Parking Policy

Parking Policy for First-Year Residents

Freshmen living on campus cannot purchase parking permits. Construction of academic, recreational and housing facilities is a higher campus priority than the maintenance of large parking areas.

This policy reflects an overall trend at UC campuses. Most campuses now restrict parking permit availability for on-campus residents; many also limit parking permit sales to those living outside walking or biking distance of the central campus.

Parking for Off-Campus Residents

All vehicles parked on campus must have a valid UC Davis parking permit. Daily permits are $6 each; long-term parking permits range from $108-$564 annually. Most students find it easier, more convenient and far less expensive to commute via bus or bike.

Most apartment complexes have designated parking spaces for one or two cars per unit, although most charge a monthly fee for parking.

Transportation Alternatives

Since owning and operating a car in Davis is relatively expensive and inconvenient, many students choose either not to own a car at all or to keep one only for weekend out-of-town trips. The Unitrans and Yolobus transit systems and Davis’ extensive network of bike paths provide convenient, safe alternatives to auto transportation. Find out more about your transportation options here.