The New South Wales government has just introduced new legislation that will penalise internal combustion engine vehicle drivers up to $2,200 if caught parking at EV charging stations.
“A driver of a vehicle that is not an electric-powered vehicle must not stop in a parking area for electric-powered vehicles.”
NSW Road Rules
Purpose
The new law aims to address the “ICEing” issue that most EV owners encounter at dedicated charging stations. As per the report, “ICEing” refers to ICE vehicle drivers that park at the EV charging station, which causes blockage in the facility. In effect, EV owners are regularly inconvenienced whenever they need to replenish their cars.
However, it must also be noted that even EV drivers park at the charging stations without the intention to charge.
New ICEing laws
As stated, the NSW now mandates certain laws addressing the abovementioned EV charging stations issues.
Rule 203C of the NSW Road Rules 2014 set out guidelines that disallow drivers to park in charging stations unless they are using an EV and connected to an external power source.
The new law also required signages that must be displayed on the EV charging stations, such as permissive parking signs with the phrase “while charging.” It must also include parking signs and road markings with the EV symbol and “while charging” phrases.
Penalty
The maximum fine for the violation is 20 penalty units. Considering that the NSW government charges $110 for each count of penalty, the total would be $2,200 for violating these specific laws under the NSW Road Rules 2014.
You can check the full details here.
