With the rise of electric vehicle (EV) parking spots across the nation, many drivers are left questioning the rules about who—or what—can occupy these spaces.
In certain regions, motorists may face fines if they park their EVs in designated charging spots without connecting to a charger on public roads.
Rules can vary significantly in private parking lots and garages.
Below is an outline of fines associated with violating public EV parking spot regulations in various states and territories.
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), those who park a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle in a space reserved for EVs, or in an EV charging spot, may incur fines starting at $132.
Should the matter proceed to court, offenders could face maximum penalties reaching up to $3,200, equivalent to 20 penalty units, with each unit currently valued at $160.
EVs that park in EV charging spots without plugging in are also liable for fines.
It’s illegal in NSW to park an ICE vehicle in a spot reserved for EVs, including EV charging spots.
The maximum court-impose penalty is $2200 (20 penalty units, currently set at $110 per unit).
The same penalties apply for motorists caught parking an EV in an EV charging space without plugging in.
In Victoria, it’s illegal to park an ICE vehicle in a spot reserved for EVs or an EV charging spot.
Motorists caught out may cop fines of up to $1221.06 (six penalty units, currently set at $203.51 per unit).
Victoria was the first state to introduce these kinds of EV parking fines back in 2020.
In SA, any motorist caught parking an ICE vehicle in a spot reserved for EVs may cop a $75 fine.
Those caught parking an ICE vehicle in an EV charging spot or parking an EV in one without plugging it in face a $111 fine.
It’s illegal in Queensland to park an ICE vehicle or an unplugged EV in an EV charging spot.
Motorists caught breaking the rules face maximum penalties of up to $3338 (20 penalty units, currently set at $166.90 per unit).
Unlike NSW, the ACT, and Victoria, there’s no rule against parking an ICE vehicle in parking spots reserved for EVs that aren’t charging spots.
There are currently no laws or fines specific to EV parking or charging spot offences in WA’s Road Traffic Code 2000.
It is an offence to park an ICE vehicle in an EV parking spot or charging space in the NT, or park an EV in an EV charging spot without plugging in.
There is no specific fine set in the current legislation.
The fines for parking non-EVs in EV spaces are particularly strict in Tasmania, where even cyclists can be fined for stopping in EV spots.
Bike riders caught in EV parking spots or charging spaces face a fine of $102.50 (half a penalty unit, currently set at $205).
Any other driver caught doing the same face a fine of $205 (one penalty unit).
