Avoid the 'busted' blues

Welcome to campus. You pull in, car jam-packed with everything you will need for a successful year and are greeted by … parking lots.

Lots and lots of parking lots.

Each one with a sign identifying what type of permit is necessary in order to park there legally.

Say what?

Central Michigan University has a parking system that is -- "complicated" seems like a reasonable word -- so let's break it down to keep you from paying extra fines.

Bottom line me

We get it, you're busy. If you have time to read no further, take these next few points to heart:

• Permits are required for all vehicles parked on campus between 2 a.m. and 5 p.m., year round. And the CMU Police Department, which is responsible for patrolling our parking lots, is understandably strict about that.
• All CMU parking lots are designated for a specific permit. You will see signage at the entrance to each lot, telling you who may or may not park in that space. Also, the CMU PD maintains a campus map that not only shows campus parking lots in university-approved technicolor, but also the different buildings, facilities and roads you will need to know for the next four years. If you aren't sure, it never hurts to ask. (Pro tip: Do yourself a favor and download and save the map to your phone, laptop, tablet or whatever device you prefer for referencing as you get comfortable here.)
• To reiterate: Lot entrance signs designate which permits are allowed to park there!
• License plates must face the drive lane at all times while parked on campus. If you prefer to pull-through or back into a spot, there is a front-plate option for $10 that replicates your back license.
• That's because permits are virtual and connected to your state-issued license plate, and in Michigan only a back plate is required.
• Permits are active when you buy them.
• All permit types, including bicycles, can be obtained by visiting parking.cmich.edu.

It costs how much?

First and foremost, the permitting system. Central Michigan University has a two-year, live-in policy for most first- and second-year students. For many new arrivals, that will mean getting either a Maroon Permit or a South Permit. The cost is the same for each; the difference depends on the amount of credit hours you're bringing to college with you.

Here's the breakdown:

• On-campus undergraduate permit: $165 per year.
• On-campus graduate, or off-campus commuter student permit: $190 per year.
• Guest permits: $5 per day

CMU also has its share of parking meters in place for those who want to just run onto campus for a short visit, without having to get a guest pass or pay for a full-scale permit.

• Metered parking is enforced from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Cost is $1 for 30 minutes, payable in quarters only.
• The maximum allotted time for a meter is two hours ($4).
• Parking is prohibited in metered spaces between 2 and 6 a.m.

For those who are interested in hanging out longer than two hours, but no more than four, Pango may be the best option. Here's the deal, though, it requires a mobile app to use. Search "Pango Parking" in your device's app store.

• Pango is regulated from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Cost is $1 per 30 minutes, plus a convenience fee, generally with a maximum time limit of four hours ($8 per session.)
• Pango meters on the Bovee University Center Drive and Lot 57 at the Towers Residence Hall are limited to 30 minutes.

Pedal power

With beautiful, winding trails and virtually no topographical change (we're still searching for the Mount in Mount Pleasant - let us know if you find it, please!), middle Michigan is a perfect spot for cyclists … roughly six months out of the year.

If your transportation plans involve pedaling rather than putting the pedal to the metal, bicycles are definitely welcome on campus. Buildings have bike racks located outside and the campus thoroughfares are definitely wide enough for some safe cycling.

However, take note that your bike must be registered with the CMU PD for the safety and security of you and your property.

• Bicycle registration permits are free and available online
• Bicycles must be parked at designated rack, locked and in operable condition.
• Any motorcycles or mopeds over 50 ccs must be registered as a vehicle in order to legally park on campus. Those under 50 ccs must be registered as a bicycle and parked at a rack.
• To register your bike, you must have the brand name, serial number, color and type.
• All permits must be properly affixed to your bike before they are considered valid.

Micro-mobility

When it comes to getting around campus on a beautiful day, no doubt the Bird is the word. Micro-mobility options like electronic skateboards and scooters are increasingly popular forms of personal transport. But, of course, there are some tips to keep you safe:

· The on-campus speed limit is strictly enforced at 10 mph. (In fact, if you're riding a campus-owned scooter, the devices are programmed to self-limit at 10 mph so good luck breaking the law there!)

· Micro-mobility devices must be parked at bike racks or designated parking corrals on campus.

· They are strictly prohibited from being brought into, charged within or stored inside any university building, including dorm rooms!

· Personal devices must be registered with a CMU parking services bicycle permit.

Still confused?

If this is all feeling a bit overwhelming, you're not alone. For full details, the CMU Parking website is cmich.edu/about/campus-safety/cmu-police/parking-services.

You can also contact the Parking Services Office between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the summer) at 989-774-3083 or parking@cmich.edu.

The office is located in the Combined Services Building at 1720 E. Campus Drive.

For after-hours help or police assistance, call the Police Dispatch center at 989-774-3081 or police@cmich.edu. CMU PD's lost and found can be contacted at 989-774-1835 or cmulostfound@cmich.edu.

When in doubt, ask. Yes, they're cops and there are lots of rules, but above all, they're awfully nice and here to help you stay safe, secure and on the right side of the traffic law.