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License Plate Recognition Technology Will Enhance Parking Permit Process

August 11, 2025

ISU Parking and Transportation Services is pleased to announce a simple and more convenient process for obtaining parking permits on campus. Beginning with a gradual rollout this fall, and with an official launch date in January 2026, employees and students will see new patrol vehicles on campus that are equipped with license plate recognition (LPR) technology.  

The new virtual permitting system will store up to four license plate numbers for each individual who obtains a parking permit, eliminating the need for hang tags and other physical permits.

The specialized patrol cars will read the license plates to determine if the proper permit has been obtained so it is important for vehicles to be parked in a manner that allows the patrol car to view them. Parking and Transportation Services employees will drive the vehicles, and when they receive a hit (violation), they will stop the vehicle, turn on the warning lights, evaluate the situation, and if warranted, issue a citation.  

To allow time for those who park on campus to adjust to the new procedures as the LPR system is implemented, drivers may be issued a warning or two before receiving a citation.  

Signage will be added in many lots to ensure parking regulations are clear for everyone who is parking a vehicle on campus. 

Permits purchased prior to the official launch date will automatically be transferred into the virtual permitting system. Drivers will be able to access the system to add license plate numbers for additional vehicles once the implementation has been completed. 

For visitors to campus, and day users, MobilePay has been implemented across campus, which will work alongside the LPR system. If individuals are not interested in this option, they can stop by the parking office and purchase a permit in person. They will be asked to provide their vehicle information including license plate number, make, model, year, and color.

Many of the campus health clinic parking locations have also been converted to MobilePay, with more expected additions in the future. When visiting a clinic, individuals will receive a validation code from the clinic to complete their MobilePay transaction. This ensures they do not have to pay the temporary parking fee. If there are clinics that have not made this change, please reach out to Parking and Transportation Services. 

Currently, the Pocatello campus is the first to implement this change. Once the implementation has been completed in Pocatello, implementation will start at other campuses. 

For more information call (208) 282-2625 or visit their website.
isu.edu/parking/permit-information/license-plate-recognition.


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