Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular – and this means that there are brand new penalties specifically designed to support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads.

Adding to an ever-evolving list of road rules and regulations, four Australian states and territories have rolled out hefty fines for drivers who are caught breaking a lesser-known and new rule.

Drivers from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria could face fines as high as $3,200 for ‘ICE-ing’, or the term for parking in spaces meant for electric vehicles and blocking an electric vehicle’s charging station.

Additionally, the maximum penalty for obstructing charging stations has been introduced by the states of ACT, NSW, and QLD, with fines of up to 20 penalty points.

However, the fine amounts differ in each state because of different unit prices. It could go up to $3,200 in the ACT, $2,200 in NSW, and $2,875 in QLD. Meanwhile, in Victoria, misusing an electric vehicle’s charging spot incurs a fine of $369 and two penalty units.

This new rule imposes heavy penalties if the driver gets caught. Credit: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha/Pexels

New South Wales Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said the government added the road rule to ‘support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads’.

‘To make sure we keep the community moving forward, we want electric vehicle drivers to have access to charging stations when they are on offer,’ she said.

In a poll released by Yahoo!News, they asked social media users if $3,200 is too high of a price to pay for parking in an electric charging bay. As of writing, 78 per cent of social media users who voted agreed that the hefty fine was unreasonable. Meanwhile, 22 per cent disagreed and said this sends an important message to drivers.

In comparison, in NSW, the fine for parking in a standard no-parking zone is $117, and $275 for stopping in a no-stopping zone.

Despite the hefty penalties, experts say that this new rule is important to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers from doing the equivalent of parking ‘in front of a fuel bowser’.

And while the fines apply to drivers who leave petrol or diesel vehicles in spaces designated for electric cars, EV drivers who occupy the spots while not recharging their vehicles can also face penalties.

Chris Jones, National President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, said that while the penalties for blocking infrastructure were high, they were necessary to educate the public – especially drivers who do not consider the repercussions of their actions.

‘No one would like it if I parked my vehicle in front of a fuel bowser and walked inside and ordered lunch. There needs to be an acknowledgement that there are places you can park and places you can't, and right in front of an EV charger is one where you can't,’ he explained.

A row of EV chargers being blocked by cars in Victoria. Credit: Facebook

Electric Vehicle Council Policy Head Jake Whitehead stated that the fines send ‘a very clear and strong signal’.

‘Every charger available is critical and valuable to the fleet of 80,000-odd EVs in the country, and we need to make sure they’re not blocked, either intentionally or accidentally,’ Mr Whitehead claimed.

He added that while people make genuine mistakes while parking, there needs to be a broader recognition across society. ‘These chargers need to be available to EVs so we can have more on our roads,’ he said.

Mr Whitehead also thinks that greater education is needed for petrol car drivers who have encountered chargers added to existing car parks, as well as new EV drivers who do not recognise the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers as soon as possible.

In February, the NSW Government announced a fast-tracked rollout of public and private 30,000 chargers by 2026.

According to the EV, there are more than 83,000 electric vehicles in Australia, with battery-powered vehicles making up 6.8% of all new car sales in February.

This comes after another road rule was uncovered recently. It was reported that if you’re caught by police speeding up just as another vehicle is trying to overtake you, you could land yourself either an on-the-spot fine of $86 or up to $2,875 in court fees – depending on where you’re caught. You can read more about this rule in this article.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers could be fined as much as $3,200 for parking in a space for electric vehicles.
• The fines, ranging from $3,200 in the Australian Capital Territory to $369 in Victoria, are intended to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers 'ICE-ing' or using internal combustion engine cars in EV spaces.
• Victorian drivers can be fined $369 for misusing an electric vehicle charging space.
• The Australian Electric Vehicle Association and the Electric Vehicle Council advise greater education may be needed for petrol car drivers who encounter chargers in existing car parks and for new electric vehicle drivers who may lack understanding of the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers.

Members, have you heard of ICE-ing before? How do you feel about the heavy penalties that have been introduced? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Marie Ann]

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular – and this means that there are brand new penalties specifically designed to support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads.

Adding to an ever-evolving list of road rules and regulations, four Australian states and territories have rolled out hefty fines for drivers who are caught breaking a lesser-known and new rule.

Drivers from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria could face fines as high as $3,200 for ‘ICE-ing’, or the term for parking in spaces meant for electric vehicles and blocking an electric vehicle’s charging station.

Additionally, the maximum penalty for obstructing charging stations has been introduced by the states of ACT, NSW, and QLD, with fines of up to 20 penalty points.

However, the fine amounts differ in each state because of different unit prices. It could go up to $3,200 in the ACT, $2,200 in NSW, and $2,875 in QLD. Meanwhile, in Victoria, misusing an electric vehicle’s charging spot incurs a fine of $369 and two penalty units.

View attachment 15729

This new rule imposes heavy penalties if the driver gets caught. Credit: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha/Pexels

New South Wales Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said the government added the road rule to ‘support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads’.

‘To make sure we keep the community moving forward, we want electric vehicle drivers to have access to charging stations when they are on offer,’ she said.

In a poll released by Yahoo!News, they asked social media users if $3,200 is too high of a price to pay for parking in an electric charging bay. As of writing, 78 per cent of social media users who voted agreed that the hefty fine was unreasonable. Meanwhile, 22 per cent disagreed and said this sends an important message to drivers.

In comparison, in NSW, the fine for parking in a standard no-parking zone is $117, and $275 for stopping in a no-stopping zone.

Despite the hefty penalties, experts say that this new rule is important to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers from doing the equivalent of parking ‘in front of a fuel bowser’.

And while the fines apply to drivers who leave petrol or diesel vehicles in spaces designated for electric cars, EV drivers who occupy the spots while not recharging their vehicles can also face penalties.

Chris Jones, National President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, said that while the penalties for blocking infrastructure were high, they were necessary to educate the public – especially drivers who do not consider the repercussions of their actions.

‘No one would like it if I parked my vehicle in front of a fuel bowser and walked inside and ordered lunch. There needs to be an acknowledgement that there are places you can park and places you can't, and right in front of an EV charger is one where you can't,’ he explained.

View attachment 15730

A row of EV chargers being blocked by cars in Victoria. Credit: Facebook

Electric Vehicle Council Policy Head Jake Whitehead stated that the fines send ‘a very clear and strong signal’.

‘Every charger available is critical and valuable to the fleet of 80,000-odd EVs in the country, and we need to make sure they’re not blocked, either intentionally or accidentally,’ Mr Whitehead claimed.

He added that while people make genuine mistakes while parking, there needs to be a broader recognition across society. ‘These chargers need to be available to EVs so we can have more on our roads,’ he said.

Mr Whitehead also thinks that greater education is needed for petrol car drivers who have encountered chargers added to existing car parks, as well as new EV drivers who do not recognise the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers as soon as possible.

In February, the NSW Government announced a fast-tracked rollout of public and private 30,000 chargers by 2026.

According to the EV, there are more than 83,000 electric vehicles in Australia, with battery-powered vehicles making up 6.8% of all new car sales in February.

This comes after another road rule was uncovered recently. It was reported that if you’re caught by police speeding up just as another vehicle is trying to overtake you, you could land yourself either an on-the-spot fine of $86 or up to $2,875 in court fees – depending on where you’re caught. You can read more about this rule in this article.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers could be fined as much as $3,200 for parking in a space for electric vehicles.
• The fines, ranging from $3,200 in the Australian Capital Territory to $369 in Victoria, are intended to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers 'ICE-ing' or using internal combustion engine cars in EV spaces.
• Victorian drivers can be fined $369 for misusing an electric vehicle charging space.
• The Australian Electric Vehicle Association and the Electric Vehicle Council advise greater education may be needed for petrol car drivers who encounter chargers in existing car parks and for new electric vehicle drivers who may lack understanding of the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers.

Members, have you heard of ICE-ing before? How do you feel about the heavy penalties that have been introduced? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If they will park in a disability parking space, they will park anywhere

 

[Baz1960]

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular – and this means that there are brand new penalties specifically designed to support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads.

Adding to an ever-evolving list of road rules and regulations, four Australian states and territories have rolled out hefty fines for drivers who are caught breaking a lesser-known and new rule.

Drivers from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria could face fines as high as $3,200 for ‘ICE-ing’, or the term for parking in spaces meant for electric vehicles and blocking an electric vehicle’s charging station.

Additionally, the maximum penalty for obstructing charging stations has been introduced by the states of ACT, NSW, and QLD, with fines of up to 20 penalty points.

However, the fine amounts differ in each state because of different unit prices. It could go up to $3,200 in the ACT, $2,200 in NSW, and $2,875 in QLD. Meanwhile, in Victoria, misusing an electric vehicle’s charging spot incurs a fine of $369 and two penalty units.

View attachment 15729

This new rule imposes heavy penalties if the driver gets caught. Credit: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha/Pexels

New South Wales Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said the government added the road rule to ‘support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads’.

‘To make sure we keep the community moving forward, we want electric vehicle drivers to have access to charging stations when they are on offer,’ she said.

In a poll released by Yahoo!News, they asked social media users if $3,200 is too high of a price to pay for parking in an electric charging bay. As of writing, 78 per cent of social media users who voted agreed that the hefty fine was unreasonable. Meanwhile, 22 per cent disagreed and said this sends an important message to drivers.

In comparison, in NSW, the fine for parking in a standard no-parking zone is $117, and $275 for stopping in a no-stopping zone.

Despite the hefty penalties, experts say that this new rule is important to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers from doing the equivalent of parking ‘in front of a fuel bowser’.

And while the fines apply to drivers who leave petrol or diesel vehicles in spaces designated for electric cars, EV drivers who occupy the spots while not recharging their vehicles can also face penalties.

Chris Jones, National President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, said that while the penalties for blocking infrastructure were high, they were necessary to educate the public – especially drivers who do not consider the repercussions of their actions.

‘No one would like it if I parked my vehicle in front of a fuel bowser and walked inside and ordered lunch. There needs to be an acknowledgement that there are places you can park and places you can't, and right in front of an EV charger is one where you can't,’ he explained.

View attachment 15730

A row of EV chargers being blocked by cars in Victoria. Credit: Facebook

Electric Vehicle Council Policy Head Jake Whitehead stated that the fines send ‘a very clear and strong signal’.

‘Every charger available is critical and valuable to the fleet of 80,000-odd EVs in the country, and we need to make sure they’re not blocked, either intentionally or accidentally,’ Mr Whitehead claimed.

He added that while people make genuine mistakes while parking, there needs to be a broader recognition across society. ‘These chargers need to be available to EVs so we can have more on our roads,’ he said.

Mr Whitehead also thinks that greater education is needed for petrol car drivers who have encountered chargers added to existing car parks, as well as new EV drivers who do not recognise the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers as soon as possible.

In February, the NSW Government announced a fast-tracked rollout of public and private 30,000 chargers by 2026.

According to the EV, there are more than 83,000 electric vehicles in Australia, with battery-powered vehicles making up 6.8% of all new car sales in February.

This comes after another road rule was uncovered recently. It was reported that if you’re caught by police speeding up just as another vehicle is trying to overtake you, you could land yourself either an on-the-spot fine of $86 or up to $2,875 in court fees – depending on where you’re caught. You can read more about this rule in this article.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers could be fined as much as $3,200 for parking in a space for electric vehicles.
• The fines, ranging from $3,200 in the Australian Capital Territory to $369 in Victoria, are intended to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers 'ICE-ing' or using internal combustion engine cars in EV spaces.
• Victorian drivers can be fined $369 for misusing an electric vehicle charging space.
• The Australian Electric Vehicle Association and the Electric Vehicle Council advise greater education may be needed for petrol car drivers who encounter chargers in existing car parks and for new electric vehicle drivers who may lack understanding of the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers.

Members, have you heard of ICE-ing before? How do you feel about the heavy penalties that have been introduced? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Let's see if the Tradie at Bunnings blocking the driveway will push back on this one lol.

 

[Greatgwr]

Love it I am sick of not being able to Charge away from home and having to wait for some arrogant ICE driver to come back for their car before I can charge Not to mention the abuse you cop because they believe electric cars are a nuisance and inconvenience. to them I have disability parking but is amazing the number of disability drivers who think charging parks are disability parks.

 

[Pat T]

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular – and this means that there are brand new penalties specifically designed to support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads.

Adding to an ever-evolving list of road rules and regulations, four Australian states and territories have rolled out hefty fines for drivers who are caught breaking a lesser-known and new rule.

Drivers from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria could face fines as high as $3,200 for ‘ICE-ing’, or the term for parking in spaces meant for electric vehicles and blocking an electric vehicle’s charging station.

Additionally, the maximum penalty for obstructing charging stations has been introduced by the states of ACT, NSW, and QLD, with fines of up to 20 penalty points.

However, the fine amounts differ in each state because of different unit prices. It could go up to $3,200 in the ACT, $2,200 in NSW, and $2,875 in QLD. Meanwhile, in Victoria, misusing an electric vehicle’s charging spot incurs a fine of $369 and two penalty units.

View attachment 15729

This new rule imposes heavy penalties if the driver gets caught. Credit: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha/Pexels

New South Wales Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said the government added the road rule to ‘support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads’.

‘To make sure we keep the community moving forward, we want electric vehicle drivers to have access to charging stations when they are on offer,’ she said.

In a poll released by Yahoo!News, they asked social media users if $3,200 is too high of a price to pay for parking in an electric charging bay. As of writing, 78 per cent of social media users who voted agreed that the hefty fine was unreasonable. Meanwhile, 22 per cent disagreed and said this sends an important message to drivers.

In comparison, in NSW, the fine for parking in a standard no-parking zone is $117, and $275 for stopping in a no-stopping zone.

Despite the hefty penalties, experts say that this new rule is important to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers from doing the equivalent of parking ‘in front of a fuel bowser’.

And while the fines apply to drivers who leave petrol or diesel vehicles in spaces designated for electric cars, EV drivers who occupy the spots while not recharging their vehicles can also face penalties.

Chris Jones, National President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, said that while the penalties for blocking infrastructure were high, they were necessary to educate the public – especially drivers who do not consider the repercussions of their actions.

‘No one would like it if I parked my vehicle in front of a fuel bowser and walked inside and ordered lunch. There needs to be an acknowledgement that there are places you can park and places you can't, and right in front of an EV charger is one where you can't,’ he explained.

View attachment 15730

A row of EV chargers being blocked by cars in Victoria. Credit: Facebook

Electric Vehicle Council Policy Head Jake Whitehead stated that the fines send ‘a very clear and strong signal’.

‘Every charger available is critical and valuable to the fleet of 80,000-odd EVs in the country, and we need to make sure they’re not blocked, either intentionally or accidentally,’ Mr Whitehead claimed.

He added that while people make genuine mistakes while parking, there needs to be a broader recognition across society. ‘These chargers need to be available to EVs so we can have more on our roads,’ he said.

Mr Whitehead also thinks that greater education is needed for petrol car drivers who have encountered chargers added to existing car parks, as well as new EV drivers who do not recognise the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers as soon as possible.

In February, the NSW Government announced a fast-tracked rollout of public and private 30,000 chargers by 2026.

According to the EV, there are more than 83,000 electric vehicles in Australia, with battery-powered vehicles making up 6.8% of all new car sales in February.

This comes after another road rule was uncovered recently. It was reported that if you’re caught by police speeding up just as another vehicle is trying to overtake you, you could land yourself either an on-the-spot fine of $86 or up to $2,875 in court fees – depending on where you’re caught. You can read more about this rule in this article.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers could be fined as much as $3,200 for parking in a space for electric vehicles.
• The fines, ranging from $3,200 in the Australian Capital Territory to $369 in Victoria, are intended to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers 'ICE-ing' or using internal combustion engine cars in EV spaces.
• Victorian drivers can be fined $369 for misusing an electric vehicle charging space.
• The Australian Electric Vehicle Association and the Electric Vehicle Council advise greater education may be needed for petrol car drivers who encounter chargers in existing car parks and for new electric vehicle drivers who may lack understanding of the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers.

Members, have you heard of ICE-ing before? How do you feel about the heavy penalties that have been introduced? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Hadn’t heard of “ice-ing. Not interested in EV. Would have to fill up every 200 kms when towing the van And hope there’s a filling station. (Can’t fill up a jerry can with 20 lts of electricity. )Wait at least half an hour for each vehicle in front to fill. Holiday would be over before we got there. Good for city driving. Fines not too high. If people are so inconsiderate, then they need educating.

 

[Catherines]

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular – and this means that there are brand new penalties specifically designed to support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads.

Adding to an ever-evolving list of road rules and regulations, four Australian states and territories have rolled out hefty fines for drivers who are caught breaking a lesser-known and new rule.

Drivers from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria could face fines as high as $3,200 for ‘ICE-ing’, or the term for parking in spaces meant for electric vehicles and blocking an electric vehicle’s charging station.

Additionally, the maximum penalty for obstructing charging stations has been introduced by the states of ACT, NSW, and QLD, with fines of up to 20 penalty points.

However, the fine amounts differ in each state because of different unit prices. It could go up to $3,200 in the ACT, $2,200 in NSW, and $2,875 in QLD. Meanwhile, in Victoria, misusing an electric vehicle’s charging spot incurs a fine of $369 and two penalty units.

View attachment 15729

This new rule imposes heavy penalties if the driver gets caught. Credit: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha/Pexels

New South Wales Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said the government added the road rule to ‘support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads’.

‘To make sure we keep the community moving forward, we want electric vehicle drivers to have access to charging stations when they are on offer,’ she said.

In a poll released by Yahoo!News, they asked social media users if $3,200 is too high of a price to pay for parking in an electric charging bay. As of writing, 78 per cent of social media users who voted agreed that the hefty fine was unreasonable. Meanwhile, 22 per cent disagreed and said this sends an important message to drivers.

In comparison, in NSW, the fine for parking in a standard no-parking zone is $117, and $275 for stopping in a no-stopping zone.

Despite the hefty penalties, experts say that this new rule is important to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers from doing the equivalent of parking ‘in front of a fuel bowser’.

And while the fines apply to drivers who leave petrol or diesel vehicles in spaces designated for electric cars, EV drivers who occupy the spots while not recharging their vehicles can also face penalties.

Chris Jones, National President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, said that while the penalties for blocking infrastructure were high, they were necessary to educate the public – especially drivers who do not consider the repercussions of their actions.

‘No one would like it if I parked my vehicle in front of a fuel bowser and walked inside and ordered lunch. There needs to be an acknowledgement that there are places you can park and places you can't, and right in front of an EV charger is one where you can't,’ he explained.

View attachment 15730

A row of EV chargers being blocked by cars in Victoria. Credit: Facebook

Electric Vehicle Council Policy Head Jake Whitehead stated that the fines send ‘a very clear and strong signal’.

‘Every charger available is critical and valuable to the fleet of 80,000-odd EVs in the country, and we need to make sure they’re not blocked, either intentionally or accidentally,’ Mr Whitehead claimed.

He added that while people make genuine mistakes while parking, there needs to be a broader recognition across society. ‘These chargers need to be available to EVs so we can have more on our roads,’ he said.

Mr Whitehead also thinks that greater education is needed for petrol car drivers who have encountered chargers added to existing car parks, as well as new EV drivers who do not recognise the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers as soon as possible.

In February, the NSW Government announced a fast-tracked rollout of public and private 30,000 chargers by 2026.

According to the EV, there are more than 83,000 electric vehicles in Australia, with battery-powered vehicles making up 6.8% of all new car sales in February.

This comes after another road rule was uncovered recently. It was reported that if you’re caught by police speeding up just as another vehicle is trying to overtake you, you could land yourself either an on-the-spot fine of $86 or up to $2,875 in court fees – depending on where you’re caught. You can read more about this rule in this article.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers could be fined as much as $3,200 for parking in a space for electric vehicles.
• The fines, ranging from $3,200 in the Australian Capital Territory to $369 in Victoria, are intended to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers 'ICE-ing' or using internal combustion engine cars in EV spaces.
• Victorian drivers can be fined $369 for misusing an electric vehicle charging space.
• The Australian Electric Vehicle Association and the Electric Vehicle Council advise greater education may be needed for petrol car drivers who encounter chargers in existing car parks and for new electric vehicle drivers who may lack understanding of the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers.

Members, have you heard of ICE-ing before? How do you feel about the heavy penalties that have been introduced? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Love it I am sick of not being able to Charge away from home and having to wait for some arrogant ICE driver to come back for their car before I can charge Not to mention the abuse you cop because they believe electric cars are a nuisance and inconvenience. to them I have disability parking but is amazing the number of disability drivers who think charging parks are disability parks.

We do not - EVER - park in disability parking spaces but have seen many people do so without a scrap of hesitance. About EV parking stations. I have not come across one or even seen one yet but looking at the picture here I feel super large signs indicating something like ‘NO PARKING. EV CHARGING STATION ONLY - FINE OF $*** WILL APPLY’ would perhaps deter some (and I say ‘perhaps’ knowing there’s always the defiant one abusing the system). A nice big fine could be a deterrent, hopefully.

 

[Ian Crane-Luff]

Love it I am sick of not being able to Charge away from home and having to wait for some arrogant ICE driver to come back for their car before I can charge Not to mention the abuse you cop because they believe electric cars are a nuisance and inconvenience. to them, I have disability parking but is amazing the number of disability drivers who think charging parks are disability parks.

They are as we can park in any parking spot apart from loading zones, bus and taxi zones and until the law is changed we'll do so also on your argument you shouldn't park in the general parking area that's used by ICEs

 

[Thecheesequeen]

What does ICE stand for?

 

[Glo72]

Look before you park,simple. There aren’t charging stations on every block so be considerate and don’t break the law. It is a big fine so hopefully a big deterrent. Also big signs.

 

[Vio Kot]

I dont like the parking spots that are for people with prams or even seniors. I can understand disabled parking and electric cars but the other 2 just stupid. But I've been told that its not mandatory to not park in them, so I do

 

[RTS]

If large fines are enforced then signage to this effect should be mandatory.

 

[Lee-Bee]

What does ICE stand for?

Internal combustion engine

 

[Aussie all the Way]

It should just be the same fine as parking in Disable spots, but you always have the ignorant dickhead who thinks they can park anywhere, so guess who will be getting the FINES.

 

[Emmy Im12]

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular – and this means that there are brand new penalties specifically designed to support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads.

Adding to an ever-evolving list of road rules and regulations, four Australian states and territories have rolled out hefty fines for drivers who are caught breaking a lesser-known and new rule.

Drivers from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria could face fines as high as $3,200 for ‘ICE-ing’, or the term for parking in spaces meant for electric vehicles and blocking an electric vehicle’s charging station.

Additionally, the maximum penalty for obstructing charging stations has been introduced by the states of ACT, NSW, and QLD, with fines of up to 20 penalty points.

However, the fine amounts differ in each state because of different unit prices. It could go up to $3,200 in the ACT, $2,200 in NSW, and $2,875 in QLD. Meanwhile, in Victoria, misusing an electric vehicle’s charging spot incurs a fine of $369 and two penalty units.

View attachment 15729

This new rule imposes heavy penalties if the driver gets caught. Credit: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha/Pexels

New South Wales Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said the government added the road rule to ‘support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads’.

‘To make sure we keep the community moving forward, we want electric vehicle drivers to have access to charging stations when they are on offer,’ she said.

In a poll released by Yahoo!News, they asked social media users if $3,200 is too high of a price to pay for parking in an electric charging bay. As of writing, 78 per cent of social media users who voted agreed that the hefty fine was unreasonable. Meanwhile, 22 per cent disagreed and said this sends an important message to drivers.

In comparison, in NSW, the fine for parking in a standard no-parking zone is $117, and $275 for stopping in a no-stopping zone.

Despite the hefty penalties, experts say that this new rule is important to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers from doing the equivalent of parking ‘in front of a fuel bowser’.

And while the fines apply to drivers who leave petrol or diesel vehicles in spaces designated for electric cars, EV drivers who occupy the spots while not recharging their vehicles can also face penalties.

Chris Jones, National President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, said that while the penalties for blocking infrastructure were high, they were necessary to educate the public – especially drivers who do not consider the repercussions of their actions.

‘No one would like it if I parked my vehicle in front of a fuel bowser and walked inside and ordered lunch. There needs to be an acknowledgement that there are places you can park and places you can't, and right in front of an EV charger is one where you can't,’ he explained.

View attachment 15730

A row of EV chargers being blocked by cars in Victoria. Credit: Facebook

Electric Vehicle Council Policy Head Jake Whitehead stated that the fines send ‘a very clear and strong signal’.

‘Every charger available is critical and valuable to the fleet of 80,000-odd EVs in the country, and we need to make sure they’re not blocked, either intentionally or accidentally,’ Mr Whitehead claimed.

He added that while people make genuine mistakes while parking, there needs to be a broader recognition across society. ‘These chargers need to be available to EVs so we can have more on our roads,’ he said.

Mr Whitehead also thinks that greater education is needed for petrol car drivers who have encountered chargers added to existing car parks, as well as new EV drivers who do not recognise the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers as soon as possible.

In February, the NSW Government announced a fast-tracked rollout of public and private 30,000 chargers by 2026.

According to the EV, there are more than 83,000 electric vehicles in Australia, with battery-powered vehicles making up 6.8% of all new car sales in February.

This comes after another road rule was uncovered recently. It was reported that if you’re caught by police speeding up just as another vehicle is trying to overtake you, you could land yourself either an on-the-spot fine of $86 or up to $2,875 in court fees – depending on where you’re caught. You can read more about this rule in this article.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers could be fined as much as $3,200 for parking in a space for electric vehicles.
• The fines, ranging from $3,200 in the Australian Capital Territory to $369 in Victoria, are intended to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers 'ICE-ing' or using internal combustion engine cars in EV spaces.
• Victorian drivers can be fined $369 for misusing an electric vehicle charging space.
• The Australian Electric Vehicle Association and the Electric Vehicle Council advise greater education may be needed for petrol car drivers who encounter chargers in existing car parks and for new electric vehicle drivers who may lack understanding of the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers.

Members, have you heard of ICE-ing before? How do you feel about the heavy penalties that have been introduced? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular – and this means that there are brand new penalties specifically designed to support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads.

Adding to an ever-evolving list of road rules and regulations, four Australian states and territories have rolled out hefty fines for drivers who are caught breaking a lesser-known and new rule.

Drivers from the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria could face fines as high as $3,200 for ‘ICE-ing’, or the term for parking in spaces meant for electric vehicles and blocking an electric vehicle’s charging station.

Additionally, the maximum penalty for obstructing charging stations has been introduced by the states of ACT, NSW, and QLD, with fines of up to 20 penalty points.

However, the fine amounts differ in each state because of different unit prices. It could go up to $3,200 in the ACT, $2,200 in NSW, and $2,875 in QLD. Meanwhile, in Victoria, misusing an electric vehicle’s charging spot incurs a fine of $369 and two penalty units.

View attachment 15729

This new rule imposes heavy penalties if the driver gets caught. Credit: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha/Pexels

New South Wales Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said the government added the road rule to ‘support the transition to electric vehicles on our roads’.

‘To make sure we keep the community moving forward, we want electric vehicle drivers to have access to charging stations when they are on offer,’ she said.

In a poll released by Yahoo!News, they asked social media users if $3,200 is too high of a price to pay for parking in an electric charging bay. As of writing, 78 per cent of social media users who voted agreed that the hefty fine was unreasonable. Meanwhile, 22 per cent disagreed and said this sends an important message to drivers.

In comparison, in NSW, the fine for parking in a standard no-parking zone is $117, and $275 for stopping in a no-stopping zone.

Despite the hefty penalties, experts say that this new rule is important to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers from doing the equivalent of parking ‘in front of a fuel bowser’.

And while the fines apply to drivers who leave petrol or diesel vehicles in spaces designated for electric cars, EV drivers who occupy the spots while not recharging their vehicles can also face penalties.

Chris Jones, National President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, said that while the penalties for blocking infrastructure were high, they were necessary to educate the public – especially drivers who do not consider the repercussions of their actions.

‘No one would like it if I parked my vehicle in front of a fuel bowser and walked inside and ordered lunch. There needs to be an acknowledgement that there are places you can park and places you can't, and right in front of an EV charger is one where you can't,’ he explained.

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A row of EV chargers being blocked by cars in Victoria. Credit: Facebook

Electric Vehicle Council Policy Head Jake Whitehead stated that the fines send ‘a very clear and strong signal’.

‘Every charger available is critical and valuable to the fleet of 80,000-odd EVs in the country, and we need to make sure they’re not blocked, either intentionally or accidentally,’ Mr Whitehead claimed.

He added that while people make genuine mistakes while parking, there needs to be a broader recognition across society. ‘These chargers need to be available to EVs so we can have more on our roads,’ he said.

Mr Whitehead also thinks that greater education is needed for petrol car drivers who have encountered chargers added to existing car parks, as well as new EV drivers who do not recognise the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers as soon as possible.

In February, the NSW Government announced a fast-tracked rollout of public and private 30,000 chargers by 2026.

According to the EV, there are more than 83,000 electric vehicles in Australia, with battery-powered vehicles making up 6.8% of all new car sales in February.

This comes after another road rule was uncovered recently. It was reported that if you’re caught by police speeding up just as another vehicle is trying to overtake you, you could land yourself either an on-the-spot fine of $86 or up to $2,875 in court fees – depending on where you’re caught. You can read more about this rule in this article.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers could be fined as much as $3,200 for parking in a space for electric vehicles.
• The fines, ranging from $3,200 in the Australian Capital Territory to $369 in Victoria, are intended to encourage electric vehicle adoption and prevent drivers 'ICE-ing' or using internal combustion engine cars in EV spaces.
• Victorian drivers can be fined $369 for misusing an electric vehicle charging space.
• The Australian Electric Vehicle Association and the Electric Vehicle Council advise greater education may be needed for petrol car drivers who encounter chargers in existing car parks and for new electric vehicle drivers who may lack understanding of the need to vacate charging locations for other drivers.

Members, have you heard of ICE-ing before? How do you feel about the heavy penalties that have been introduced? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Wow! You learn something new every day!

 

[Aussie all the Way]

WHO would NOT think they wouldn't get a FINE for parking in those spots.

 

[Macarj]

I can't see a problem if you don't have an electric car surely you wouldn't park in one those fines should be that much for people who park in handicapped spots as well

 

[Macarj]

Hadn’t heard of “ice-ing. Not interested in EV. Would have to fill up every 200 kms when towing the van And hope there’s a filling station. (Can’t fill up a jerry can with 20 lts of electricity. )Wait at least half an hour for each vehicle in front to fill. Holiday would be over before we got there. Good for city driving. Fines not too high. If people are so inconsiderate, then they need educating.

They are getting better there are actually in Europe electric trucks and I mean big trucks semis

 

[Aussie all the Way]

They are as we can park in any parking spot apart from loading zones, bus and taxi zones and until the law is changed we'll do so also on your argument you shouldn't park in the general parking area that's used by ICEs

Not great thinking , the spots you mentioned, taxi, loading they have signs, well news flash so do the DISABLED and CHARGING, HENCE they are the only cars that can Legally park there. As for the other dumb statement about the disabled and electric cars not parking in YOUR spot, again guess what they are BLANK ergo open for ANYONE to Park

 

[Ian Crane-Luff]

Not great thinking , the spots you mentioned, taxi, loading they have signs, well news flash so do the DISABLED and CHARGING, HENCE they are the only cars that can Legally park there. As for the other dumb statement about the disabled and electric cars not parking in YOUR spot, again guess what they are BLANK ergo open for ANYONE to Park

Mine were a suggestion not a statement of fact, also the ones for people with prams are labelled but if necessary I can park there as a disabled driver

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Mine were a suggestion not a statement of fact, also the ones for people with prams are labelled but if necessary I can park there as a disabled driver

All good, sorry for putting the word dumb in there, shouldn't have,