Dealing with a parking citation can be inconvenient. At Western Kentucky University (WKU) Transportation Services, we aim to make the process of handling parking citations as straightforward as possible. Whether you intend to pay your citation or believe it was issued in error and wish to appeal, this guide provides you with the necessary steps and information. Wku Transportation is committed to fair and efficient parking management on campus.
Paying Your WKU Parking Citation
The quickest and easiest way to resolve your parking citation is through online payment. WKU Transportation offers a user-friendly online portal to manage and pay your citations.
To pay a citation, simply log in to your Parking Account. This secure portal allows you to view citation details and complete your payment efficiently.
Appealing a WKU Parking Citation
If you believe your parking citation was issued incorrectly or under extenuating circumstances, WKU Transportation Services provides a fair appeal process. We encourage you to carefully review the information below before submitting your appeal via the online appeal form.
Everyone has the right to appeal a parking citation from WKU Parking and Transportation Services. It is important to note that appeals must be submitted online within 14 days of the citation issue date. Should you encounter any technical issues with the online appeal form, please contact the Parking and Transportation Department directly at 270-745-2361 for assistance.
Understanding the Appeal Process
Here’s what you need to know about the WKU parking citation appeal process:
-
Presenting Your Case: The appeal is your opportunity to explain why you believe the citation was issued in error or why you should not be held responsible. Focus on the facts and circumstances surrounding the citation.
-
Initial Review: A member of the WKU Parking and Transportation staff will review your appeal. Decisions are based on pre-defined, objective criteria for citation reduction, ensuring fairness and consistency. Subjective factors are not considered. You can review the PTS Appeals Review Process HERE.
- You will receive an email notification to your official WKU email address regarding the appeal decision.
- If your appeal is successful and the citation is dismissed, no payment is required.
- If the citation is upheld, you will need to make payment to avoid any holds on your WKU account.
-
Second Level Appeal – Appeals Committee: If your initial appeal is denied, you have the right to request a second appeal to be reviewed by an independent Appeals Committee. This committee comprises representatives from the Student Government, University Senate, and Staff Council, ensuring impartiality. No WKU Parking and Transportation Services staff members are part of this committee, and they have no influence on the committee’s decisions.
- To proceed with a second appeal to the Appeals Committee, the citation must be paid in full.
- Following payment, you can submit your second appeal request through the Parking and Transportation Services website at www.wku.edu/transportation.
- If the Appeals Committee dismisses the citation, a full refund will be issued to you.
- If the Appeals Committee upholds the citation, their decision is final, and no further action will be taken.
-
Photographic Evidence: WKU PTS enforcement officers capture photos of parking violations when issuing citations. These photographs are available for you to review within your parking account, providing transparency and clarity.
-
No Guarantee of Overturn: Filing an appeal does not automatically mean your citation will be dismissed. Each appeal is carefully reviewed based on its merits and adherence to WKU parking regulations.
-
Supporting Documentation: You can upload relevant files and documents to your online appeal form to support your case. All submitted documents will be verified for authenticity.
-
Decision Notification: The Appeals Committee will inform you of their decision via your WKU email once they have reviewed your case.
-
Final Decision: The decision made by the Appeals Committee is final and binding.
Important Tips for a Successful Appeal
To increase the effectiveness of your appeal, keep these points in mind:
- Focus on Facts, Not Feelings: Present a clear and factual account of why you believe the citation was issued in error. Avoid emotional language or venting, as this will not strengthen your appeal.
- Permit Responsibility: If your vehicle was displaying your permit, the citation is your responsibility. Parking permits are non-transferable.
- Meter Expiration: Citations for expired meters are valid, even if the meter was expired for a short duration or if you were returning to your vehicle as the citation was being issued.
- “Lack of Knowledge” is Not a Valid Appeal Reason: It is your responsibility to understand and comply with WKU parking regulations before parking on campus. Familiarize yourself with the rules.
- Consult Available Resources: When in doubt, always refer to parking signs at lot entrances, the information on the back of your parking permit, the brochure provided with your permit, the WKU Transportation website www.wku.edu/transportation, or contact the Parking and Transportation office directly at (270) 745-2361 during business hours (7:30 am – 4:30 pm).
For any further questions or clarifications regarding parking citations or the appeal process, please do not hesitate to contact WKU Parking and Transportation Services at [email protected] or (270) 745-2361.
