License Plate Recognition (LPR)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is LPR? What is an e-permit?
LPR stands for License Plate Recognition, and is a system that allows Transit and Parking to patrol parking areas much more efficiently. It works by using a moving vehicle to scan license plates on parked vehicles in a lot or a garage, and it has been implemented by various entities in the parking industry around the world. Motorists on campus will have an electronic permit, or e-permit, instead of the traditional decal parking permit.
Q: With LPR, will I need to follow a different procedure to purchase a permit?
No. You will still be able to purchase a parking permit online, but your permit will be virtual. The e-permit replaces the traditional parking permit.
Q: Will I still need a parking sticker?
No. Once you have purchased your parking permit, your vehicle, with its corresponding license plate, is entered into the system. In short, your plate becomes your e-permit.
Q: How many vehicles can I register to use the e-permit?
A university student or employee can only park one registered vehicle on campus at a time, but they may register more than one vehicle on their account. Students can register two different vehicles with LPR; university employees can register as many as four different vehicles. But again, permit holders can bring only one registered to vehicle to campus at a time.
Q: Why must license plates face the drive lane?
License plates must be visible so that parking enforcement can scan each parking area efficiently. Those who want to back in or pull through must have a plate on the front. Some states require a front plate, but drivers from a state that does not require this (such as Arkansas) may purchase a front parking tag from Transit and Parking. (This is not applicable to angled parking on campus, as no one is allowed to back in or to pull through angled parking anyway).
Q: How do I secure a front plate for my vehicle?
Transit and Parking will sell parking tags/plates for the front of your vehicle at cost (for about $15), but again, this is not required unless you wish to back in or pull through. The only parking tag that will work with LPR is one secured from Transit and Parking. It may be purchased at the time you register your vehicle(s) and will be mailed to you.
Q: What happens if my license plate does not face the drive lane?
The vehicle will be cited for improper parking.
Q: If I get a citation under the LPR system, how will I know?
As in the past, parking patrol will place an envelope on your vehicle that contains a parking citation.
Q: What if I temporarily borrow a vehicle or rent a vehicle to drive to campus?
You can register a rental vehicle or borrowed vehicle with Transit and Parking online, but you will still need to abide by the rule of only bringing one registered vehicle to campus at a time. You will also need to deactivate the vehicle when you are no longer bringing it to campus.
Q: What about motorcycles or scooters? Will LPR apply to them?
Both motorcycles and scooters will need a decal parking permit as in the past, but it is hoped that this will only be for the 2021-2022 school year. (It is possible that we can eventually scan motorcycle license plates with LPR as well).
Q: What are the dates in which LPR parking permits are valid?
LPR parking permits are valid for the following dates each school year: resident reserved permits (August 1 through May 31); student garage permits (August 1 through May 31); general student permits (August 1 through July 31); and reserved permits and faculty and staff permits (August 1 through July 31).
Q: What is important about linking my vehicle or vehicles to my virtual parking permit?
When you purchase a virtual parking permit online, it will ask you to link the license plate number for the vehicle or vehicles that you wish to have affiliated with that particular permit. This is important, because if you bring a vehicle to campus that is not linked to your permit, it will show up as a parking violation. In addition, you should not add any license plate number for a vehicle that is connected to a different parking permit (see next question).
Q: Can members of the same family who bring different vehicles to campus each day use the same virtual parking permit?
No. Within one family, if two people come to campus each day and both have an individual e-permit, they cannot put both vehicles on both permits. Within the LPR system, if you do this and then bring both automobiles to campus, it will show up as a violation when the license plates are scanned.