Beginning July 1, the university community will shift to a new way to park on UCF campuses.

New technology will eliminate the need for parking decals, hangtags or any physical permit on vehicles. Instead, license plates will act as virtual parking permits. Parking Services trucks will be equipped with License Plate Readers (LPR) that automatically scan the license plates of vehicles parked in garages and surface lots on all campuses — the main campus, UCF Downtown, the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and Academic Health Sciences in Lake Nona. The LPR cameras determine whether vehicles are registered.

To purchase a virtual parking permit, all drivers have to do is visit the Parking and Transportation Services website on their computer or mobile device and enter the vehicle’s information.

This innovation in parking technology means no more standing in long lines at the parking office, waiting for your permit to arrive in the mail or losing your hangtag.

“UCF’s transition to virtual permits using LPR technology will simplify the process for parking access while promoting safety, convenience, efficiencies and sustainability,” says Andy Rampersad, assistant director of UCF Parking and Transportation Services.

It’s important to remember that all vehicles must park nose-in and plate-out so the LPR cameras can verify the vehicle has been registered. Failure to adhere to the policy may result in a warning or parking citation.

You can choose from several options for your virtual permits: a 365-day permit, a 150-day permit or a daily permit.

All current parking decals and hangtags purchased before July 1 will expire on Aug. 31. New virtual permits purchased starting July 1 will be valid from date of purchase and expire based on the type of permit purchased. If you have a physical decal or hangtag that expires Aug. 31, you will need to register your vehicle and purchase a virtual permit by the expiration date to avoid citations.

If you have two vehicles, you can register both — the second vehicle can be added for just $15. However, only one vehicle per account can be parked on any one of the UCF campuses at the same time. If your vehicle is in the shop for repairs or if you’re driving a rental vehicle, you can update the substitute vehicle’s information online up to six times with a 365-day permit and three times with a 150-day permit.

For more information, check out this “how to” video and FAQ.