Metered and Pre-Pay Parking

Overview

  • Meters are available in several lots across campus.
  • Hours of enforcement and time limits are clearly posted on each meter.
  • Payment Methods:
    • ParkMobile (mobile app)
    • Cash (coins only, where acceptable)

Pay Lots are Cashless

  • Visit ParkMobile for more information and to download the ParkMobile app for your mobile device.

Pay Lot Locations

Lot 21

  • Location: West side of campus, next to Armory Building

East Campus Parking Deck

  • Location: Union Drive, near Forker Building and across from East and Heady Halls

Lot 100

  • Location: East side of campus near the Lied Recreation Center

Memorial Union Ramp

Ames Intermodal Facility

  • Location: West side of Campustown
  • Reserved parking and pre-pay areas are enforced all hours every day
  • Learn more about the Ames Intermodal Facility

How to Pay for Parking

Meter and Pre-Pay Areas Charge

  • ~$1.50 per hour for all meters and pre-pay spaces.

ParkMobile (Mobile Payment System)

  • Scan the sticker or posted sign at the meters to pay online.
  • Alternatively, download the ParkMobile App to pay directly from your phone.
  • Valid for both Pre-Pay lots and parking meters on campus.

Cash

  • Accepted Coins: Dollar, quarter, nickel, and dimes.
  • Coins Not Accepted: Pennies, half-dollars, or any other objects (will not provide time).

Hours of Enforcement

Meters

  • Some meters require payment at all hours of every day.
  • Others are enforced from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. weekdays
  • Always read signs and stickers on individual meters for enforcement hours.

Push-Button Loading Zones

  • Meters with green tops allow free 30-minute parking when the button is pushed.
  • Located near residence halls and buildings with limited parking for brief drop-off or pick-up.
  • Not for all-day parking.
  • Enforced all hours of every day, even in staff lots.

Pre-Pay Lots

  • Ames Intermodal Facility requires payment at all hours, every day.
    • Credit cards accepted
  • Campus Pre-Pay Lots (Lot 21, East Campus Pay Area, Lot 100)
    • Payment is required Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Troubleshooting: Meters

No Time Displayed After Coins Were Inserted

  • Ensure you use US currency (no pennies, foreign coins, or tokens).
  • Do not insert more coins if you see a jam.
  • Move to another meter if possible and report the broken meter.

Coins or Other objects stuck in the slot

  • If the meter is jammed, it won’t accept money or give time.
  • Do not insert more coins.
  • Move to another meter and report the broken one.

Blank Screen on Meter

  • A blank screen usually means the battery is dead.
  • Do not insert any more coins.
  • Move to another meter and report it as broken.

The Screen Displays Weird Characters

  • "JAM" means the meter is jammed, and "LOW" means a low battery.
  • Do not insert any more coins.
  • Move to another meter and report the issue.

Red Light on the Meter

Tan or Red Bag on the Meter

  • Do not park at a bagged meter.
  • These are reserved for specific people or events.
  • You may be ticketed and towed if you park there without authorization.
  • Find another meter to park in.

Cannot Read the ParkMobile Zone Number (Sticker Scratched)

  • Check nearby meters to figure out the correct zone number.
  • If you can’t find it, pay at the nearest working meter.
  • Report the broken meter and tell them which meter you paid at.

Paid with ParkMobile, but Meter Shows Red (Expired)

  • Meters are not connected to the internet, so the red wheel won’t turn green.
  • Enforcement officers check the online system to see who has paid.

Troubleshooting: Payment Kiosk

Pay Machine Kiosk Not Accepting Change

  • The coin chute might be jammed.
  • Use the other pay machine in the lot or the ParkMobile app to pay.
  • Report the issue to the ISU Parking Office.

Coins Keep Falling Through, and No Apparent Jam

  • Only use US currency (no pennies or foreign coins).
  • If coins don’t register, try a few more times.
  • If the problem continues, use the other pay machine or the ParkMobile app.
  • Report it to the ISU Parking Office.

Pay Machine Kiosk Not Accepting Smart Card

  • Make sure to insert the card completely until it clicks.
  • If it doesn’t work, gently clean the card with a soft cloth.
  • If it’s still not working, visit the Parking Office for a replacement card.

Screen is Black

  • Press any button to wake the screen.
  • Wait 15 seconds.
  • If the screen stays black, use the other machine or the ParkMobile app.
  • Report the issue to the ISU Parking Office.

Screen Appears to be Frozen

  • Use the other pay machine in the lot or the ParkMobile app.
  • Report the machine to the ISU Parking Office.