 
    Accepts cash, check, and credit/debit cards 
  • By Mail:
    Send a     check or money order (no cash) to: 
    USC Parking Services
    411 Huger Street
    Columbia, SC 29201 
    Include your citation number and vehicle plate info 

Paying Citations Online: Step-by-Step 

Follow these steps to pay your citation through the online portal: 

Step 1: Go to the USC Parking Portal

Step 2: Log In 

  • Students & Employees: Choose “Affiliated Login” and sign in with your university credentials
  • Guests/Visitors: Use the “Guest Login” option with your email and password

Step 3: Access Citations  

  • Click Menu, then click “Parking Portal” or “Citations” to view or search for your citations
  • You can search by either your citation number or your license plate

 Important: 

  • Enter your citation number or license plate carefully
  • Change the license plate state if your vehicle is not registered in South Carolina -  SC is the default

Step 4: Review and Pay  

  • Select the citation(s) you'd like to pay
  • Click “Add to Cart” or “Pay Now” 

Step 5: Payment Details  

  • Enter credit card and billing info (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AmEx)
  • Review and submit payment
  • Save or print your receipt

Need Help?

Breakdowns, Storage and Security 

Vehicle Breakdowns 

If your vehicle breaks down on campus, notify University Police (803-777-5160) or Parking Enforcement dispatch (803-777-3351) immediately. 

Get your vehicle to a legal parking space or have it removed from campus as soon as possible. If the vehicle has not been moved in 24 hours, it will be towed at your expense. 

Stored and Abandoned Vehicles 

Please do not store your vehicle in university lots or garages. Vehicles that appear to be stored or abandoned on campus will be towed. 

Vehicle Security & Valuables 

The university cannot accept responsibility for the care or protection of your vehicle or anything inside it. Please lock your vehicle after you park it and take all valuables with you. 

Reporting Theft or Damage 

Contact the University Police Department at 803-777-4215. 

Motorcycles and Mopeds 

  • You need a permit to park your motorcycle or moped on campus. Only park in designated motorcycle spaces in surface lots. 
  • Do not park in regular spaces anywhere on campus. Operating a motorcycle or moped on sidewalks or walkways is strictly prohibited. 
  • Do not store your motorcycle or moped in a building on campus. It will be removed and impounded. 

Bicycles 

Any bicycle parked on campus must be registered. Read more. 

Parking on campus is governed by the State of South Carolina Code of Laws (1976), sections 56-21-10 through 56-21-60. In addition, all other state laws and city ordinances that apply to the operation and parking of motor vehicles are enforced. 

Permits

Remove/Move Your Permit 

Remove your permit if: 

  • a new permit is issued 
  • vehicle ownership changes 
  • your status changes in a way that will affect your parking assignment or the type of permit you have 

 Move If:  

  • You are driving a different vehicle than the one you originally registered. 

How to Register a Vehicle

Need to add a new or different vehicle to your parking account? Follow these steps: 

Step 1: Go to the USC Parking Portal

Step 2: Log In 

  • Students & Employees: Choose “Affiliated Login” and sign in with your university credentials

Step 3: Navigate to the "Vehicles" Tab

  • Click the menu icon (top left corner). 
  • Then click on “Vehicles.” 

Step 4: Add a Vehicle

  • Scroll down and click the “Add Vehicles” button. 

Step 5: Enter Vehicle Information

Fill out the required fields: 

  • Plate Number (and confirm it) 
  • Relationship to Vehicle: choose either Owner or Driver 
  • State/Province 
  • Vehicle Year 
  • Make 
  • Model (available after selecting make) 
  • Color 
  • Style 
  • Registered Owner’s Name 

PLEASE NOTE: Do NOT use special characters (such as “&”) in the Registered Owner’s Name field. 

Step 6: Click "Next"

  • Click Next to save the vehicle to your account. 
  • Once added, your active permit is automatically assigned to any vehicle registered in your portal. 

If you switch which car you're driving, just make sure: 

  • The vehicle is listed in your account 
  • You move your physical parking pass to the correct car before parking on campus 

Need help? Contact Parking Services by phone, email, or visit our office at: 

411 Huger Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Parking and Transportation Services

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