Student permits expire on the final day of each quarter; next-quarter purchasing generally opens about two weeks before the current quarter ends.
Source ↗Car rules and parking at University of Washington
First-year students can bring a car.
Start with the eligibility details below, then weigh permit cost, timing, overnight access, and transit. Source ↗
At a glance
Parking snapshot
Resident space is limited and fills quickly; the assigned lot depends on space available at purchase.
Source ↗Resident permit holders may use unrestricted lots after 4 p.m. and before 6 a.m.; assigned-lot and posted rules apply at other times.
Source ↗Parking permits remain required during academic breaks and summer. A quarterly permit expires at quarter end, so separate break parking may be required.
Source ↗Who qualifies
Eligibility details
On-campus first-year resident
Resident permits are limited to students living in residence halls and are assigned by available space.
Source ↗Commuter
Students may purchase commuter day or night parking by academic quarter, subject to the listed location and time rules.
Source ↗Upperclass student
Not confirmed—check the official parking office
Not confirmedAccommodation or exception
Not confirmed—check the official parking office
Not confirmedIf you skip the car
Primary car-free alternative
The U-PASS provides unlimited regional buses, commuter trains, light rail, water taxis, NightRide, and other covered services.
Source ↗Test it against your routineCommon questions
University of Washington car and parking FAQ
Can freshmen have cars at University of Washington?
First-year students can bring a car. Resident permits are limited to students living in residence halls and are assigned by available space.
How much is a parking permit at University of Washington?
Not confirmed—check the official parking office. No current annual or semester price was verified.
When do University of Washington parking permits go on sale?
Student permits expire on the final day of each quarter; next-quarter purchasing generally opens about two weeks before the current quarter ends.
Is a car worth it at University of Washington?
It depends on your routine and permit access. The official sources identify The U-PASS provides unlimited regional buses, commuter trains, light rail, water taxis, NightRide, and other covered services. 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.
Student parking ↗
Residence-hall students may buy limited quarterly resident parking. Permits expire each quarter, remain required during breaks, and resident permits have specified after-hours cross-parking.
University of Washington Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedParking rates ↗
The student parking rate is $8.35 per day for the July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 rate year.
University of Washington Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedU-PASS ↗
Most Seattle students receive a $73 quarterly U-PASS covering unlimited regional bus, train, light-rail, water-taxi, and NightRide service.
University of Washington Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedKeep comparing