The Green and Orchard Park housing parking assignments are announced in late August; standard eligible daily parking is purchased in AggiePark.
Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗Car rules and parking at University of California, Davis
First-year students can bring a car only under restrictions.
Start with the eligibility details below, then weigh permit cost, timing, overnight access, and transit. Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗
At a glance
Parking snapshot
Residence halls have no standard student permit supply; The Green and Orchard Park use limited-quantity lotteries.
Source ↗Not confirmed—check the official parking office
Not confirmedParking regulations are enforced year-round, including quarter breaks and summer; university holidays are exempt.
Source ↗Who qualifies
Eligibility details
On-campus first-year resident
Residence-hall students are not eligible to purchase or display campus parking permits and may not bring a car to campus; apartment parking is separately limited or lottery-based.
Source ↗Commuter
Students otherwise eligible to park may purchase daily affiliate access in C, C+, L, M, or F zones.
Source ↗Upperclass student
Not confirmed—check the official parking office
Not confirmedAccommodation or exception
A residence-hall student may submit a written appeal for extenuating circumstances; distance from home, ordinary work or class obligations, ownership, and social activities generally do not qualify.
Source ↗If you skip the car
Primary car-free alternative
UC Davis undergraduates ride Unitrans and Yolobus free with university ID, and the Causeway Connection is free to all Aggies.
Source ↗Test it against your routineCommon questions
University of California, Davis car and parking FAQ
Can freshmen have cars at University of California, Davis?
First-year students can bring a car only under restrictions. Residence-hall students are not eligible to purchase or display campus parking permits and may not bring a car to campus; apartment parking is separately limited or lottery-based.
How much is a parking permit at University of California, Davis?
Not confirmed—check the official parking office. No current annual or semester price was verified.
When do University of California, Davis parking permits go on sale?
The Green and Orchard Park housing parking assignments are announced in late August; standard eligible daily parking is purchased in AggiePark.
Is a car worth it at University of California, Davis?
It depends on your routine and permit access. The official sources identify UC Davis undergraduates ride Unitrans and Yolobus free with university ID, and the Causeway Connection is free to all Aggies. as a car-free option. Use the decision tool to weigh your own travel needs.
Trace the answer
Cited official sources
These verified university sources support the current claims above. Follow each link for the full policy.
Parking and cars ↗
Residence-hall students cannot buy or display campus permits or bring a car. Apartment parking is limited or lottery-based, and residence-hall exceptions require a written appeal.
UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedPermit types and rates ↗
C-zone access is available to commuting students, and the FY 2026–27 affiliate C rate is $5.50 daily; L and M are $3.75 and F is $2.75. Enforcement continues during quarter breaks and summer, except university holidays.
UC Davis Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedCommute options ↗
The university lists free Unitrans and Yolobus rides for undergraduates with ID and free Causeway Connection rides for all Aggies.
UC Davis Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedKeep comparing