TRENTON – The Senate advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Patrick Diegnan and Bob Smith that would prohibit the use of parking spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations if the vehicle is not an EV or is an EV that is not actively charging.
“Parking in a space clearly designated for EV charging stations and not using it for charging is not dissimilar from parking in front of a gas pump, except that there are far less EV charging stations than gas pumps,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Businesses and government provide for EV charging stations to better provide for their clients and residents. Using the space just for parking actively disrupts the intended use of the space, and makes the investment in a charging station less effective than it otherwise would be.”
The bill, S-4134, would add electric vehicle charging spaces to the locations where operators of motor vehicles are prohibited from parking under certain circumstances. Specifically, if the space is clearly marked with signage and pavement markings indicating that the space is reserved for plug-in EVs for charging, vehicles that are not EVs or are EVs not actively charging would be prohibited from using the space.
“Electric vehicle adoption is held back by a lack of available charging spaces, an issue that is only made worse when traditional vehicles occupy the limited amount of spaces reserved for plug-in EVs,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset), the Chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. “This bill will ensure that these spaces are being used as intended, and in doing so make EV usage more attractive for residents.”
Individuals who violate the bill’s provisions would be subject to a fine of $55 for the first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for a third or subsequent offense. In addition, towing of vehicles in violation would be subject to the discretion of the municipality in which the EV charging space is located. In the event that a municipality uses its discretion to tow such a vehicle, the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle would be responsible for towing and storage costs.
The Senate approved the legislation in an 28-10 vote.