Little-known parking rule could cost Aussie drivers up to $330
Aussies have been shocked to discover a little-known road rule that could cost them up to $330 in some states.
Opinion was divided when Queensland motorist organisation RACQ revealed that drivers of non-electric vehicles could be fined for parking in an electric vehicle (EV) charging space.
“Can drivers of non-electric cars (petrol/diesel) face a fine for parking in a dedicated EV charging space?” asked RACQ in a Facebook post.
The answer: yes, they can – in two Australian states.
“Yes, it is an offence for a driver to stop or park in an EV charging space unless they are driving an EV and it’s plugged into a power source,” answered RACQ in its post.
Victoria, Queensland lead the charge for EV parking fines
Victoria was the first Australian state to implement fines for non-electric car drivers who park in designated EV charging spots, making the rule official in December 2020.
The state enforced the changes that state: "A driver of a vehicle that is not an electric-powered vehicle must not stop in a parking area for electric-powered vehicles".
Additionally, drivers of electric-powered vehicles must ensure their vehicle is plugged in to an external source of electricity while using the space.
Both offences carry a maximum fine of two court penalty units, with a maximum fine of up to $330.44 and a minimum of approximately $99.
Similarly, Queensland announced in February new fines for drivers of petrol or diesel vehicles who park in EV charging bays, with fines of $55.
Other states are expected to follow Victoria and Queensland’s lead, with the rule changes having been agreed between states and territories at the national level in November 2019.
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Road rule divides opinion of Aussie drivers
Aussie drivers on Facebook were quick to share their thoughts on the little-known road rule.
“That's fair enough. Petrol cars don't need the EV charging stations and EVs do. No different to disabled parking spaces and mothers with prams,” wrote one commentator.
“Well, you don’t leave your car at a petrol/diesel bowser, so why at an electric car charger?” chimed a second.
While a third argued that the road rule was obvious: “I'd have thought that was a no brainer.”
However, not everyone agreed, with many saying the rule is not "fair" and that non-EV drivers should not be fined for parking at an EV charging station.
“But EVs can park in normal spots. Hardly seems a fair parity,” commented one man.
“No need to fine them. Chargers can be placed accessible to four spaces, and e-vehicles can carry their own leads,” wrote a second.
The discussion became heated, with anti-EV sentiment rising among motorists who complained that the rule gives electric vehicle drivers an unfair break.
"Does this mean we can get free petrol if we park in a non electric charging park?" wrote one group member.
"NO! Why on earth are EV owners getting free power?" commented another fired-up motorist. "It's like giving rich people extra tax breaks. Hey! You've got a million dollars, here's some more ways to make even more money!"
Can drivers be fined for parking in a pram space?
Others questioned whether fines were issued for drivers who park in spaces designated for prams.
While drivers can be fined upwards of $500 for parking in a disabled parking spot in all Australian states, they cannot be fined for parking in a designated pram space.
Parking with prams spaces are offered by car park operators as a courtesy to parents who require more space or wish to be located closer to the entrance.
Car park operators are not legally required to provide pram parking spaces, so legally any drivers can use them, but it is frowned upon if you don't have a pram.
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