Due to the limited number of parking spaces on the street around campus and the availability of public transportation, all students are discouraged from bringing vehicles to campus.  Freshmen and sophomores living in the Foggy Bottom/West End area in particular should not bring vehicles to the campus.  For those few granted exceptions by the University, the University will arrange for parking in University parking facilities.

Most GW students choose the convenience of not having a car in the District of Columbia. By traveling to destinations on foot or by utilizing one of the nation's finest mass transportation systems (The Metro), not having a car is a very viable option for most GW students. However, if you choose to have a car in the city, pay particular attention to the following information:

Street Parking

Because Washington is a metropolitan area and traffic flow is often heavy, laws regarding parking on city streets and in residential neighborhoods are important to know and follow. Thousands of tourists and commuters swell the city's driving population each day, and adherence to various parking rules is extremely important. In the District of Columbia, parking laws are vigilantly enforced.

Residential Parking Permits

In an effort to allow a measure of public parking for residents of the District, over 3,500 blocks of neighborhood streets are designated for residential parking. These parking zones are clearly marked with red and white signs. The zone system limits parking - to two hours only - for motorists who do not live in that zone. DC residents who live on zoned streets must display a valid Residential Parking Permit (RPP) to park in their neighborhoods. The RPP is usually included on the vehicle's District registration sticker which is affixed to the windshield. Residential parking permits are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at 301 C Street, NW. For more information call (202) 727-5000.

Meters

In most areas of the District, parking meter effective hours are from 7 am until 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday only. However, in densely populated Georgetown, as well as on several blocks around the MCI and Convention Centers, parking meter hours may extend until 10 pm, Monday through Saturday. Vehicles displaying DC-issued handicap license plates or placards may park for double the amount of time indicated on the meter. All other vehicles, including those with out-of-state handicap plates or placards, must observe posted fees and time limits. The most common parking violations and their fees are as follows:

• Expired Meter: $25
• Overtime Parking in Residential Zone: $30
• No Standing/AM or PM Rush Hour: $100
• No Parking Anytime: $30
• No Parking/Street Cleaning: $30
• No Standing Anytime: $50
• Parking in Alley: $30
• Expired Inspection Sticker: $50
• Expired Registration/Tags: $100
• Within 20 Feet of a Bus Stop: $50

Parking Services oversees all of the parking facilities on the GW campus.  Due to the limited number of parking spaces on the streets around campus and the availability of public transportation, students are generally discouraged from bringing vehicles to campus. If exceptional circumstances require students to bring a vehicle to campus, the vehicle should be parked in a University parking facility.

Student Commuter monthly parking is available to all students at the University. Student Contract parking allows the student unlimited access to the University Parking Garage or the Marvin Center during the regular operating hours of the respective facility. No overnight parking is permitted. This monthly arrangement allows the student to pay in advance for a calendar monthly permit. Student Contract permits are valid for parking at the following locations only:

• Ivory Tower - 616 23rd St. NW
  (Student entrance is on Virginia Ave)
• Elliott School Garage - 1957 E St. NW
  (Student entrance is on 19th Street)
• Marvin Center Garage - 800 21 St. NW
  (Entrance is on H Street)

The fee for a Student Contract permit is $175.00 including 12% D.C. Parking Tax. The month runs from the first calendar day to the last calendar day of the month. Renewals of a Student Contract permit can be purchased in the Parking Office during the last week of every month.