AVI at URI

The Parking and Transportation Department at the University of Rhode Island provides information on its website on an Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) system, which grants access to gated Faculty and Staff parking lots. The website indicates that it is a tag similar to an EZ Pass, placed on a vehicle windshield, that allows access to gated lots without swiping an ID. Automatic Vehicle Identification Radio Frequency (RF) technology (AVI) is used at gated Faculty and Staff parking locations across the URI campus to automatically open entry gates.

AVI is used by URI instead of card access systems because card access systems alone can be slow and inconvenient to use. The AVI system is extremely fast, authenticating access in fractions of a second. AVI devices are 3.5-inches long by 2.5-inches wide — approximately the size of a credit card — and must be secured to vehicle front windshields. URI indicates the following benefits result from the use of the AVI system:

  • It operates successfully in all campus gated Faculty and Staff parking lots.
  • It saves the time and eliminates the frustration of fumbling for forgotten or misplaced ID cards.
  • It controls access to an area, encouraging only legal parking in the area.
  • The devices can be disabled easily if stolen.
  • AVI devices can be programmed for any time period of use and do not require batteries.
  • AVI holders can continue to use the device as long as they are affiliated with the university, and the AVI can be turned off when no longer in use.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Fayetteville State University Opens New College of Education Building

    Fayetteville State University (FSU) in Fayetteville, N.C., recently celebrated the opening of a new $69.3-million College of Education building, according to a university news release.

  • Building Beyond Simulation: Creating Immersive Ecosystems for Healthcare Education

    Health sciences education is one of the fastest-growing facility types in colleges and universities. The demand for medical, nursing, and allied health professionals is driving the creation and renovation of medical simulation training facilities that provide students with real-world experience through advanced simulation-based learning.

  • Longwood University Hits Construction Milestone on New Music Education Facility

    Longwood University in Farmville, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of its new music education and performance facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with development and construction firm Skanska on the 63,800-square-foot facility, which began construction in August 2025 and has an estimated completion date of fall 2028.