Appeals Guidelines
- An appeal is defined as a dispute over the validity of a citation. It is not a statement as to the reason a regulation was violated.
- By joining into the appeals arbitration process both the appellant and Parking Services agree to accept the board’s decision as final and binding.
- The appeal must be submitted by the recipient of the citation.
- Appeals must be filed within seven calendar days from the date the citation was issued.
- An appeal is considered at its current fine amount.
- Payment of a citation is suspended while on appeal.
- The Appeals Board will notify appellants of the hearing decision by e-mail and establish a new due date if a fine is upheld.
- The Appeals Board may waive, reduce, or uphold a citation fine.
Following are situations that are typically not accepted as valid extenuating circumstances for parking in violation of UW-Stout parking regulations. Filing appeal requests for these reasons will result in your appeal request being denied:
- An appeal based on how long you were parked in violation. Parking Officers will issue a citation to any vehicle parked in violation of regulations. An appeal that states that the vehicle was only parked for two minutes, five minutes, etc is not considered valid. A parking restriction holds for parking for any period of time.
- An appeal based on your need to get to class/work/an appointment on time. It typically requires a few minutes to locate a parking space within the campus' extensive parking system. It is suggested that customers plan their schedules such that there is sufficient time to find and park in a legal space.
- An appeal based on lack of parking space near your destination. Parking spaces are very competitive, and the campus' parking system doesn't guarantee a space in a specific lot. Customers must park in a legal space in a lot valid for their permit series.
- An appeal based on the assertion that class wasn't in session. Parking regulations are enforced throughout the entire calendar year and are not directly associated with the class schedule. Check the hours of regulation information on this web page. Hours of regulation are also posted at the entrance to each legitimate parking area.
- An appeal of a restricted/prohibited violation during evening or weekend hours. although the requirement of vehicle authorization or payment of a meter is suspended during some evening and weekend hours, all parking restrictions and prohibitions are enforced 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
- An appeal based on your need to load or unload. With the exception of several timed loading zones, all loading/unloading requires authorization from Parking Services. Any vehicle that does not receive prior authorization from Parking Services is in violation of parking regulations. Approval cannot be granted after-the-fact for loading/unloading.
- An appeal based on the appellant's assertion that they did not see the sign. It is the driver's responsibility to note and comply with all posted signage, notices, and line markings.
- An appeal from a guest/visitor stating that s/he was not aware of the parking regulations. It is well publicized that students and staff are responsible for obtaining a valid authorization for their guests. The campus associated individual can, and should ensure that their guest does not experience a parking problem.
- An appeal based on the assertion that a meter was not operable. A meter that is not operating is not considered a valid parking space. A customer should move to another space with a working meter. Alternatively, the customer may stay in that space if they call Parking Services immediately with the meter number and their license plate. Parking Services will clear the vehicle for a short time.
- An appeal based on the assertion that the customer forgot or failed to authorize their vehicle. Customers must authorize their vehicle in order to park legally.
- An appeal based on a vehicle malfunction. Customers who experience a vehicle malfunction and cannot move their vehicle (for example out of a lot that prohibits overnight parking) should make arrangements with a service station to either repair or tow their vehicle. Short term authorization to remain parked may be received from either Parking Services (M-F during the day) or Campus Police during the evening or on weekends.
- Use of four-way hazard flashers. Four-way flashers are designed to warn other motorists that your vehicle may be a hazard. Use of four-way flashers does not allow you to park illegally for any period of time.
Citation Appeal Process
Parking citations are issued for violations of established University parking regulations. An appeal should be based on the premise that the citation was issued in error, meaning that it was not consistent with UW-Stout parking regulations.
- An appeal must be filed within 7 calendar days from the date the citation was issued.
- An appeal request may be presented in person, on the phone, or in writing for an immediate administrative review.
- If the administrative review finds that the citation was issued in error, the citation will be dismissed with no further action required.
- If the administrative review finds that the citation should be reduced to a lesser offense (ex. fail to display / authorize), the appellant may agree and pay that amount or enter the formal appeal process.
- Any disputes not settled in the initial administrative review will be forwarded to the director for a final review for dismissal or reduction.
- The appellant will be notified of the results of the administrative review at which time they may request to have their case reviewed by the Appeals Board. If so, the appeal will be sent to the board with no further action required by the appellant.
- The appellant does, however, have to opportunity to provide any additional information to the board prior to the official submission.
- The appellant will be notified of the Board's decision. That decision is final.
By joining in the appeals arbitration process, both the appellant and Parking Services agree to accept the board's decision as final and binding. The Parking Appeals Board ruling is the final University decision regarding parking citations.
Appealed citations are placed on hold until the appellant is e-mailed notice of the hearing decision. A Hearing notice that a citation is dismissed requires no further action on the part of the appellant. If the citation is upheld at either the current fine level or a reduced fine, payment is required by the due date set in the Hearing Decision letter.
If the citation is upheld and payment not received by the due date set in the Hearing Decision letter, late fees will accrue.
The Appeals BoardThe Parking Appeals process is guided by an autonomous Advisory Board of faculty, and staff volunteers. Board members are appointed by the Faculty Senate, the Academic Staff Senate, and University Staff employees. The Advisory Board is independent of Police and Parking Services, with no Parking Service employees serving as voting members. | Definitions of Appeals ActionsUPHELD means that the citation has been upheld as valid under UW-Stout parking regulations and payment is due. REDUCED means that the Board agrees there was a violation of UW-Stout parking regulations, but that based on evidence presented, the appellant violated a regulation with a lesser fine amount. Payment of the reduced fine is required. DISMISSED means that the appeal was approved and the fine was waived. |
Filing An Appeal
Many appeal requests can be settled over the phone, or in person, but if you prefer, you can use the on-line parking appeal form. Complete all information requested and submit. The response will be sent to the e-mail account provided in the appeal.
Your appeal must be completed within seven calendar days from the date the citation was issued.