Handicap Parking
Handicap permitted vehicles have access to any handicap signed spaces including those within barricaded lots. Contact us at 581-4047 for any parking assistance.
The University of Maine complies with the federal standards for the number of handicap-designated parking spaces in relation to the number of parking spaces on the campus. These spaces are allocated in specific parking lots by the anticipated need in that area.
Q. I have a state issued handicap placard or plate for my vehicle; do I still need a University permit?
A. Yes. We are a permit-parking campus. Faculty, staff and students purchase a yearly permit. Visitors to the campus may obtain a one-day permit free of charge or purchase a yearly permit.
Permits may be purchased at the Student Service Center, 143 Memorial Union. Visitor permits are available at the Student Service Center, Visitor Center; Alumni Buchanan House, 160 College Ave; Bear Necessities Athletic Store, Alfond Arena; or UMaine Police, Rangeley Road.
Q. I broke my leg this past weekend skiing. Can I get a temporary handicap permit for the six weeks I will be on crutches?
A. Yes, the Student Service Center will issue you a temporary handicap permit for seven days. This permit is valid for handicap spaces on the campus only. The Center will provide you with a state handicap permit request form (PDF) requiring your doctor’s signature. Take the completed form to the Department of Motor Vehicle Registry at the Airport Mall, Union St., Bangor where a longer-term handicap placard can be issued.
Q. I am a commuter student and walking from the MCA perimeter lot seems like a long ways on crutches. Am I able to park closer to the building I am headed to?
A. Yes. As long as both permits, a state handicap permit and University permit, are displayed, you can park in any handicap-designated space.
Q. I broke my leg this weekend, but I haven’t been able to get a handicap placard yet. Anyone can see that I am handicapped so I parked in a handicap space. Is this going to cause a problem?
A. It may be obvious to you, but the enforcement officer wasn’t present when you got out of your vehicle. You are going to be responsible for a $100 citation and the charge of have your vehicle towed unnecessarily. Avoid this by stopping at the Student Service Center.
Q. I’m a student and when I arrive each morning for class all the handicap spaces are taken near my building. I parked in the egress area (zebra striped area) and received a citation for improper parking. Why?
A. The egress area is the area next to the handicap space reserved to allow a disabled person to get out of their vehicle. If your vehicle is parked there, it limits someone else’s accessibility. If you find all the handicap spaces full, try an adjacent lot. A parking lot on the other side of the building may have an open space, which is just as close to your destination. If you still are having difficulties contact Disability Support Services in the East Annex, 581-2319 for shuttle service information.