As part of Australia’s transition to greener transport, the New South Wales (NSW) government has imposed large fines of $2,250 on petrol or diesel vehicles that park at electric vehicle (EV) charging bays without plugging in. This became effective in late 2025 as one of the strongest penalties in Australia aimed at preventing blocking EV chargers “ICE-ing.” This also affects EV drivers that park in these bays but are not charging.
Reasons Behind the New Legislation
New EV owner’s legislation frustrates the growing number of EVs and the NSW government did not recognize the need for stronger deterrents. Authorities claim parking at EV charging bays without the intention to charge or disrupting the charge of an EV is delays and frustrates drivers and undermines the efforts to improve emissions. These large fines are meant to discourage the view that EV chargers are regular parking spaces. These fines seek to deter the view that EV chargers are regular parking spaces.
Enforcement and Compliance Measures
As of new regulations, all public EV charging stations need to have clearly marked signage indicating that all public EV charging stations are ‘no parking’ zones and are ‘active charging’ only zones. Parking inspectors have been given the authority to issue fines to any offenders regardless if they are petrol, diesel, or electric vehicles, as long as they are idle and not plugged to charging. Local councils and owners of private shopping centers and offices are also working towards including these rules into parking regulations to promote consistent enforcement across the region.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fine Amount | $2,250 |
| Applies To | Petrol, Diesel, or Non-Charging EVs |
| Law Effective From | Late 2025 |
| Area | New South Wales, Australia |
Support for EV Infrastructure Growth
The new regulation also enhances the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, to install more than 30,000 public charging stations by 2030. Protecting access to these chargers is essential to promote the confidence of EV drivers. By misuse of parking the fine ensures that charging infrastructure stays available to those who are in need of it. It also ties in with the current rebates and incentives offered for the purchase of EVs over the last few years.
Looking Ahead: A Greener Road Future
This fine serves as a deterrent, and represents the determination of NSW to upgrade its transport ecosystem. The government aims to create a balance between convenience, growing infrastructure and the responsibility of the environment. The balance shows that enforcement of law can be done with the intent of providing a greener ecosystem as Australia strives for their net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
FAQs
Q1. Can EV drivers be fined too?
Of course. Under the same rule, EV owners that occupy charging bays without using any power will be fined.
Q2. Are private car parks included in this law?
Yes, providing the charging bays are accessible to the public and adequate signage is placed.
Q3. How will the rule be enforced?
In heavily trafficked areas, parking officers will be able to directly impose fines backed by clear signage and camera enforcement.
