Welcome to East Carolina University, freshman! As you prepare for campus life, getting around efficiently is key. If you’re planning to bring a car to ECU, understanding the campus parking system is essential. East Carolina University Parking and Transportation Services is excited to welcome students back to Pirate Nation and wants to ensure everyone is informed about the updated vehicle registration process for the 2022-2023 academic year. Expect to see more activity on campus, meaning parking regulations will be important to keep things running smoothly. These rules aren’t meant to be a hassle; they’re in place to make sure parking is available for those who need it and to maintain safety and accessibility across campus.
Understanding the New Plate-to-Permit Parking System
ECU Parking has introduced a streamlined “Plate-to-Permit” system. Forget about decals or hangtags! Now, your license plate acts as your parking permit. Once you register your vehicle and pay the parking fee, your parking privileges are linked directly to your license plate. This system simplifies everything and makes campus parking more efficient.
Registering your vehicle is easy and completely online. Just log into Pirate Port and find the Parking and Transportation module to complete your registration and payment for your designated parking zone.
Key Changes to Student Vehicle Registration for 2022-2023
The “Plate-to-Permit” system is a significant update for the 2022-2023 academic year. Vehicle registration is ongoing throughout the year, as long as space is available in your desired parking zone.
Important Notes for Students:
- Online Registration: Student parking registration opens at 8:00 a.m. on TBA through Pirate Port and remains open throughout the academic year.
- PirateID Login: Always use your PirateID to register and avoid registering as a guest.
- Waitlists: If your preferred parking zone is full, join the waitlist via the Parking Portal. You’ll be notified if a spot opens up.
- Commuter Zones: Commuting students on the Main Campus should register for C Zone parking. Health Science Campus commuters should register for B4 zone parking.
- Resident Student Vehicles: Resident students can register one vehicle. For changes or removals of vehicle information, contact the Parking Office at (252) 328-6294 or [email protected].
- Permit Transfers Prohibited: Parking permits cannot be sold or given to another person, and registering a non-relative’s vehicle license plate is not allowed.
What’s Different with Plate-to-Permit?
Do not back into a space unless you have a front license plate
- No Decals Needed: You will no longer receive a physical parking permit decal. Your license plate is your permit.
- License Plate Enforcement: Parking zone enforcement is based on your registered license plate.
- Head-In Parking: If your vehicle only has a rear license plate (standard in North Carolina), you must park head-in so your plate is visible. Front license plate identifiers will be available for purchase in the future if you prefer to back into spaces. If interested, complete this online form to be notified when they are available (estimated 6-8 weeks).
What Remains the Same?
While the permit system is updated, some key aspects of ECU parking remain the same:
- Vehicle Registration Required: You still need to register your vehicle with ECU Parking and pay the parking fee to park on campus.
- Online Registration and Payment: Vehicle registration and annual parking fee payment are still completed online via Pirate Port.
- Student Parking Zone Options: Parking zone options for students are unchanged.
- Parking Fees Increased: Parking fees have increased for the 2022-2023 academic year.
- One Vehicle Per Student: You are limited to registering one vehicle.
- Updating Vehicle Information: If you drive a different vehicle to campus, you must update your license plate and vehicle information with the Parking Office.
- ADA Parking: For ADA parking needs, please refer to parking.ecu.edu/ada/ for instructions.
Understanding License Plate Recognition (LPR)
The Plate-to-Permit system utilizes License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology. This system uses cameras mounted on ECU Parking vehicles to read license plates and check for parking permissions. Parking enforcement officers receive alerts when a vehicle without proper zone permission is detected. This technology helps ensure parking is available for registered vehicles by improving parking control.
For LPR to work effectively, license plates need to be clearly visible. If your vehicle only has a rear plate, parking head-in is necessary. For those who prefer to back-in or pull-through parking spaces with a rear-only plate, ECU Parking will soon offer a purchasable LPR-readable front plate. This front plate will be linked to your state-issued plate and remain valid as long as your plate number stays the same.
ECU is committed to privacy. The university does not collect or store personal information about vehicle owners beyond what is necessary for parking management. For more details about LPR, visit https://parking.ecu.edu/license-plate-recognition/.
Questions?
If you have any questions, the Parking Office is ready to assist. Contact them by email at [email protected], by phone at (252) 328-6294, or visit their office at 305 E. 10th Street. Welcome to ECU, and we look forward to a great academic year!
