Virtual Permit FAQs

• What is LPR?
   License Plate Recognition (LPR) is an advanced parking technology that reads license plates as virtual permits instead of using paper permits or sticker permits.
• How does LPR work?
  Individuals will register their vehicle plate information into the online parking system when purchasing their virtual permit. The LPR software then generates a virtual permit linked to that vehicle's license plate number. When a vehicle parks on campus, cameras mounted on the enforcement vehicle capture the license plate. When read, the numbers on your plate are automatically referenced against the parking database to verify a valid permit and the proper parking location for the permit. If the license plate and vehicle information are not associated with a valid virtual permit or the vehicle is parked in the incorrect lot, the vehicle will be subject to a ticket.
• How will my license plate information be used?
  The license plate information collected in this process will only be referenced against the campus database for the strict purposes of verifying CSUSM parking permits on campus. The enforcement rules will not change because of this new technology.
• How can virtual permits be purchased?
  Virtual Semester and monthly permits may be purchased online at csusm.aimsparking.com. Daily permits may be purchased online at csusm.aimsparking.com or by using the CSUSM app or scan the QR Codes located within parking lots. Ensure License Plate information is correct. License Plates entered incorrectly may be subject to a ticket
• What happens if I don't have access to a computer or a phone?
  Pay stations are available in Lot B, C, F, and N. Your license plate information will still be required when purchasing your daily permit from the Pay Station.
• What if I get a new vehicle or a new license plate?

   If your vehicle does not have the permanent license plate yet, please enter in the temporary (paper) license plate information.    It is imperative that your license plate and vehicle information is current and correct in order to avoid an unnecessary ticket.   Please visit your online Parking Account to update your vehicle information immediately once new permanent license plates have arrived and have been placed on vehicle.   It is also important to delete all old or unused vehicles listed on your account.  If your vehicle does not have permanent or temporary (paper) license plate, please enter in the last 4 of the VIN. 

• What if I do not have a front license plate?
  If your vehicle is registered in the State of California, the state requires that two plates be displayed, one in the front and one in the back of the vehicle (California Vehicle Code 5200). When parking, ensure the license plate is fully visible from the drive aisle or roadway.
• What if I own more than one vehicle?

  Students are allowed to register 1 vehicle under the Daily, Monthly, Semester or Academic Year  permits. Log in to your Parking Account to change vehicle information when driving a different vehicle. Faculty/Staff are allowed to register multiple vehicles on their account. Multiple vehicles listed under the same virtual permit may not be on campus at the same time unless the second vehicle has a paid parking session.

• What if I have a loaner vehicle or a rental car?
  Individuals are allowed to add/remove vehicles to their parking permit at any time, as well as elect to make “Temporary Replacements”; this includes loaner vehicles and rental cars. It is important that you remove vehicles from your account as soon as your use of the temporary vehicle has ended.
• If I can register two /three vehicles to my account, does that mean I can park both/multiple vehicles at the same time using that virtual permit?
  No, you may only park one vehicle on campus at one time with that paid virtual permit.  Individuals who park more than one vehicle on campus at the same time must purchase a paid parking session for the additional vehicle(s). 
• What if two people share the same 2 vehicles?
  The LPR system has difficulty accommodating users who have the same plate associated with more than one account. To avoid confusion, we strongly recommend that you register one car to one permit and then add the second to your account temporarily if you need to bring it to campus. To register a plate temporarily, please log in to your Parking Account. All you will need is the make, model, and plate number. Remember, a vehicle and plate should only be registered to one account at any given time and you assume responsibility for all vehicles listed in your Parking Account
• What if I have a symbol or disabled plates?

  Enter the plate number with no symbol. “DV” or “DP” on disabled license plates must be entered along with the rest of the plate number in the order it appears on the plate.

• What happens if I enter my license plate number incorrectly when registering?
  Entering your vehicle information correctly is vital to the process. If you enter your vehicle information incorrectly (especially your license plate), you may be subject to a ticket. So, please double check your information to make sure it is correct.
• Can I allow another person to use my virtual permit?
  Paid parking is nontransferable and can only be used by the individual who purchased it. Parking privileges will be revoked for any individuals found in violation of CSUSM’s Parking regulations. Please notify Parking and Commuter Services at (760) 750-7500 immediately if someone attempts to sell or transfer a form of paid parking.
• Will this change any parking rules?
  All current parking rules will remain in effect. A ticket will be written for not following parking rules and/or purposefully obstructing the view of your vehicle’s license plate.
• How can I avoid receiving a ticket?

  Purchase your permit before your vehicle is parked on campus. Ensure the license plate is accurate.  Park only in designated spaces where your paid parking session is valid.  Specific ticket issues or concerns can be answered by calling Adjudication at (760) 750-7505 or emailing at parkingadjudication@csusm.edu.

• Where can I find updates or more information on Parking at CSUSM?
  Follow CSUSM Parking and Commuter Services on Facebook: @parkingcsusm Instagram: @parking.csusm Twitter: @parkingcsusm or on our website at csusm.edu/parking