Washington State to fine gas car drivers who block electric car charging station access

Washington State is looking to institute a fine for ICE’ing an electric vehicle charging station.  An ICE’d charging station is one that’s blocked by a car, typically gasoline powered, blocking access to the station and preventing an electric car driver from using it. There’s nothing more frustrating or dangerous to an electric car driver than to arrive at a much-needed charging station blocked only to be unable to use it because the station is blocked.

The bill requires:

  • Signage making it clear that it is an electric car charging station, and that access is limited to those who are using the charging station
  • A parking fine of $250 for infractions

The only flaw I see is the common case when someone unplugs a fully charged car so they can charge.  The owner of that first car could be fined for not being plugged in, even though they diligently plugged in.

See:

Electric vehicle charging station guide

Washington State to fine gas car drivers who block electric car charging station access

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5849&year=2013

Here’s the state of the legislation that passed the State Senate on March 13, 2013.  The bill is heading to the State House and may see some changes there.  You’ll need to be logged into a Google Account to view the document.

About David Herron

David Herron is a writer and software engineer living in Silicon Valley. He primarily writes about electric vehicles, clean energy systems, climate change, peak oil and related issues. When not writing he indulges in software projects and is sometimes employed as a software engineer. David has written for sites like PlugInCars and TorqueNews, and worked for companies like Sun Microsystems and Yahoo.

About David Herron

David Herron is a writer and software engineer living in Silicon Valley. He primarily writes about electric vehicles, clean energy systems, climate change, peak oil and related issues. When not writing he indulges in software projects and is sometimes employed as a software engineer. David has written for sites like PlugInCars and TorqueNews, and worked for companies like Sun Microsystems and Yahoo.

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