Motorcycle Parking Permits

Layout for printing
Policy Number:
UW-6132
Old Policy Number:
TS-11
Responsible Office:
Transportation Services

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

Motorcycle parking is available in select areas on the UW–Madison campus. This policy defines a way for faculty, staff, and students with a valid Wiscard/UW Health ID to purchase on-campus parking for their motorcycle. 

Scope:

Faculty, staff, students, and visitors. 

Policy:
  1. Motorcycle permits are valid in motorcycle stalls only. If motorcycle stalls are full, the permit holder must go to the next lot with designated motorcycle stalls.
  2. Motorcycle permits are available to faculty, staff, and students with a valid Wiscard/UW Health/UW affiliate ID. Members of the public may also be able to purchase a motorcycle permit.
  3. A separate motorcycle permit must be purchased for each motorcycle parked on campus in any designated motorcycle stall.
    1. Motorcycle permits are valid for one stall only. Motorcycles with three wheels (“trikes”), sidecars, trailers or other attachments that require the use of a second stall must purchase and display a second permit.
  4. If a customer has an annual base lot permit displayed on a motorcycle in a visible and secure manner, the motorcycle may park in either a non-reserved annual permit stall or a motorcycle stall in their assigned base lot. 
  5. Motorcycle permits must be visible from the front of the vehicle. Failure to properly display the permit may result in a citation.
  6. Motorcycle permits are required for vehicles with an engine size of 51 cubic centimeters or greater and have a Department of Transportation-issued motorcycle license plate. 
  7. Restrictions
    1. Motorcycles are not valid in bicycle racks or moped parking areas.
    2. Motorcycles must be in paid status if parked in a timed (pay-by-phone) parking stall during lot hours of control. This includes motorcycles with UW permits. Only one motorcycle is allowed per timed parking stall.
    3. Motorcycles in parking facilities should not use the gate entrance due to safety concerns. Instead, use the designated motorcycle drive lanes to enter and exit the facility. Motorcycle users should not pull a ticket to enter a gated facility.
    4. Motorcycles are not allowed in gated facilities where there is no designated motorcycle drive lane. Motorcycles are not allowed in Lot 20 (University Avenue Ramp) or Lot 36 (Observatory Drive Ramp).
    5. Please see UW-6112 Parking Permit Terms & Conditions for additional restrictions. 
Related UW-Madison Policies:
Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:

Permit rates available on UW Transportation Services

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Assistant Vice Chancellor of UW-Madison Transportation Services
Policy Manager:
Director of Transportation Operations
Contact:
Assistant Director of Parking Services -- David Berland, david.berland@wisc.edu, (608) 263-6667
Effective Date:
01-01-2001
Revised Dates:

03-01-2003, 03-01-2004, 03-01-2005, 03-01-2007, 05-01-2012, 08-01-2016, 03-01-2018, 11-10-2022, 08-02-2023

Retrieved:
07-06-2025 13:01:51