You could be paying $2200 for failing to see this parking sign!
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Parking laws can be tricky to remember, so it’s no surprise that every once in a while, an unusual sign may sneak past us. This fact should be even more evident when parking at an EV charging station.
That’s right, although it might not be widely known, an EV charging station parking spot requires a specific type of sign; otherwise, you could find yourself in hot water and even face a hefty fine.
A recent example was the story of an EV driver from Sydney. Wanting to charge his electric car in a charging spot, he found the spot occupied by two fuel vehicles.
He photographed the cars and the sign, which shows a large 4P within a 12-hour window and a car with an electric cord that reads 'Only while charging'.
It's unknown whether the two drivers intentionally parked in the spaces or were unaware of the signage.
His issue is not an isolated incident, as many EV drivers are also grappling with a shortage of public charging ports that are not keeping up with the rising EV sales in the country.
As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to surge, new penalties have emerged to support the transition to these options on Australian roads. Multiple states have instituted new regulations, imposing hefty fines on drivers found parked in spaces designated for electric vehicles or blocking EV charging stations.
The states of ACT, NSW, and QLD have taken the lead by introducing the highest penalties for obstructing charging stations, reaching up to 20 penalty points.
However, the fine amounts differ in each state due to varying unit prices. In the ACT, the penalty can amount to $3,200; in NSW, it's $2,200; and in QLD, it's $2,875. Meanwhile, in Victoria, misusing an electric vehicle’s charging spot results in a fine of $369, along with two penalty units.
Despite the hefty penalties, experts say that this new rule is important to prevent drivers from doing the equivalent of parking ‘in front of a fuel bowser’.
The fines apply not only to those who park non-electric vehicles in spots designated for electric cars but also to electric vehicle drivers who occupy these spots without actively recharging their vehicles.
According to Chris Jones, the National President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, the penalties serve as a means to raise public awareness.
‘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.
Folks, familiarise yourself with any EV parking spot you see so you understand where you can and cannot park your car.
If you come across a mysterious 4P sign, give it a second look and check for any additional EV-specific requirements that may be in place. A few moments of investigation could save you hundreds and thousands of dollars.
We hope you found this article helpful! Good luck and stay safe on the road always, members!
That’s right, although it might not be widely known, an EV charging station parking spot requires a specific type of sign; otherwise, you could find yourself in hot water and even face a hefty fine.
A recent example was the story of an EV driver from Sydney. Wanting to charge his electric car in a charging spot, he found the spot occupied by two fuel vehicles.
He photographed the cars and the sign, which shows a large 4P within a 12-hour window and a car with an electric cord that reads 'Only while charging'.
It's unknown whether the two drivers intentionally parked in the spaces or were unaware of the signage.
At first glance, the sign appears to be a regular four-hour parking window, but on closer inspection, the spaces are for electric vehicles only. Credit: X/fictillius.
His issue is not an isolated incident, as many EV drivers are also grappling with a shortage of public charging ports that are not keeping up with the rising EV sales in the country.
As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to surge, new penalties have emerged to support the transition to these options on Australian roads. Multiple states have instituted new regulations, imposing hefty fines on drivers found parked in spaces designated for electric vehicles or blocking EV charging stations.
The states of ACT, NSW, and QLD have taken the lead by introducing the highest penalties for obstructing charging stations, reaching up to 20 penalty points.
However, the fine amounts differ in each state due to varying unit prices. In the ACT, the penalty can amount to $3,200; in NSW, it's $2,200; and in QLD, it's $2,875. Meanwhile, in Victoria, misusing an electric vehicle’s charging spot results in a fine of $369, along with two penalty units.
Despite the hefty penalties, experts say that this new rule is important to prevent drivers from doing the equivalent of parking ‘in front of a fuel bowser’.
The fines apply not only to those who park non-electric vehicles in spots designated for electric cars but also to electric vehicle drivers who occupy these spots without actively recharging their vehicles.
According to Chris Jones, the National President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, the penalties serve as a means to raise public awareness.
‘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.
Folks, familiarise yourself with any EV parking spot you see so you understand where you can and cannot park your car.
If you come across a mysterious 4P sign, give it a second look and check for any additional EV-specific requirements that may be in place. A few moments of investigation could save you hundreds and thousands of dollars.
We hope you found this article helpful! Good luck and stay safe on the road always, members!
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