Parking in a space reserved for electric cars is useless, prohibited, and it can be expensive

Many drivers park their thermal vehicles in spaces dedicated to electric cars, which is prohibited. The police encourage injured citizens to report them.

Owners of electric vehicles sometimes have difficulty finding a charging station or a space dedicated to electric cars. The ordeal can also be compounded by irritation if they notice that gasoline vehicles are parking in these reserved spaces. Many have forgotten that the practice falls under the highway code and inconvenient parking, and that it can therefore result in a financial penalty. A quick reminder of the rules and risks involved is necessary.

Taking the place of an electric vehicle without being one is an offense

Parking in a space reserved for an electric car constitutes an offense within the meaning of article R417-10 of the highway code. The State recalls that “ parking a vehicle in front of devices intended for recharging electric vehicles with energy » is considered to obstruct traffic.

Owners of vehicles who break this rule and park without recharging incur a fixed fine of 35 euros (second class fine), the same as if they sit in a space reserved for taxis, for example.

This also applies to battery-powered vehicles that do not need to be recharged. Early payment of the fine can in any case reduce its amount to 22 euros: this is the case if you pay it within 15 days, or 30 days in the case of electronic payment by bank card. On the other hand, paying more can increase the bill to 75 euros. We’re not that far from a full tank of gas, just for ignoring the law. So to meditate. But the police are not the only ones to carry out sanctions.

Electric vehicles also risk punishment

If you are the driver of an electric vehicle and you are desperate to see that your usual (or not) charging station is occupied by a, let’s say, “illegitimate” vehicle, tools like Google Maps or Waze can help you in just a few seconds to locate surrounding charging stations. Enough to save precious time.

But even equipped with an electric vehicle, a driver can be penalized. If, say, you charge your car and once done, you leave it parked for a certain time in the same location, several operators can impose a penalty on you. Take the case of Tesla: the American giant charges 22.50 euros per additional hour once the maximum charge (100%) is reached, and a total of 55 euros if the Supercharger station is full. At TotalEnergies, a surplus of 20 euro cents per minute is triggered when the charge has been complete for at least 45 minutes, which is much more reasonable.

The authorities also remind that the police station and the municipal police can fine any vehicle in the way. They also invite injured parties to contact the agents, who will be able, if the vehicle does not move, to decide to immobilize it and impound it, with additional costs for its owner.

Sources: Capital, LegifranceClubic