New parking crackdown will slap drivers with $200 fine for being in wrong spot after spike in complaints
A proposed regulation intends to reduce parking complaints by imposing fines of up to $200 on drivers.
Millions of Americans would be impacted by the law, but it is limited to drivers of specific types of automobiles.
New Jersey is considering the law in response to complaints from EV drivers regarding gas-powered vehicles occupying EV charging stations.
It will be unlawful to park a fuel-powered vehicle in an EV charging station if the new law is passed.
The measure has now been changed from its original version, which threatened violators with up to 15 days in jail.
Rather, drivers who break the law would face fines of up to $200.
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There would be a $55 fine for the first infraction and a $100 fine for the second.
Drivers will be fined $200 if they are found violating the rule for the third time or more.
If an automobile is determined to be breaking the law, cities and towns may also decide to tow it.
According to the bill, areas must be clearly marked as EV charging stations and used only for EV charging.
According to this definition, “electric vehicle charging locations” are parking lots that are open to the public and clearly marked as being used for plug-in electric vehicle charging.
The bill was advanced by a New Jersey state Assembly committee on Monday, recognizing the growing issue facing the state’s electric vehicle drivers.
According to locals, a lot of drivers of non-electric vehicles don’t realize how important it is to leave charging stations available for people who require them.
When EV driver Melissa Gonzales told local TV station News 12, “I think it’s super frustrating when you pull up to charge your car and there are people parked in the spots and they are not electric vehicle drivers,” she said.
In the US, there are far more petrol stations than EV charging stations, hence the issue was compared to someone blocking a gas pump at a gas station.
Driver Nino Royalle told News 12 that he was always thinking about “how do I organize my day just to make sure that I can charge?”
Electric vehicles vs gas
Pros and cons of electric automobiles versus those that run on gasoline
EV Advantages:
- Convenient (when charging at home)
- Cheaper (depending on state or city)
- Cheaper maintenance, due to lack of mechanical parts
- Great for commuting
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Federal and state tax incentives
- More performance (speed, handling – depending on the make and model)
EV drawbacks
- Higher initial cost
- Higher insurance rates
- More frequent tire and brake replacement intervals
- Higher curb weight (thus causing more rapid wear on crucial parts)
- Low resale value
- High depreciation rates
- Lack of charging infrastructure
- Unreliable public charging (related: slow charging times)
- Poor winter and summer performance
- Lack of clean energy alternatives means more “dirty energy” from coal and nuclear sources
- Range anxiety
PROS OF GAS:
- Highly developed refueling infrastructure
- Fast refueling
- Cheaper insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Established repair industry
- Lower initial cost
- Higher range before refueling, especially with hybrids
- Many manufacturers produce nearly emission-less engines
- Cheaper refueling, depending on the location
CONS OF GAS:
- Finite resource (related: heavy dependence on petroleum)
- Carbon emissions/greenhouse gases
- Higher repair costs
- Higher insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Varying costs at the pump, depending on state, city, and county
Source: Perch Energy, AutoWeek, Car & Driver
Ambre Thompson, another EV driver, concurred that legislation ought to be implemented.
However, she felt that the early draft of the bill’s penalties were a bit severe.
“I think jail is excessive,” Thompson stated.
“But I definitely think towing, a fine, yes.”
Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese sponsored the bill, which was initially presented during a normal session in 2022–2023, however the committee did not accept it.
Gas car drivers may fail to notice that parking spots are designated for electric vehicles (EVs) because of “unclear or confusing signage,” according to Calabrese.
However, some motorists knowingly disregard signs with no repercussions.
The bill’s penalties, according to Calabrese, should deter gas car owners from displacing EV drivers.
The initiative was described by him as “a necessary step to ensure fair access to these limited resources.”
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There was opposition to it, as Assemblyman Paul Kanitra voted against it.
He claimed that it was aimed at the “working guy’s pocket” and that there were never any charging stations in his region.
Assemblyman Calabrese’s full statement
In reference to Bill A3505, Assemblyman Calabrese gave The U.S. Sun the following statement:
With just 4,000 charging stations serving over 200,000 registered EVs—one of the lowest ratios in the country—New Jersey is severely lacking in EV charging infrastructure. Disparities in EV adoption result from this deficiency, which is especially problematic in cities where drivers depend on public charging stations.
To guarantee equitable access to these scarce resources, Assembly Bill A3035, An Act concerning Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces, is a crucial step. In order to keep designated charging stations open for drivers who use them, the bill forbids non-EVs and EVs that are not charging from using them. EV charging stations must fulfill their designated function, just as gas pumps must continue to be available for cars refueling.
A3035 closes loopholes in current municipal ordinances that lack enforceable penalties and improves enforcement under Title 39 of New Jersey’s motor vehicle statutes, going beyond equity and accessibility. Similar to infractions for obstructing fire hydrants, crosswalks, or areas designated for people with disabilities, this Act adds EV charging places to R.S. 39:4-138, establishing standard statewide penalties and towing procedures.
Maintaining the functionality of our EV infrastructure is crucial for lowering emissions, promoting sustainability, and assisting New Jersey’s clean energy objectives; it is not only about convenience. In order to increase the viability and equity of EV adoption throughout the state, A3035 is an essential step.
Calabrese, Assemblyman ClintonThe 36th Legislative District of New Jersey