3:45 p.m. Rule

Park Beyond Your Zone 

After 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday and effective all-day Saturday and Sunday, most PATS parking permits may be utilized in any regular permitted parking spaces not otherwise restricted by signage across The University. Permits valid for use under the 3:45 p.m. Rule, are as follows: 

  • Campus Resident zones not including "R" zone and "S" zone.
  • Lobo Village and Lobo Rainforest residents.
  • Lomas ("S" zone) & Yale ("Y" zone) Parking Structures other permit types not valid in structure unless stated otherwise.
  • Proximity & Commuter zones.

For Academic Year 2026-2027 (AY26-27), PATS is implementing Phase 2 of its LPR rollout by expanding virtual permit program to include faculty and staff parking zones and all remaining student parking zones. At UNM, your license plate is your permit. Just park and go - no decals, no hassle. 

  • For a smooth parking experience, keep your license plate visible unless posted signs state otherwise. (such as reverse angle back-in parking along Las Lomas Rd & Campus Blvd.).
  • Ensure your license plate is unobstructed and clean.

Learn more about License Plate Recognition (LPR) at goto.unm.edu/lpr-tech 

The 3:45 Rule DOES NOT apply to: 

  • Any parking space restricted by signage including reserved, pay station, patient parking, visitor or guest, official and service vehicle only, ADA, fire lanes, safety curbs, and loading zones. 
  • Out of assigned zone parking in any of the Parking Structures located on Central Campus (Cornell, Lomas, or Yale Structures) unless stated otherwise by PATS. 
  • Out of assigned zone parking in any/all student resident (dorm) zones including "R" zone, "S" zone (Lomas Structure), Lobo Rainforest, Lobo Village, and "GR" zone (Greek Life). 
  • Out of assigned zone parking in the Vassar Drive resident zone.
  • City of Albuquerque resident zones. 
  • South Lot (aka Stadium East) on UNM Athletics Game Days. 
  • AML, CHTM, STP, and any/all New Employee temporary permits. 
  • Student resident "R" zone and "S" zones (Lomas Structure) permits may not relocate under the 3:45 P.M. Rule to other parking zones.