Virtual Permits FAQs
Q: What is LPR and how is it related to virtual permit?
A: License Plate Recognition (LPR) is an advanced parking technology that reads license
plates as virtual permits instead of using paper permits or sticker permits. SJSU
utilizes license plate recognition technology to assist in the management of Campus
parking.
Q: How does LPR work?
A: All vehicles parked on SJSU property are required to purchase a permit through
pay-station/mobile payment or register with Parking Services and pay for parking via
Parking Online Services. The vehicle’s license plate number is linked to a virtual
permit. Enforcement officers will scan license plates of vehicles parked in SJSU-enforced parking lots and garages. Using a mobile, hand-held, or vehicle-mounted
system, they will scan license plates one vehicle and one area at a time, similar
to the way they currently inspect permits in windshields. When read, the numbers
on your plate are automatically referenced against the parking database to verify
a valid virtual permit and the proper parking location for the permit. If the license
plate and vehicle information are not associated with a valid virtual permit or the
vehicle is parked in the incorrect area, the vehicle will be subject to a ticket.
As each vehicle’s license plate is used for identification purposes, license plates
must be registered precisely to avoid being issued a citation. Errors in registration
are the responsibility of the registrant and will cause the issuance of a violation.
Q: How will my license plate information be used?
A: Identification of vehicles entering SJSU property will improve access control,
enforcement of SJSU Parking Policy, electronic surveillance and enhance security and
safety of SJSU. Information on vehicles coming to campus will be anonymized and aggregated
to analyze various metrics including parking patterns, permit-type usage and compliance.
Q: How can virtual permits be purchased?
A: SJSU Parking Online Services is the University’s central parking portal for the
majority of your Semester/Academic/Annual parking needs. Faculty, staff and students
should login through the SJSU Parking Online Services link on our Parking webpage.
Daily virtual permits may be purchased by using the Park Mobile app or at the pay
stations. Ensure License Plate information is correct. License Plates entered incorrectly
may be subject to a ticket.
Q: What happens if I don't have access to a computer or a phone?
A: Pay stations are available in North, West, and South garages. Pay stations are
also available in the Park and Ride Lot. Your license plate information will still
be required when purchasing your daily permit from the Pay Station. Ensure License
Plate information is correct. License Plates entered incorrectly may be subject to
a ticket.
Q: What if I get a new vehicle or a new license plate?
A: If your vehicle does not have license plates yet, please type in the last 8 digits
of your vehicle’s VIN number. It is imperative that your license plate and vehicle
information is current and correct in order to avoid an unnecessary ticket. Please
visit your parking online account to update your vehicle information immediately.
It is also important to delete all old or unused vehicles listed on your account.
Q: What if I do not have a front license plate?
A: If your vehicle is registered in the State of California, the state requires that
two plates be displayed, one in the front and one in the back of the vehicle (California
Vehicle Code 5200). When parking, ensure the license plate is fully visible
from the drive aisle or roadway.
Q: What if I own more than one vehicle?
A: You may register up to three vehicles under a single SJSU parking account. Only
one vehicle may be on Campus at a time. If you need to have more than one vehicle
on Campus at a time, the second vehicle must be registered and paid under a separate
permit or day pass. If more than one vehicle found on campus without the purchase
of additional permit, both vehicles will be cited for Misuse of Parking Permit. Log
in to your Parking Account to change vehicle information when driving a different
vehicle.
Q: What if I have a loaner vehicle or a rental car?
A: Individuals are allowed to add/remove vehicles to their parking permit at any time,
as well as elect to make “Temporary Replacements”; this includes loaner vehicles and
rental cars. It is important that you remove vehicles from your account as soon as
your use of the temporary vehicle has ended.
Q: If I can register two vehicles to my account, does that mean I can park both/multiple
vehicles at the same time using that virtual permit?
A: No, you may only park one vehicle on campus at one time. If you need to have more
than one vehicle on Campus at a time, the second vehicle must be registered and paid
under a separate permit or day pass. If more than one vehicle found on campus without
the purchase of additional permit, both vehicles will be cited for Misuse of Parking
Permit.
Q: What if two people share the same 2 vehicles?
A: The LPR system has difficulty accommodating users who have the same plate associated
with more than one account. To avoid confusion, we strongly recommend that you register
one car to one permit and then add the second to your account temporarily if you need
to bring it to campus. To register a plate temporarily, please go online. All you
will need is the make, model, and plate number. Remember, a vehicle and plate should
only be registered to one account at any given time.
Q: What if I have a symbol or disabled plates?
A: Enter the plate number with no symbol. For Disabled license plates, “DV” or “DP”
must be entered along with the rest of the plate number in the order it appears on
the plate.
Q: What happens if I enter my license plate number incorrectly when registering?
A: Entering your vehicle information correctly is vital to the process. If you enter
your vehicle information incorrectly (especially your license plate), you may be subject
to a ticket. So, please double check your information to make sure it is correct.
Q. Can I allow another person to use my virtual permit?
A: Paid parking is nontransferable and can only be used by the individual who purchased
it. Parking privileges will be revoked for any individuals found in violation of SJSU’s
Parking regulations. Please notify Parking Services at (408) 924-6556 immediately
if someone attempts to sell or transfer a form of paid parking.
Q: Will this change any parking rules?
A: All current parking rules will remain in effect. A ticket will be written for not
following parking rules and/or purposefully obstructing the view of your vehicle’s
license plate.
Q: How can I avoid receiving a ticket?
A: Purchase your permit before your vehicle is parked on campus. Ensure the license
plate is accurate. Be aware of where your permit is valid and park accordingly. Never
park on a red curb.
Q: Where can I find updates or more information on Parking at SJSU?
A: Please visit our website at www.sjsu.edu/parking