In New South Wales (NSW), new penalties are aimed at drivers who park in and block access to charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) to assist and advance Australia’s transition to electric mobility. These penalties and the associated fines are a response to an increase in the use and adoption of EVs in Australia. These penalties have serious consequences aimed at offenders and have been made to be easy to comply with.
An Understanding of the New Penalties
NSW has also introduced fines for “ICEing” (blocking an EV charging station) which are some of the highest of any Australian state. The penalty for “ICEing” in New South Wales is 2,200 dollars (20 penalty units at 110 dollars each as of 2025) and is for the act of unlawfully blocking an EV charger which constitutes “ICEing” as some EV chargers are designated for EVs that are in use. These are serious fines aimed at providing a deterrent to misuse of charging infrastructure as many vehicles that require charging access such as EVs are left unused.
Who is Affected by the Law?
The penalties apply to EVs as well as non-electric vehicles that are not actively charging. Pet role vehicles are completely prohibited from parking in EV charging bays, while EV drivers are only permitted if their car is plugged in and charging. Simply being an EV owner does not provide an exemption if not actually drawing power from the charger.
Why Such Strict Enforcement?
As more Australians transition to electric vehicles, competition grows for the charging stations that are becoming increasingly common. During several-hour-long trips, drivers need stations to charge, and if they are blocked, those drivers are forced to find alternative routes. This scenario can cause drivers to lose trust in the public charging infrastructure. This is why the government has decided that the importance of these bays justifies a charge as steep as the fines levied for blocked gas stations.
Table: Key Penalties for Blocking EV Charging Spots (NSW 2025)
| Violation Type | Fine |
|---|---|
| Non-EV parked in EV charging bay | $2,200 |
| EV parked but not charging | $2,200 |
How are Rules Enforced?
NSW fines are issued after parking inspectors and council officers take their regular patrols, with the hope that automation tools, such as cameras, will eventually come to busier areas. All the sites that will stand the legal tests of the signs are guaranteed fines. Ongoing campaigns also aim to educate all drivers—EV or otherwise—about the new rules and the importance of not blocking charging spots.
Support of EV Infrastructure
These new penalties aim to minimize the frustration of electric drivers and reinforce the government’s commitment to a greener transport system as the volume of electrified vehicles on the roads grows. The more EVs there are on the roads, the more the need for smart, respectful use of charging resources. This is why responsible parking and charging will become a social norm in the coming years.Practical Guide for NSW Drivers
- Use an EV bay only when you’re charging an electric vehicle.
- Always abide by any signposted restrictions for parking.
- To ensure proper functioning of the charging network, tell the relevant authorities of any charging bays that are blocked.
- Make sure that friends and relatives are aware of the fines and the regulations in order to avoid unnecessary expenses.
FAQs
Q1: Can a petrol or diesel car ever park in an EV charging bay?
A: No, these bays are exclusively for EVs that are currently charging.
Q2: Do the same penalties apply if an EV is parked but not charging?
A: Yes, an EV that is parked and not charging can be fined for occupying a charging bay.
Q3: Are these penalties the same in every Australian state?
A: No, each state imposes different penalties. In NSW these penalties are the highest.