Winter Parking Ban

The winter parking ban (WPB) regulates seasonal after-midnight parking use.

When is it?

The winter parking ban is enacted nightly from Jan. 1 to April 1. If conditions warrant, the start and end date can be adjusted with public announcement.

How is parking affected?

During the winter parking ban, parking between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. is restricted to specially designated area only, and prohibited everywhere else.

Are there restrictions even if no snow is forecast and the weather is nice?

Yes. Restrictions are in force throughout the entire winter parking ban period, even when it's relatively warm and dry! On nights when snow removal operations are not anticipated, UNH may enforce "standard" WPB restrictions and options. However, on nights when snow removal operations are predicted to be necessary, UNH upgrades to a snow emergency/full ban, and certain additional restrictions apply.

What is a snow emergency/full ban?

When predicted, current, or recent weather necessitates snow removal/treatment, UNH will engage a "snow emergency" and will go under the "full winter parking ban." This status applies extra restrictions to after-midnight parking. Note that sometimes, because of extra time needed to complete a storm cleanup, these conditions may be scheduled for one or more nights AFTER the winter weather event. 

How can I tell whether UNH is under a standard ban or a full ban?

Dial (603) 862-1001 for a recorded status update; updates are official by noon. Subscriber email or social media will reinforce these announcements, but are not always consistent. It is the motorist’s responsibility to determine the nightly status!

OK, where are my options for after-midnight parking?

Standard night (no snow emergency):

Lots open until 2 a.m. only: Edgewood Road Visitor Lot, College Road Visitor Lot, Thompson Hall Lot, Fac/Staff section of Lot H.

Lots open until 7 a.m. (no permit required midnight to 7 a.m.*): Campus Crossing Visitor, Lot B (off McDaniel Drive), Sage Way Visitor Lot (near Parking & Transit Center), Lot A Sections 3 & 4 (extreme rear of lot nearest to the Gables).

Lots open until 7 a.m. (appropriate permit required 24/7):  Gables, Woodside, E/E1/E2/Evergreen, Strafford, West Edge Lot, Mast Road & Mathes Lots (near the Equestrian Center), RHD and ADA spaces.

Full Ban (snow emergency engaged):

Lots open until 2 a.m. only: Campus Crossing Visitor, Edgewood Road Visitor,  College Road Visitor, Thompson Hall Lot, Fac/Staff section of Lot H. Campus Crossing Visitor lot closes at 2 during snow emergency!!

Lots open until 7 a.m. (no permit required midnight to 7 a.m.*):  Sage Way Visitor Lot (near Parking & Transit Center), Lot A Sections 3 & 4 (sections at the rear of lot nearest to the Gables). Lot B closes at midnight during snow emergency!!

Lots open until 7 a.m. (appropriate permit required 24/7): Gables, Woodside, E/E1/E2, Evergreen Lot, West Edge Lot, Mast Road & Mathes Lots (near the Equestrian Center), Lot S, RHD and ADA spaces.

What else? 

  • All other areas not listed are non-exempt and not available (close directly at midnight)!
  • If one exempted area is full, you must find parking in an alternate exempted area. 
  • *In all cases, normal daytime regulations resume at 7 a.m. (except where required 24/7).
  • Restriction/Option Grid (PDF)

Is there a bus to these exempted lots?

Yes. The Evening and Weekend Campus Connector routes run until midnight during the WPB months when classes are in session, providing a ride back from some of these more remote exempt areas. The Reduced Service connector runs during winter and spring break periods. After transit hours, you may also request a safety escort from the UNH Police.

What about my moped?

All moped parking areas, including those in “exempt” lots, are closed to after-midnight parking. Campus residents should bring their mopeds home (or off campus) prior to the start of the WPB, as there is no place to store them at night.

Why do we even need the winter parking ban?

The WPB is in place because of the potential for snowfall. Snow can only be efficiently cleared from empty lots. Snow removal crews work after midnight.

Why do we need the WPB on nights that it's not snowing?

Keeping an active WPB eliminates the need to guess on the ban’s status, and takes into account the unpredictable aspect of New England weather.

What happens to cars parked in non-exempted areas?

Vehicles in violation are subject to a $75 WPB citation; during snow removal operations violators are subject to being towed and a citation.

Why does the ban start at midnight? Why is it so strict?

Snow removal needs to take place at night so the university can open as soon as possible the next day. Hence, ticketing begins at  midnight. There are "late lots" open to 2:00 to accommodate certain work schedules and campus activities.

What if I don't go to school here?

All motorists, including campus visitors, are subject to the enforcement of the WPB, and all parking regulations. Students and employees should advise guests accordingly. 

How do I get the correct information?

Call (603) 862-1010 to contact the office during business hours. Call (603) 862-1001 for recorded WPB information/status anytime.

Please consult Article VIII Section 1 of the UNH Parking Regulations for specific policy.