ARC 0161D

ARC 0161D

REGENTS BOARD[681]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to traffic and parking at universities
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Board of Regents hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 4, “Traffic and Parking at Universities,” Iowa Administrative Code, and to adopt a new Chapter 4 with the same title.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 262.69.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code chapter 262.

Purpose and Summary

    Iowa Code section 262.69 allows the Board to adopt rules to provide for the policing, control and regulation of traffic and parking of vehicles and bicycles on the property of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. The Regent universities serve approximately 71,914 students, employ approximately 37,076 faculty and staff and receive numerous visitors in a given day. The systems of traffic and parking regulations ensure the campus traffic infrastructure operates in a safe and efficient manner.

    In 2021, the Board conducted a comprehensive review of its administrative rules to eliminate outdated rules and those that were no longer required by statute. During this process, the Board consolidated three separate university systems and subchapters governing traffic and parking into a single Regent-wide system contained in Chapter 4. This effort resulted in a word count reduction of 5,086. In response to Executive Order 10, the Board reviewed Chapter 4 to further eliminate outdated and unnecessary language throughout the chapter.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on October 15, 2025. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   November 4, 2025

Fiscal Impact

    This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Board for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to rule 681—19.18(17A).

Public Comment

    Any interested person may submit written or oral comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Board no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 30, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

    Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at a public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

    Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Board and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Rescind 681—Chapter 4 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 4

TRAFFIC AND PARKING AT UNIVERSITIES

681—4.1(262) Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to provide for the policing, control and regulation of traffic and of parking vehicles on the campuses of the state University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa.

681—4.2(262) Definitions. For the purpose of these rules, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly requires otherwise, and all other words shall have meaning according to their common usage.

    “Appointed authority” means the person or entity designated by the president of a university to perform any function or duty required or permitted hereunder.

    “Bicycle” means any vehicle having two or three wheels and fully operable pedals that is a traditional bicycle designed solely to be pedaled by the rider. An electric/battery-powered bicycle designed not only to be pedaled by the rider but also propelled by an electric motor of less than 750 watts (one horsepower) may be treated as a bicycle.

    “Campus” means all property under the control of a university.

    “Employee” means any person regularly employed by a university who is not a student.

    “Guest” means any person other than a person living at the designated residence hall.

    “Handrail” means any railing intended to provide physical support to a pedestrian.

    “Immobilization” of a bicycle consists of restricting the bicycle’s use by detaining it at the point of infraction with a university locking device.

    “Impoundment” of a bicycle consists of removing the owner’s locking device, transporting the bicycle to a university facility, and detaining it with a university locking device.

    “In-line skates” means any frame or shoe with a single row of wheels that is used for gliding or skating. In-line skates are also known as Rollerblades.

    “Motorcycle” means any vehicle that is self-propelled, has fewer than four wheels in contact with the ground, and is not a bicycle or a motorized mode of transportation. For purposes of these rules, mopeds and motorized bicycles propelled by an electric motor of 750 watts (one horsepower) or more are considered motorcycles.

    “Motorized modes of transportation” are any wheeled devices that are designed to be stood upon when riding or that have a seat and footrests in place of the floorboard and are powered by an electric/motorized motor. For purposes of these rules, these would include but are not limited to electric scooters, electric skateboards (includes one-wheel models), and Segways.

    “Motor vehicle” means any vehicle that is self-propelled, has four or more wheels in contact with the ground, and is not a motorized mode of transportation.

    “Roller skates” means any frame or shoe with a pair of small wheels near the heel and near the toe that is used for gliding or skating.

    “Skateboard” means any board or platform with attached wheels used for individual transportation. For purposes of these rules, a nonmotorized scooter (a board with a handle) is considered a skateboard.

    “Street furniture” is any structure or accessory in a university pedestrian area or slow zone designed for the benefit of pedestrians. This includes but is not limited to benches, tables, lampposts, and trash receptacles.

    “Student” means any person registered with the university for academic credit who is not employed by the university on a full-time salaried or equivalent basis.

    “University,” unless specifically indicated herein, means the state University of Iowa, Iowa State University or the University of Northern Iowa.

    “Vehicle” means any wheeled or treaded device used or designed for use as a means of transportation or conveyance of persons or property.

    “Visitor” means any person who owns, operates or parks a vehicle on the university campus who is not a student or an employee.

681—4.3(262) General traffic.

    4.3(1) The appointed authority may establish rules governing traffic violations and the safe operation of all vehicles, including motor vehicles, motorcycles, motorized modes of transportation, skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, and bicycles, on institutional roads and property as the appointed authority deems necessary. Such traffic rules shall be available for inspection during business hours at the office of the appointed authority and the state board of regents. Traffic violations may also be charged and prosecuted as violations of Iowa Code chapter 321 and section 262.68. All state of Iowa motor vehicle laws are in effect on campus.

    4.3(2) The appointed authority shall erect speed limit signs on institutional roads and property.

    4.3(3) The appointed authority is delegated authority to make temporary changes in traffic patterns, including establishment of one-way roads and road closures, where necessary because of construction or special events being held on campus.

    4.3(4) The appointed authority is delegated authority to erect traffic control signs and devices and to designate the following areas: pedestrian crosswalks; bicycle lanes; no bicycling, skateboard, in-line skating and roller skating areas; bicycle dismount zones; and pedestrian-only areas. The appointed authority is also delegated authority to restrict access to campus roads, parking lots and other facilities by means of gates or other barriers. Roads or portions of roads may be closed to vehicle traffic or limited to specific vehicles. Access to restricted areas is limited to established gate openings or designated entrances, and no other means of access is permitted. Moving or driving around authorized barriers is prohibited. All vehicle operators must obey all signs directing traffic flow on campus.

    4.3(5) Pedestrians shall be given the right-of-way at all crosswalks or when in compliance with existing traffic controls.

    4.3(6) Driving of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and motorized modes of transportation on university property other than roads is prohibited unless specific areas have been designated for such use by the appointed authority or special permission has been granted by the appointed authority.

    4.3(7) Driving of motor vehicles and motorcycles on parts of institutional roads marked as bicycle lanes or on designated bicycle paths is prohibited.

    4.3(8) The appointed authority is delegated authority to have the university public safety department investigate accidents that occur on university property.

    4.3(9) Every person riding a bicycle, roller skates, skateboard, in-line skates, or motorized modes of transportation on a street or highway on campus is granted all the privileges and is subject to all the regulations applicable to a driver of any motor vehicle on that street or highway and to the special regulations of this subrule.

    a.  A bicycle rider on campus must:

    (1)  Obey the instructions of official traffic control devices, signs and signals applicable to motor vehicles unless otherwise directed by a peace officer or other authorized traffic director;

    (2)  Obey the direction of any sign whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right, left or U-turn is permitted;

    (3)  Obey the regulations applicable to pedestrians when the bicycle rider dismounts from the bicycle;

    (4)  Yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on a street whenever a rider is on a separate bicycle path that intersects the street;

    (5)  Not use campus sidewalks except those specifically designated as bicycle paths;

    (6)  Yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian in a designated crosswalk;

    (7)  Not ride on lawns.

    b.  This subrule does not apply to peace officers of the university’s department of public safety while they are acting within the scope of their regularly assigned duties.

    4.3(10) Roller skates, in-line skates, and skateboards are permitted on campus sidewalks. Roller skates, in-line skates, and skateboards may be carried into university buildings, but they may not be ridden in university buildings. Bicycles, motorized modes of transportation, motorcycles, and motor vehicles are not permitted on campus sidewalks or in university buildings unless approved by the appointed authority. No vehicles may be used or ridden on stairways, sub-walks, elevated sidewalks, access ramps, steps, retaining walls, handrails, street furniture or other architectural elements; on or in planting, grass or seeded areas; or where otherwise prohibited by sign, peace officer or other authorized traffic director. All vehicles must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and any wheelchair or other mobility assistance device for the disabled.

681—4.4(262) Registration.

    4.4(1) Students. Every motor vehicle and motorcycle that is operated or maintained by a student on campus must be registered with the university, and a registration identification must be displayed on such vehicles in the manner prescribed by the appointed authority. A student must register the motor vehicle or motorcycle within 48 hours of initial operation of such vehicles on campus.

    4.4(2) Employees. Motor vehicles and motorcycles owned or operated by employees may be registered with the university if the employee so desires, but registration of such vehicles is not required unless the employee desires parking privileges on the campus. A registration identification may be issued for display on such vehicles registered by employees.

    4.4(3) Visitors. Motor vehicles and motorcycles owned or operated by visitors may be registered with the university if the visitor so desires, but registration of these vehicles is not required unless the visitor desires parking privileges on campus or the visitor needs temporary or extended access to parking lots. A registration identification shall be displayed on motor vehicles and motorcycles registered by visitors in the manner prescribed by the university.

    4.4(4) Procedure. Applications for registration shall be submitted to the appointed authority in the manner the appointed authority prescribes. No student shall register any motor vehicle or motorcycle owned or maintained by another student. No fee shall be charged for registration without parking privileges.

    4.4(5) Bicycles. Each university may prescribe additional policies regarding the registration of bicycles.

681—4.5(262) Parking facilities. The university may set aside and designate certain areas of the campus for the parking of motor vehicles, motorcycles, motorized modes of transportation, and bicycles, and the use of any lot, ramp, or part of the parking facilities so established may be restricted to students, employees, or visitors. The appointed authority shall cause signs to be erected and maintained clearly identifying those areas of the university campus designated for vehicle parking, and any restrictions applicable thereto shall be conspicuously posted.

    4.5(1) Parking control devices. Gates and other devices may be installed and maintained to control access to any parking facility.

    4.5(2) Parking meters. Parking meters, toll houses, mobile parking applications, and other devices may be installed and maintained to regulate the use of any parking facility.

    4.5(3) Hours of operation. Reasonable hours shall be established by the university for the normal operation of the parking facilities, and a schedule of hours of operation shall be published and available for public inspection in the office of the appointed authority.

    4.5(4) Closing. The appointed authority may temporarily close any parking facility for cleaning, maintenance or other university purpose or may temporarily restrict or reassign the use of any facility as may be necessary or convenient. The appointed authority shall give advance notice of such temporary closing, restriction, or reassignment by posting or otherwise when practical. No parking fees will be refunded during the temporary closing of a parking facility.

    4.5(5) Restricted zones. The appointed authority may designate areas of the campus as restricted zones, such as loading zones or service vehicle zones, and such restricted zones shall be conspicuously posted. No parking shall be permitted in such restricted zones except as authorized.

    4.5(6) No parking. Motor vehicle, motorcycle, and motorized mode of transportation parking on the campus shall be restricted to designated parking facilities, and no parking for motor vehicles, motorcycles, or motorized modes of transportation shall be permitted at any other place on the campus.

    a.  Vehicles shall not be parked in such a manner as to block or obstruct sidewalks, crosswalks, driveways, roadways, or designated parking stalls.

    b.  No parking is permitted in prohibited zones, such as in the vicinity of fire hydrants or fire lanes, and such zones shall be conspicuously posted or marked by painted curbs or other standard means.

    c.  No parking is permitted on grass or other vegetation or in pedestrian areas.

    d.  Motor vehicles are not allowed in university buildings except:

    (1)  Where a shop or garage is designated as a vehicle repair or storage area;

    (2)  Where there is a designated vehicle loading area; or

    (3)  Where there is a parking ramp or deck.

    e.  Improper parking is parking in any place on campus other than those areas designated for parking.

    f.  Improper parking is parking incorrectly in designated parking areas. Improper parking includes but is not limited to:

    (1)  Parking in an area restricted by signs;

    (2)  Parking without an appropriate permit;

    (3)  Parking in an area designated for persons with disabilities;

    (4)  Parking in a loading zone over the time limit; and

    (5)  Parking over a stall marker line.

    4.5(7) Motorcycle parking. The appointed authority may designate areas of the parking facilities for motorcycle parking, and such areas shall be conspicuously posted. Motorcycles shall be parked only in areas designated for motorcycle parking, and no other vehicles shall be parked in such areas. The university may require that a parking permit be displayed on all motorcycles.

    4.5(8) Bicycle parking. The appointed authority may install and maintain bicycle parking racks or designate other facilities for bicycle parking. Bicycles shall be parked only in bicycle racks or other facilities designated for bicycle parking. Bicycles may not be taken inside university buildings except as approved by the appointed authority. Locking devices on improperly or illegally parked and abandoned bicycles may be cut and removed when necessary.

    4.5(9) Abandoned bicycles. Bicycles considered abandoned may be labeled for impending impoundment by placing impoundment tags on the bicycles. If the bicycles display the proper registration decals, an attempt will be made to contact the owners to remove the bicycles. If the bicycles do not display the proper registration decals, the owners have two weeks to contact the parking and transportation office from the time the bicycles are tagged until the bicycles may be impounded.

681—4.6(262) Parking privileges. Students, employees, and visitors may be granted parking privileges on the campus in accordance with these rules and upon such other reasonable terms and conditions as may be established by the university.

    4.6(1) Students. Students may be granted parking privileges in parking facilities designated for student use. Optional plans and facilities may be offered as determined by the appointed authority. Reasonable classifications may be established on the basis of a student’s age, class, college or department, course load, proximity of the student’s residence to the campus, disability, employment, the availability of facilities, or any other relevant criterion to determine the eligibility of students for parking privileges or any optional plan or facility.

    4.6(2) Employees. Nonstudent employees may be granted parking privileges in parking facilities designated for employee use. Optional plans and facilities may be offered as determined by the appointed authority. Reasonable classifications may be established on the basis of an employee’s job classification, length of service, place of work or the nature thereof, or disability; the availability of facilities; or any other relevant criterion to determine the priority of employees for assignment of parking privileges or any optional plan or facility.

    4.6(3) Visitors. Visitors may be granted parking privileges in parking facilities designated for visitor parking. Optional plans and facilities may be offered as determined by the appointed authority. Reasonable classifications may be established on the basis of the time, duration or purpose of the visit; disability; the availability of facilities; or any other relevant criterion to determine the eligibility of visitors for parking privileges or any optional plan or facility.

    4.6(4) Persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities will be granted parking privileges in parking facilities designated for use by persons with disabilities.

    4.6(5) Procedure. Applications for parking privileges shall be submitted to the appointed authority in the manner the appointed authority prescribes. No student shall apply for parking privileges for any vehicle owned or maintained by another student. The appointed authority shall determine the eligibility and priority of each applicant for parking privileges within the classifications established in subrules 4.6(1), 4.6(2) and 4.6(3) and shall make all parking assignments. A parking permit or other means of identification may be issued to each applicant who is granted parking privileges, and such permit or other identification must be displayed on the vehicle in the manner prescribed by the appointed authority. Parking permits are not transferable. Parking privileges shall not be granted to a student and to an employee or visitor for the same vehicle, and a student parking permit and an employee or visitor parking permit shall not be displayed on the same vehicle. The unauthorized possession, use, alteration, forging or counterfeiting of a parking permit, or any portion thereof, is prohibited. The appointed authority shall adopt a procedure to replace lost, stolen and destroyed parking permits and controlled access entry cards.

    4.6(6) Parking fees. The university may assess and collect from students, employees, and visitors reasonable fees or charges for parking privileges and the use of parking facilities. The amount of such fees and charges shall be established by the university and approved by the state board of regents, and a schedule of all parking fees and charges shall be published and available for inspection during normal business hours in the office of the appointed authority and in the office of the state board of regents. Parking fees and charges may be assessed and collected on an annual, semester, monthly, daily, or hourly basis. Parking fees and charges may be added to student tuition bills and may by agreement be withheld from the salaries or wages of employees by payroll deduction. Parking fees and charges may be collected by means of parking meters, toll houses, and mobile parking applications. Use of any parking facility constitutes an implied agreement to pay the prescribed fee or charge therefor.

    4.6(7) University business. Special parking privileges may be granted for vehicles being used on official university business on the conditions and in the manner prescribed by the appointed authority.

    4.6(8) Responsibility. Any person who maintains, owns or operates a vehicle that is parked on the campus or in whose name the vehicle is registered or to whom parking privileges have been granted is responsible for the proper parking of the vehicle at all times when it is on the campus and for all parking violations involving the vehicle.

    4.6(9) Liability. Parking privileges granted hereunder constitute a license to use university parking facilities and do not constitute a lease of such facilities or a bailment of the vehicle by the university. Use of university parking facilities is at the owner’s or applicant’s risk, and the university shall not be liable or responsible for loss of or damage to any vehicle parked on the campus.

    4.6(10) Revocation. Parking privileges on the campus may be revoked by the university for good cause at any time upon five days’ written notice and refund of any advance payment of parking fees or charges on a pro rata basis for the revoked period.

681—4.7(262) Violations. Sanctions may be imposed for violation of traffic, registration and parking rules as follows.

    4.7(1) Notice of violations. The university shall give written notice of all parking violations. Such notice may be given by means of a notice of parking violation placed conspicuously on the offending vehicle or provided in an alternative manner as determined by the appointed authority, and such notice shall constitute constructive notice of the violation to the owner and operator of the vehicle and to any person in whose name the vehicle is registered or parking privileges have been granted.

    4.7(2) Sanctions. Reasonable monetary sanctions may be imposed upon students, employees, and visitors for violation of university traffic, vehicle registration or parking rules. The amount of such sanctions shall be established by the university and approved by the state board of regents, except sanctions established by statute will be imposed at the current statutory amount. A schedule of all sanctions for traffic violations, improper registration and parking shall be published and available for public inspection during normal business hours in the office of the appointed authority and in the office of the state board of regents. Traffic, registration, and parking sanctions may be assessed against the owner or operator of the vehicle involved in each violation or against any person in whose name the vehicle is registered or parking privileges have been granted and charged to the person’s university account. Registration and parking sanctions may be added to student tuition bills or may be deducted from student deposits or from the salaries or wages of employees or from other funds in the possession of the university.

    4.7(3) Impoundment and immobilization. Any vehicle parked on the campus in violation of parking rules may be impounded, removed or immobilized. The university shall give written notice of impoundment to the owner of the vehicle or to the person in whose name the vehicle is registered or parking privileges have been granted, or notice may be provided in an alternative manner as determined by the appointed authority. A reasonable fee may be charged for the cost of impoundment and storage, which fee must be paid prior to the release of the vehicle by the university or by contract with private operators. Impounded vehicles that are not claimed within 60 days will be deemed abandoned property and may be sold under procedures set forth in Iowa Code chapter 579, and the proceeds of the sale will be applied to the payment of the costs of impoundment, storage and sale. The balance, if any, shall be sent to the owner.

    a.  Immobilization. Immobilized bicycles bearing proper registration permits may be claimed by proving ownership and payment of immobilization fees and any fines. Immobilized bicycles not bearing proper registration permits may be claimed by proving ownership, registering the bicycle under a valid name and address, and paying the appropriate fines and immobilization fees. Immobilization fees for first-time offenders may be waived after immobilized bicycles have been registered. Immobilized bicycles not reclaimed after two working days may be impounded.

    b.  Impoundment. Impounded bicycles bearing proper registration permits may be claimed by proving ownership and paying the impoundment fees and any fines. Impounded bicycles not bearing proper registration permits may be claimed by proving ownership, registering the bicycles under a valid name and address, and paying the appropriate fines and impoundment fees. Impoundment fees for first-time offenders may be waived after impounded bicycles have been registered. All impounded bicycles will be held for 60 days, during which time they may be claimed by the owners upon payment of all outstanding fines and charges. After 60 days, all unclaimed impounded bicycles will be deemed abandoned property and sold pursuant to Iowa law, and the proceeds applied to the costs of impoundment, storage and sale. The balance, if any, shall be sent to the owner, if known.

    4.7(4) Administrative hearing. Students and employees may request a hearing and administrative ruling concerning a controversy, based on the imposition of a sanction for a registration or parking violation, or an impoundment procedure, by the appropriate university official or hearing body as set forth in university policy. Visitors may request the appointed authority to conduct a hearing and issue an administrative ruling in such cases.

    4.7(5) Judicial review. Judicial review of an administrative ruling may be sought in an Iowa district court in accordance with the terms of the Iowa administrative procedure Act.

681—4.8(262) Administration of rules. The president of the university shall be responsible for the proper administration of these rules. The president is authorized to establish traffic and parking procedures not inconsistent with these rules as may be reasonably necessary and convenient for the effective administration of presidential duties hereunder, and any procedure so established shall be published and available for public inspection during normal business hours in the office of the appointed authority and in the office of the state board of regents. The president may delegate authority under these rules to the appointed authority or to any other person designated by the president to perform any function or duty hereunder.

681—4.9(262) Effect of rules. These rules constitute a condition of registration as a student at the university and a condition of employment as an employee of the university. Registration as a student or acceptance of employment constitutes an acceptance of these rules and an agreement to pay all prescribed fees and monetary fines imposed in accordance with these rules.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 262.69.