Parking and micromobility actions to take, seasonal operations announced for West Lafayette
With the end of the fall semester approaching and winter break around the corner, Purdue Parking Operations shares several action items, seasonal reminders and temporary operational changes that permit holders and micromobility device operators should know.
Key parking and bicycle requirements and actions
A summary of actions for permit holders is below with additional details in the sections that follow.
- Remove vehicles from designated snow routes (street parking) ahead of winter break or when directed by the university.
- Purchase a temporary vehicle storage permit if a vehicle will remain on campus and undriven over winter break, unless part of an exception group.
- Clear and display license or front plates correctly while parking.
- Purchase a bicycle storage permit for the winter.
Campus officials will announce if vehicles need to be removed from Purdue and city of West Lafayette streets that are designated as snow routes to facilitate snow removal and emergency responder access. Motorists who will not be on campus over winter break are asked to remove their vehicles from street parking in advance to avoid being ticketed or towed. Visit Purdue’s Snow Routes webpage to view a list of affected streets, a map of snow routes and related information.
Individuals who are leaving campus and need to store their vehicle somewhere should review the information about temporary vehicle storage permits.
Vehicles that remain on campus over winter break must be permitted and stored accordingly. Most parking permit holders, including those with Student Garage and Value permits, will need to purchase a $30 temporary vehicle storage permit to leave their vehicle on campus for more than 24 hours. This permit allows for a vehicle to be parked in a non-reserved space in the McCutcheon Drive Parking Garage for part or all of the period from Dec. 10, 2025 to Jan. 11, 2026. Permit holders are encouraged to park on the covered levels of the garage. Review additional information and complete the form to request a temporary permit by Dec. 22.
As an exception and with no additional parking permit required, Residence Hall and Hawkins Hall permit holders must move their vehicles to a signed residence hall space in the McCutcheon Drive Parking Garage ahead of break.
All vehicles, including those in parking garages, should have the state-issued, rear license plate visible to the drive lane at all times for parking enforcement. Those who purchase and display a front plate from Parking Operations may back a vehicle into a straight parking space. Backing into an angled space is not allowed, regardless of having a front plate.
Vehicles should not be enclosed by car covers. Motorists who remain on campus over break should ensure that snow, ice and debris are regularly removed from their license and/or front plate for enforcement purposes.
Bicycles that are left unattended on campus are subject to being considered abandoned, which could result in removal and/or impoundment from the location. Bicyclists who need a place to store their device over the winter should purchase a storage permit from Parking Operations. Indoor storage is available for $30 for the period between the end of the fall semester and the week leading up to spring break. Learn more and request a permit.
Temporary operational changes and reminders
Winter brings several changes to parking operations on campus, and more information and reminders are summarized below.
The top levels of most parking garages will be closed and unavailable for parking between Dec. 22, 2025 and Jan. 9, 2026 to reduce the costs associated with potential snow removal when fewer people are on campus.
The top levels of the following parking garages will be closed, though other levels will remain open for permitted or paid parking:
- Grant Street Parking Garage
- Harrison Street Parking Garage
- Northwestern Avenue Parking Garage
- University Street Parking Garage
- Wood Street Parking Garage
All levels of the McCutcheon Drive Parking Garage will remain available for permitted parking with snow removal occurring on the top level as needed.
All Veo devices located on the West Lafayette campus will be removed on Dec. 15 and unavailable throughout winter. Weather dependent, devices are expected to return to campus in early to mid March.
Event parking will continue to be in place for Purdue men’s and women’s home basketball games that take place over break. Parking lots surrounding Ross-Ade Stadium, Mackey Arena and the Mollenkopf Athletic Center will be restricted for all games, and the Northwestern Avenue Parking Garage will be restricted for men’s games only. Learn more and plan ahead if you will be on campus.
Earlier this year, new regulations went into effect that prohibit electric and motor-powered vehicles (EMPVs) from being operated, stored or charged inside any part of university buildings. EMPVs include e-scooters, e-bikes and similar devices. Owners are reminded to take their devices home over break.
EMPVs may only be parked in bicycle racks, on bicycle pads or in locations designated for EMPV parking on campus. Devices that are parked elsewhere create safety and access concerns and may interfere with snow removal over winter.
Parking Operations staff are available until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 765-494-9497 or parking@purdue.edu. The lobby in Stewart Center G054 closes at 4 p.m. The office will be closed Dec. 24, 2025 through Jan. 2, 2026.