Welcome to Tesla Motors Club
Discuss Tesla's Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Cybertruck, Roadster and More.
Register

Virginia Anti-icing Legislation, EV Law

This site may earn commission on affiliate links.
There is a new law that goes into effect July 1, 2022 to discourage non EVs (or EVs that are not charging) from occupying a space reserved for EV charging. The law seems pretty lax (max fine $25 and localities can't exceed that) and it requires the space to have a sign that includes the words "Penalty up to $25".


Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 46.2-1219.3 as follows:

§ 46.2-1219.3. Parking of vehicles in parking spaces reserved for charging electric vehicles; civil penalties.

A. It shall constitute a traffic infraction for any person to park a vehicle that (i) is not a plug-in electric motor vehicle, as defined in § 56-1, or (ii) is a plug-in electric motor vehicle, as defined in § 56-1, that is not in the process of charging in a parking space adjacent to an electric vehicle charging station that is clearly marked as reserved for charging plug-in electric motor vehicles. A violation of this subsection is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25.

B. No civil penalty shall be imposed pursuant to the provisions of this section or any local ordinance adopted pursuant to this section unless the parking space reserved for charging plug-in electric motor vehicles has a sign that includes the following language: "PENALTY, UP TO $25." Such language may be placed on a separate sign and attached below any sign indicating that the space is reserved for charging plug-in electric motor vehicles. In the case of a local ordinance adopted pursuant to subsection C, the sign shall indicate the amount of the civil penalty if such ordinance imposes a civil penalty.

C. The governing body of any county, city, or town may adopt an ordinance not inconsistent with the provisions of this section. The civil penalty for violating any such ordinance shall not exceed the civil penalties provided in subsection A.

D. In the prosecution of an offense established under this section, prima facie evidence that the vehicle described in the summons issued pursuant to this section was parked in violation of this section, together with proof that the defendant was at the time of such violation the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle, shall constitute in evidence a rebuttable presumption that such owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle was the person who committed the violation. A violation of this section may be charged on the uniform traffic summons form.
 
I’ll take it, even if the teeth aren’t that sharp. I still remember the day, way back when road trips were “find the electricity” adventures, drove 2+ hours to Dulles for a family trip and the chargers were filled with mostly Teslas and only one was plugged in.
 
The Virginia anti-ICEing law will likely have no relevance at Tesla Superchargers.

Why?

Because Tesla almost never posts the “official” signs required for enforcement in states that have enacted these laws.

In 2018, Colorado Tesla drivers worked successfully to get an anti-ICEing law passed. In the four years since, neither Tesla nor EVgo have widely posted the signs required for enforcement under the Colorado statute.

A few months ago Tesla lobbied Maryland lawmakers to remove language that would have required charging providers to post enforceable signs.

“There are commercial properties who would like to install charging infrastructure but would not want to install a sign as required under HB157. For example, an establishment with limited spaces for customer parking may not be willing to limit its parking to EV customers only.”

So it’s unlikely that the Virginia (July 1, 2022) or Maryland (October 1, 2022) anti-ICEing laws will matter at Tesla Superchargers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jthompson