Electric vehicle surge sees new parking offence roll out across more of Australia

Electric vehicle parking is a source of tension across the country but one Aussie state has officially joined the ranks of those fining drivers for parking in electric vehicle bays.

South Australia added two new parking offences relating to electric vehicles (EV) parking and charging on March 30. These new offences make parking in a designated EV parking area and parking in an EV charging area when the vehicle is not being charged both worthy of a fine. There will now also be signs and symbols added across the state designating which car spots are for electric vehicle charging only.

Following the footsteps of other states

Queensland, NSW, Western Australia, Tasmania and ACT have already implemented fines for this act, following amendments to the national Australian Road Rules in 2019.

NSW: Introduced the law in early 2023 with fines costing a driver up to $2,200.

Queensland: The Sunshine State introduced the law in 2023, with fines of up to $2,757 for drivers blocking EV chargers.

Victoria: Earliest of all, Victoria introduced the EV parking offence into state legislation in 2020, with a fine of up to $369.

South Australia: The fine amount will be much lighter. If caught a driver will incur a $75 on-the-spot fine, while the second offence will result in a fine of $111.

• Young Aussies inundated with calls after finding solution to EV problem

• Electric vehicle's controversial petrol station move divides Aussies

• Aussie council walks away from 'dangerous' electric vehicle trial

Penalties high but needed, say advocates

Australian Electric Vehicle Association national president Chris Jones previously said while the penalties for blocking infrastructure were high, they were needed to educate the public who may not have considered the repercussions.

"No one would like it if I parked my vehicle in front of a fuel bowser and walked inside and ordered lunch," he said. "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."

Other rules added to South Australian road legislation

Among the Rules added into SA road legislation alongside EV charging offences on Saturday were Rules 38 and 74 giving way to those doing a U-turn, Rules 43 and 43A prohibiting U-turns on crossings and Rule 300A which makes interrupting or interfering with the free passage of a funeral procession prohibited.

The Australian Road Rules explained

According to the National Transport Commission, the Australian Road Rules are model laws that have no legal effect. Instead, each state and territory adopts the Australian Road Rules recommendations into its own legislation.

Generally, each state and territory has introduced the Rules into their laws pretty similarly— though they can vary slightly in each jurisdiction. There are also some provisions in the Rules that specifically leave certain matters to state and territory governments to determine.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.