16,688 tickets were issued across Bowling Green State University (BGSU) campus last semester, in Fall 2025.
“7,644 of those [tickets] were warnings, resulting in $0 fines. 1,283 appeals were also approved, meaning a ticket was dismissed,” said Michael Bratton, manager of media relations for BGSU.
BGSU Parking Services uses license plate recognition (LPR). This technology uses cameras to read license plates to check permits and has been used on campus since 2016. As of January 2025, BGSU switched to e-ticketing, which sends an email or mail ticket notification to a student’s account once a ticket is issued. Students can, however, appeal a ticket within 10 calendar days of receiving the e-ticket.
The week that had the highest number of tickets issued was the first week of the fall 2025 semester, according to Bratton. With students moving in the first week, there was a readjustment to the regulations of campus parking.
BGSU has many lots across campus with different permit requirements; some lots are for commuter students only, while others are for on-campus students. Of all the lots, Lot 7 had the most tickets issued last semester. This lot is a pay-to-park lot along with many others around campus. Certain lots are for staff parking 7-5 p.m. during the week, and open to students with permits who are allowed to park there on the weekends or after 5 p.m. during the week. BGSU offers an interactive map to help find where to park; however, failure to read the signs properly could result in a citation.
Another common violation is that if students do not have their plate facing out, they will be given a warning for the first offense and a $25 fine after the first offense. They have more on violations and fines on the BGSU Parking Services’ website. Even in the case of moving in and out, be aware that people could get issued a warning for not parking properly.
Students who receive a ticket can appeal with an explanation of why their appeal should be approved, for example, unclear signage. If their ticket appeal doesn’t get approved, then their ticket will be dismissed if they donate to the Falcon Food Pantry. This program, Donations for Citations, gives students an alternative way to pay their ticket. Donations for Citations are running throughout the 2026-2027 school year or until they dismiss an equivalent of $5,000 in tickets.
However, with this program, some tickets will not get dismissed, for example, the boot. People who receive a boot on their vehicle must pay a $50 fine for each boot received. This is done after the 5th ticket in an academic year.
When advising students, Bratton mentioned, “Follow all parking rules and regulations as outlined on the Parking Services website and review the Frequently Asked Questions section on the Violations and Fines page for compliance and fine information.”
For more information on parking around campus, please check out Ticketed While Parking at BGSU and Parking vs. Walking by the BG News team.
