Motor Vehicle Regulations | Student Handbook

Traffic regulations on state-operated campuses

The New York State Education Law authorizes the State University to adopt and make applicable to its campuses any and all provisions of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Further, the University may develop its own rules to cover special campus circumstances.
Any violations of any statute or rule shall be punishable as provided in the adopted provisions. That is, a campus-created rule might be administered by the institution itself. Violations of provisions of the Vehicle and Traffic Law made applicable to the campus would be adjudicated by the magistrates' court having territorial jurisdiction over the campus and/or personal jurisdiction over the defendant.

Article I. University regulations

Subdivision 1(c) of section 362 of the Education Law empowers the University to develop its own rules regarding traffic and parking not inconsistent with the Vehicle and Traffic Law. These may include the assessment of an administrative fine upon the owner or operator of vehicles for each infraction and may result in the ban of parking privileges on campus. Violation of University regulations is prejudicial to the common interest of all who operate motor vehicles on the campus and may result in fines or in the loss of parking privileges on campus. These rules and regulations replace all prior orders which established traffic regulations on the grounds of State University of New York at Binghamton, Town of Vestal, Broome County.

Article II. Application of regulations

The rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by the State University at Binghamton council and set forth in this Part are effective throughout the year, from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, including all recess and intersession periods. They apply to students, employees, faculty and staff of the University, and all other persons who operate or park or whose vehicles are operated or parked at any time on the grounds of the University, including visitors, officers and employees of other agencies whose vehicles are operated and parked regularly on the grounds of the university. The Vehicle and Traffic Law shall apply upon such premises notwithstanding any references in such law to public highways, streets, roads or sidewalks. No person shall drive a vehicle on university streets, roads or highways at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing, but in no event shall a person drive a vehicle in excess of 20 miles per hour unless a different speed is authorized and indicated by the university.

Sidewalks and service drives are restricted to emergency and maintenance vehicles in the performance of their official duties. Any other vehicle being operated on a sidewalk or service drive must have prior permission granted by the New York State University Police.

Article III. Campus registration of motor vehicles

No vehicle may be operated or parked on the grounds of the University without a valid state registration and without displaying a current campus vehicle registration permit, as provided in this section, and upon payment of an annual vehicle registration fee as approved by the University, unless the vehicle is not subject to such regulations.
Prerequisites for registration:
1. The applicant must be legally qualified to operate a motor vehicle in New York state.
2. The vehicle must be registered and inspected in New York state or in some other state or jurisdiction that qualifies it for legal operation in the state of New York.
3. The owner of the vehicle must be covered by effective public liability insurance in accordance with the minimum amounts required by New York state law. Such insurance must cover any liability incurred while the vehicle is driven either by the registrant or by someone with the registrant's explicit or implicit permission.
4. There must be no unpaid university-imposed parking or traffic fines outstanding against the applicant or the vehicle to be registered.
An applicant may register only a vehicle belonging to him or to a member of his immediate family. The term belonging shall mean owning or operating a vehicle for one's own benefit.
If anyone who has registered a vehicle acquires an additional or different vehicle, he must register it within 48 hours of its acquisition. If a new license plate number is obtained for any vehicle, the Parking Services Office must be notified within five days of the new license plate number being displayed.
Vehicle registration permits must be permanently and entirely affixed and displayed when they are issued and as the university indicates. The person to whom a permit is issued is responsible for any parking violations of the vehicle. Taping and other temporary adhesion is not permitted. If the vehicle is sold or if student and/or employee status within the university is terminated, it is the owner's responsibility to remove the permit.
Faculty and staff vehicles: Upon completion of the vehicle registration form and payment of the required fees, a vehicle registration permit is issued to faculty members and employees of the University, including but not limited to the affiliates of the Research Foundation, SUNY Foundation and those companies contracted to provide food, bookstore, vending and child care services who have fulfilled the conditions set forth in this subdivision. Parking fees, as approved by the University, shall be charged for motor vehicles parked within designated lots, consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements and in accordance with guidelines established by the university. Such guidelines shall provide that the determination of the amount of the fee be based substantially on an analysis of the costs attributable to the operation and maintenance of the parking facilities owned and operated by Binghamton University.
Student vehicles: All students are required to register motor vehicles annually with the University and must do so within the time designated for academic registration at the beginning of the fall term. Students who enter the University at the beginning of the spring or summer term must obtain a campus vehicle registration permit upon entering. Students who re-enter the University after a period of absence must obtain a campus vehicle registration permit upon re-entering. Students who do not own, maintain or operate motor vehicles that must be registered for a campus vehicle registration permit at one of these times, but who later acquire a vehicle or otherwise become subject to campus registration requirements, must complete their vehicle registration within 48 hours after becoming so subject. First-year students who reside in University residence halls are not permitted to register or park a vehicle on campus without permission given by the Parking Services Director.
Any honorably discharged veteran in attendance as a student at the University shall be exempt from parking fees. Registration fees still apply. He/she must be enrolled in courses for the current semester and present a DD-214.
Temporary registration permits, not to exceed three times per year, may be obtained at the Parking Services Office, Information Booth or University Police Department dispatch office.
Fees: Vehicle registration permits will be provided only after the appropriate fee, as approved by the University, has been paid. This fee is applicable to all permits issued during the year Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 by the Parking Services Office. There will be a fee for any replacement permit.

Article IV. Visitors

A visitor is any individual other than a student, an employee of SUNY- Binghamton, the Research Foundation or SUNY Foundation.
Those companies contracted to provide food, bookstore, vending and child care services and who operate their vehicles on a regular basis, must obtain service, registration and parking permits.
Representatives of business firms and service companies who operate their vehicles on campus on a regular basis must obtain service, registration and parking permits.
No cars will be allowed to enter the campus between the hours of 12 midnight and 5 a.m. without a current campus vehicle registration permit and/or parking permit. A permit may be picked up at the information booth on Bartle Drive between 12 midnight and 5 a.m.
Visitor parking may be restricted to specific lots as determined by the University. Any visitor who parks a vehicle on campus must make proper reimbursement to the University at a rate as approved by the chief administrative officer or designee.

Article V. Parking regulations

Vehicles may be parked on the campus only when displaying a current University parking permit, as provided in these rules and regulations and on payment of a university parking fee, approved as to amount, by the University, unless the vehicle is not subject to such regulations and, if parked, is in a paid lot, at parking meters or in the parking garage.
No vehicle shall be abandoned on any portion of the grounds or properties of the university.
Vehicular living quarters shall not be parked on any grounds or properties of the University at any time without the permission of the parking services director or a designee.
Parking in the following places is prohibited at all times: on a sidewalk or crosswalk; on the grass or lawn; in front of a driveway, doorway or steps; within an intersection; on the roadway side of any vehicle which is stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street or roadway, whether it is parallel or at an angle to the curb or edge; in all areas which are marked restricted; and in all service driveways, loading zones and associated turn-around areas unless special arrangement has been made through the Parking Services Office. Parking is prohibited outside the confines of any specifically lined or designated space in the parking lot. Parking is not permitted at any area designated by yellow curbs and/or yellow diagonal hash marks on the pavement. Also, no person shall park his vehicle on the grounds of the university in such a manner as to interfere with the use of a fire hydrant, fire lane designated by yellow curb and/or permanent markings, or other emergency zone, create any other hazard, or unreasonably interfere with the free and proper use of the roadway.
University parking permits must be displayed as the university indicates in vehicles parked on campus. The person to whom a parking permit is issued is responsible for any parking violations attributed to the parking permit. There is a fee for any replacement parking permit. Ownership of the parking permit is not transferable.
Special parking zones:
1. The library service area is reserved at all times.
2. Visitors' and event parking: Visitor/Event parking may be restricted to specific lots as determined by the Parking Services Director or designee.
3. Motorcycle and moped parking: Motorcycle parking is designated by clear signage and located in various lots on campus.
4. A special paid parking lot is located south of the Main Library and West Drive. No person may park a vehicle in the paid lot without making proper reimbursement to the University at a rate as approved by the University.
  1. This is a snow lot; there is no parking 1–6 a.m.
5. The following lots are reserved for commuters only 6 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday. No overnight parking in these lots 1 a.m.–6 a.m. daily: Lot B, C, D, E, F3, L, O3, O4, P, Q1, Q2, U and UDC Lot.
  1. UDC lot is restricted to those attending University Downtown Center classes or research area only.
6. The following parking lots are snow removal lots. No parking 1 a.m.–6 a.m. Nov. 15–March 30: Lot A, B, C, D, E, F, F1, F2, F3 G, J, K, L, MO, M2, M3, M4, M5, O3, O4, P, Q1, Q2, U, V, Y2, Z, Ad Circle, Paid Lot and Library Tower.
7. The following parking lots are overnight lots. Parking is allowed overnight all year round: Lots H, I, M1, N, O1, O2, R, S1, S2, S3, T1, X, Y1, Y3, Y4, Y5, ZZ north, ZZ south and Garage.
8. Disability parking policy:
  1. Special parking is available on campus for people with impaired mobility. Parking spaces reserved for this purpose are designated by the international access symbol painted on the ground, and/or signage labeled "disability parking." To apply for disability parking authorization on campus, an individual must contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office. A medical form will then be mailed from this office to the physician familiar with the applicant's condition. The SSD coordinator will review the returned medical form, in consultation with the medical director of the University Health Service, and approve or deny the application. Individuals whose applications are approved will receive a special permit when registering their vehicle with the Parking Services Office.
  2. Short-term disabled parking permits are available from the Services for Students with Disabilities Office only.
  3. Binghamton University has a two-tiered disability parking system. Individuals judged to have severe mobility handicaps are granted authorization to park in specifically designated disability parking areas at the very center of campus. Individuals judged to have moderate mobility handicaps are granted authorization to park in other nearby areas reserved for disability parking. Wheelchair spaces, clearly marked by signage are, of course, reserved only for individuals using wheelchairs.
  4. Vehicles not displaying the appropriate disabled permit will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense.
9. The parking garage is located between Couper Administration Building and Fine Arts building. No person may park a vehicle in the garage without making proper reimbursement to the University as approved by the University. Annual, fall, spring and summer garage parking permits are available at Parking Services Office, Couper Administration Building, G-42, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and the Information Booth, Bartle Drive, from 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Friday at a fee as approved by the University.
10. Electric vehicle charging is available for a fee only when the vehicle is properly registered to park on campus, and only at University-authorized charging stations. Unauthorized charging using any other Binghamton University electric outlet is prohibited.
Fees: University parking fees, as approved by the University, shall be charged for motor vehicles parked within designated lots, consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements and in accordance with guidelines established by the University. Such guidelines shall provide that the determination of the amount of the fee be substantially based on an analysis of the costs attributable to the operation and maintenance of the parking facilities owned and operated by the State University at Binghamton.
A complete list of campus rules and regulations consistent with the Vehicle and Traffic Law relating to parking, vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and safety is on file with the Office of the Secretary of State, the office of the clerk of the Town of Vestal, and in the office of the Parking Services Director. The list may be reviewed within the normal business hours of these offices.

Article VI. Motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, motorbikes

Registration: All such vehicles must be registered in the same way as is any other motor vehicle, see section 566.3 of this Part, and they are subject to the same restrictions.
Licensing: The law concerning motorcycles includes motorbikes and motorscooters and provides that any New York State driver's license — whether new or renewal — ssued after Oct. 1, 1964, must have a special motorcycle endorsement if the driver operates a motorcycle or class A moped, and a valid driver's license if a class B or C moped.
Enforcement: Anyone driving a motorcycle who does not have a motorcycle endorsement on their license or a class B or C moped with a valid driver's license may be arrested as an unlicensed driver. Anyone who allows the use of their motorcycle by a driver who does not have a motorcycle endorsement may be arrested for permitting unlicensed operation of the vehicle. Snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles may not be operated on university grounds without specific permission from the University Police Department.

Article VII. Enforcement and penalties

A complaint regarding any violation of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, or any traffic ordinance applicable on such premises shall be processed in accordance with the requirements of applicable law and campus rules and regulations. A violation of any section of the Vehicle and Traffic Law shall be a misdemeanor or traffic infraction as designated in such law, and shall be punishable as therein provided. Such laws adopted by State University of New York above shall be enforced in any court having jurisdiction.
Violations of campus vehicle registration permits:
1. Violations of the provisions of the University rules and regulations relating to the display of current vehicle registration permits and university parking permits which lead to a summons are subject to the following schedules of fines and penalties as approved by the university:
  1. No current, appropriately displayed campus vehicle registration permit. The first ticket issued for this violation will be waived if the vehicle is registered at the Parking Services Office within five calendar days of issuance of the ticket.
  2. Vehicle may be towed away at owner's expense. (If a vehicle is towed to another location on campus, a currently valid driver's license and insurance card must be checked by the Parking Services Office or University Police Department before vehicle may be claimed.)
2. Tampering with, fraudulent use of, or counterfeiting of campus vehicle registration and/or parking permits, any other unauthorized use of permits, or obtaining a permit by giving false information may lead to the following penalties:
  1. The University may rescind campus vehicle privileges in accordance with SUNY Board of Trustees policy.
  2. Individuals may be subject to University disciplinary action and/or arrest.
  3. A fine in an amount approved by the University may be levied in conformity with section 560.3 of this Title.
3. Those entering the campus confines between the hours of 12 midnight and 5 a.m. without a current campus vehicle registration permit may be subject to prosecution for trespass.
Violations of traffic and parking regulations are subject to fines and penalties approved by the University, and violator's vehicle may be towed or immobilized at the owner's expense.
Unpaid fines: The University may withhold unpaid fines from employees' pay-checks. Parking privileges may be revoked for non-payment of outstanding fines. All unpaid and unappealed student parking violations are entered on a delinquency list eight calendar days after issuance. Grades, transcripts and permission to register in courses may be withheld until fines are paid. All other violators may have parking privileges revoked. In all cases, a vehicular wheel immobilizer may be applied to render the vehicle inoperable. The wheel immobilizer will not be removed until unpaid violations and a service charge in an amount as determined by the University are paid.
Enforcement and appeals:
1. A complaint regarding any violation of a campus rule shall be in writing, reciting the time and place of the violation and the title, number of substance of the applicable rule.
The Vice President for Administration shall designate a hearing officer or board not to exceed three persons to hear complaints for violation of campus traffic and parking regulations enforceable on campus. Such hearing officer or board shall not be bound by the rules of evidence, but may hear or receive any testimony or evidence directly relevant and material to the issues presented.
At the conclusion of the hearing or not later than five days thereafter, such hearing officer or board shall file a report. A notice of the decision shall be promptly transmitted to the violator. The report shall include:

The name and address of the alleged violator
The time and place when the complaint was issued
The campus rule violated
A concise statement of the facts established on the hearing based upon the testimony or other evidence offered
The time and place of the hearing
The names of all witnesses
Each adjournment, stating upon whose application and to what time and place it was made
The decision (guilty or not guilty) approved or disapproved of the hearing officer or board

First-year students who reside in University residence halls and who illegally park a vehicle on campus may be fined in an amount approved by the University.

Article VIII. Appeals

Parking appeals must be made in writing to the parking appeals board within 30 days of the notice of violation; after that time appeals are not accepted. Forms may be obtained for this purpose at the Parking Services Office. A notice of the decision of the parking appeals board is transmitted to the appellant.
Towing appeals: upon request and only through personal appearance before the parking appeals board. Request must be made to the Parking Services Office within 30 days of the tow.
At the conclusion of the hearing on a written appeal, a personal appeal may be arranged by calling the Parking Services Office. A personal appeal must be arranged within seven days of receipt of the written appeal adjudication.
After the final adjudication of the hearing officer or hearing board, names are taken off the delinquency list if the finding is in favor of the appellant.

Article IX. Regulatory signs and pedestrian crosswalks

The maximum speed limit at which vehicles may proceed on or along all roadways on the grounds of the State University of New York is 20 mph, unless a different speed is authorized and indicated by the University.
Vehicles approaching crosswalks must yield right-of-way. Vehicles must stop while pedestrians are in the crosswalk.
Northbound traffic on the Bunn Hill Access Road to the University must stop and yield the right-of-way to any traffic on Bunn Hill Road before entering that highway.
Westbound traffic on the West Access Road must stop and yield the right-of-way to any traffic on Bunn Hill Road before entering that highway.
All posted traffic control signs require motorist compliance.
Standing is not permitted on or along both sides of all highways on University grounds except for established bus stops.