Traffic Citation Appeal

Mercer University Department of Public Safety Officers are authorized to write tickets for university parking violations. They are also given the authority to write state tickets that can affect driving records and must be handled in courts. State tickets are written for ignoring officer instructions, for creating or participating in a pattern of disregard for university parking/traffic regulations, for moving violations such as speeding or failure to stop, or parking in a handicapped parking space without a state permit. The diagonal lines adjacent to a handicapped space are considered part of the space and you can be ticketed for parking on them. State tickets must be handled in accordance with the instructions on the back of the ticket. Failure to do so can result in your arrest.

Possession of a decal does not guarantee a parking space. The responsibility of locating a proper space rest with the driver. The lack of a parking space, being late for class or work, parking illegally for only a short time, leaving your flashers on, etc. are not valid excuses for parking illegally. The absence of a sign prohibiting parking does not mean you may park illegally. You must park in a zone that matches your color decal. Signs indicating zoning are posted at each parking lot entrance. These signs display the color decal allowed in that area. Parking spaces are marked by solid white lines. Your car must be in a space designated by solid white lines to be legally parked. If your car crosses a solid white line, either on the side or in the front or rear, you are in violation. The diagonal lines adjacent to handicap parking spaces are not legal parking spaces.

Visitor spaces are for visitors only. Students and employees are not allowed to utilize these spaces at any time. Campus hosts are responsible for the actions of their visitors and should provide them with these regulations. Visitors can obtain a permit at the Mercer University Department of Public Safety at any time.

Mercer Fines and Appeals

Fines for parking offenses start at $25 and increase $10 per offense with each new ticket you receive. The fine for parking in ADA/Handicap spaces without a state permit is $100 per offense. If your vehicle is towed to another location on campus the fine is $80.

If you receive a Mercer ticket, you have 5 days to appeal. Appeal forms can be found at the bottom of this page. Completed appeal forms must be in the possession of Mercer University Department of Public Safety within 5 days of the ticket being written.

Student fines will be added to student accounts and should be handled through the student’s MyMercer portal. Employee fines can be paid at Mercer University Department of Public Safety, Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. Payments can be made via cash or check; make check to Mercer University.

You are in violation if you park:

• Where any law says you may not
• On a red, yellow, or blue curb
• Across a solid yellow, red, blue, or white line
• Across diagonal lines
• Blocking a driveway or traffic lane
• Where a sign says you may not park
• In a space reserved for service vehicles unless you are in a university owned vehicle or in a vehicle owned by a university contractor on official business
• On the grass
• Where traffic cones, tape, or barrels prevent access to the spaces
• In front of a dumpster
• Blocking other vehicles that are legally parked
• In front of a locked gate
• In any fashion that a police officer feels causes a danger or hindrance to persons or property

The following are not valid reasons for seeking a ticket appeal:

• In a hurry
• Was only there a moment
• No other parking
• Was told I could park there (You will need to identify the officer by name)
• Flashers were on
• Others were parked there without being ticketed