Automobile Club KS on Parking at EV Charging Stations: Who Can Park Where and For How Long?
Especially in areas with high parking pressure, a charging spot can be tempting for parking when all other spots around are occupied. The automobile club KS e.V. explains how parking at charging stations is regulated.
Uncertainty about the Regulation of Parking and Charging at Public Charging Stations
The widespread belief that public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in Germany is massively lagging behind is outdated. As of March 1, 2024, 103,226 normal charging points and 25,291 fast charging points were registered with the Federal Network Agency, where a total of 4.52 GW of charging power can be provided — with an upward trend. In addition, there are the charging points in company parking lots as well as private wall boxes at home. According to the Federal Association of Energy and Water Management, nationwide charging power for vehicles and charging stations has tripled compared to 2019.
“However, many drivers are not entirely clear on the legal regulations regarding parking at public charging points, specifically whether a combustion engine vehicle can be parked there if no other parking space is available or whether electric vehicle drivers are allowed to leave their vehicle at the charging station over the weekend,” explains Isabella Finsterwalder, spokeswoman for the Automobile Club KS e.V., highlighting the uncertainty surrounding public charging infrastructure.
With Additional Sign "E-Car": Off-Limits for Combustion Engines
At public charging points, the signage is crucial: If a charging station stands without any sign at a parking space, anyone can park there, regardless of the type of propulsion. However, if an additional sign "E-Car" is installed, the parking space is designated as a special parking spot for electric vehicles, specifically vehicles with an E-license plate. The additional signs are white with black text or black pictogram in the form of a vehicle with a cable and plug. Anyone parking in such a space with a combustion engine vehicle faces a fine of 55 euros.
Restrictions for E-Drivers
But one thing should be clear to owners of electric vehicles: a charging station does not make this parking space a permanent parking spot for electric cars. On one hand, additional signs often regulate a maximum parking duration or time interval for electric cars, for example, that the parking duration there is limited to four hours between 8 AM and 8 PM with a parking disc. However, individual regulations vary considerably depending on the city. On the other hand, parking at the charging station must actually be used for charging if an additional sign indicates this – otherwise, a fine from the regulatory authority can also be expected.
Translated automatically from German."Legally, it is currently not clearly regulated whether electricity must actually flow when the charging cable is plugged in or if it is sufficient for the electric vehicle to be connected to the charging station via the cable. However, it is considered good etiquette among e-drivers not to unnecessarily block a charging station, but to really use the space for charging – after all, we are also happy to find a free spot when it is time to 'fuel' our own electric car," summarizes the spokeswoman for the Automobile Club KS e.V.
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