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Vehicle Operations Policy

The purpose of this policy is to reduce pedestrian risk, promote safe vehicle operation and generally regulate traffic and parking on the Whitworth campus. To accomplish this, the administration of the policy is delegated to Whitworth's director of facilities services.

Contents

1. General Rules
2. Registration of Vehicles
3. Registration Procedure
4. Parking Areas
5. Administration Enforcement
   • Fines
6. Appeal Procedures

1. General Rules

Campus parking and traffic regulations comply with Washington state motor vehicle laws and Spokane County ordinances. These rules apply to all faculty, staff, students and visitors equally.

1. These vehicle regulations are in effect on all Whitworth properties, including all campus roads, streets, parking areas, improved and unimproved areas, and athletics fields.
2. No unlicensed or improperly licensed motorized vehicle (with the exception of special service/university-owned vehicles) may be operated on the Whitworth campus.
3. Parking is permitted only in marked parking spaces in designated areas.
4. "No Parking" areas include posted fire lanes, all road and driveway curbed areas, crosswalks, loading zones, service vehicle zones, assigned or reserved spaces, walks, planted or seeded areas, 15-ft. space around fire hydrants, areas around trash/garbage collection points, uncurbed areas, and posted "no parking" areas.
5. The maximum speed limit on campus is 15 mph. Lesser speeds are in effect where posted, or if road conditions warrant.
6. Pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections and pedestrian crossings except in cases involving emergency vehicles.
7. Without prior approval of the security supervisor, no vehicle may be left on campus in excess of 30 days while the owner/operator is absent from the campus for any reason. Likewise, no disabled or inoperative vehicle shall be parked on campus for a period in excess of 72 hours. Vehicles in violation of these policies will be impounded or towed away at the expense of the owner/operator.
8. Whitworth reserves the right to impound any illegal or improperly parked vehicle at the owner/operator's expense.
9. Spaces identified for handicapped parking must be honored.
10. Motorcycles and motor scooters are considered engine-driven vehicles and may not be operated on walks intended for foot traffic.
11. If you plan on leaving your vehicle on campus when the residences close for a vacation period, you will need to check with the Whitworth Security/Facilities Services Office for instructions as to the proper parking area and safety of your vehicle.
12. Individuals suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of any drug or alcohol will be reported to local authorities.

2. Registration of Vehicles

1. Students are required to register each vehicle that will be operated or parked on campus. Student vehicle registration will be accomplished and paid through the online registration form. This must be done at the beginning of the fall semester for each vehicle operated on campus. New students follow the same procedure at the beginning of their entering semester. If a vehicle or windshield is replaced (and a new parking sticker is therefore necessary), please contact the Whitworth Facilities Services Department.
2. Faculty/staff members are required to register their vehicles through the online registration form upon employment. If a vehicle is replaced or an additional vehicle is obtained, it also must be registered in a timely manner. In the event of a replaced windshield, please contact the facilties services department.
3. Parking is permitted only in marked spaces in designated areas.
4. Registration decals must be affixed to the FRONT WINDOW -- DRIVER'S SIDE of the vehicle. On motorcycles, motor scooters, etc., without windscreens, the decal will be displayed on the vehicle in a conspicuous place.
5. Frequent visitors and those visiting occasionally MUST obtain a visitor's parking permit free of charge at the facilities services office.
6. Vehicles that are operated temporarily in place of an inoperative registered vehicle may be issued a temporary parking permit for a limited period of time determined by the facilities services department.

3. Parking Areas

1. Parking on campus, due to limited space and environmental concerns, is a privilege and is permitted only in marked spaces in designated areas.
2. Areas immediately adjacent to building entrances and marked by signs or painted yellow curbs/lines are reserved for service and delivery vehicles only. All other vehicles parked in these areas may be cited and/or towed away at owner/operator's expense.
3. Some parking spaces or curbs are marked "Reserved" or "Visitors". These spaces are to be used only by designated employees or visitors. Cars owned or operated by others in these areas are subject to citations or towing at owner/operator's expense.
4. Parking along streets is not permitted.
5. No parking is permitted within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

4. Administration Enforcement

1. The director of facilities services is responsible for:
1. reviewing the administration and enforcement of these regulations;
2. recommending revisions of the campus traffic and parking regulations.
2. The security supervisor and members of the staff, under the director's supervision, shall:
1. administer and enforce the campus traffic and parking regulations;
2. supervise the installation of appropriate traffic signs;
3. maintain a registration-record system;
4. issue permits and citations;
5. patrol the university campus;
6. keep records of violations and fines;
7. provide for appeals.

3. Persons observed violating traffic regulations or vehicles found parked illegally may be cited.

   NOTICE: Vehicles parked in fire lanes or other areas where the location threatens life and safety of the campus community may be towed. Vehicles receiving multiple citations without acknowledging and responding as instructed may also be towed. Vehicles towed may be impounded off campus and the registered owner will be responsible for towing and storage.
4. Fines
   1. Fines will be billed to the individual's account.
   2. Types and amounts:

      1. Citations issued for failure to register any vehicle will be charged $25 for the first citation and $50 for any subsequent citations.

      2. Parking violations are subject to $20 for the first citation, $40 for the second and $60 for any subsequent citations.

      3. Citations for speeding, failure to stop and operating a vehicle in a reckless/negligent manner will be charged $30 for the first citation, $60 for the second and $90 for any subsequent citation

5. Appeal Procedures

The president of Whitworth has authorized the facilities services department to provide processing for the appeal of any citation and for all requests for the release of impounded vehicles. This procedure assures an impartial evaluation of circumstances and situations relating to the appeal and assists in the appraisal of parking and traffic problems. The appeal procedure is as follows:

1. The initial appeal must be made within 15 days of the violation(s).
2. The appellant must write a letter of appeal or send an e-mail. The mailing address is: Facilities Services, 300 W. Hawthorne Road, Spokane, WA 99251. The e-mail address is citation@whitworth.edu. The appeal must include the person's name, license-plate number, decal number and reason for appealing the citation.
3. After the review has been completed, the appellant will be notified as to the outcome of the appeal.
4. These rules and regulations are designed to promote safety and mobility and not to generate revenue. Administration of the regulations shall be courteous and equitable at all times.