by Krista Pino
Daily Lobo
UNM's Parking and Transportation Services Department issues fines that range from $15 to $100 for parking violations, and if the situation requires a boot or tow, there are additional charges.
Fifteen-dollar fines are issued for simple mistakes like permit display and overtime parking at a meter, said Josh Kavanagh, associate director at the department. He said $100 fines are for serious infractions such as handicapped, patient and reserved-space parking violations.
Officers generally issue one warning per customer per year for failure to display a permit.
If citations are appealed, the officer might change it to a warning.
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Kavanagh said, on average, one in three citations are written as a warning or converted. The citations are rarely voided, but the department may adjust fine levels and issue warnings when appropriate.
He said people who can communicate they made an honest mistake and are going to prevent it from reoccurring have more favorable appeal outcomes.
"The appeals process is a quick and simple online process," Kavanagh said.
As long as citations are settled in a timely fashion, there is generally not a problem. Kavanagh said violations such as unauthorized use of a permit or use of a counterfeit or altered permit can result in an immediate boot.
Otherwise, a warning is usually given before a boot is placed on a vehicle, he said.
"It usually takes four or more unpaid citations and failure to respond to a warning that outstanding citations must be settled," Kavanagh said.
During the first week of the semester, officers issue more warnings to customers. Kavanagh said initial feedback shows customers respond well because the number of improperly parked vehicles on Tuesday was substantially less than Monday.
Officers are also recognizing drivers who help keep the system running smoothly by leaving drivers "thank you" notes on their windshields.
Although a driver may receive an initial warning, it is stored in the citation database.
Kavanagh said officers then have the information necessary to address future situations involving the same vehicle. But most situations are cut-and-dry, he said.
Officers on the field are responsible for more than one lot during their shift. He said depending on the violation rate and turnover of each lot, they monitor the lot anywhere from one to six times a day.
Officers enforce UNM jurisdictions, and Kavanagh said they try to make the system work in the least punitive manner possible. Officers also try to identify unregistered vehicles and charge citations to Bursar accounts before they give the boot.
UNM student services cashier Barb Griego said unpaid parking violations could lead to a financial hold on student accounts. If a student has a past due balance on their account, a financial hold could prevent registration or obtaining transcripts. There is only one way to eliminate the hold.
"You have to pay the past due," Griego said.
