Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by: John Boyette, Public Affairs Specialist

 

For more information: City Attorney Thomas McCormick, 919-831-6560

 

April 3, 2012

 

New Ordinance Designates Parking Spaces

for Electric Vehicles

 

          An ordinance that allows the City of Raleigh to designate parking spaces on City streets solely for plug-in electric vehicles was unanimously approved by the City Council today.

 

The ordinance states the City may reserve certain parking spaces at or near charging stations for use by electric vehicles only. These designated parking spaces will be clearly marked and non-electric vehicles will not be allowed to park in them. Violation of the ordinance is a $50 civil fine or removal of the non-electric vehicle from the designated parking space at the owner's expense.

 

The ordinance requires that electric vehicles parked in the designated spaces must be attached to a charging station. Otherwise, the owner would be found in violation of the ordinance and face a $50 fine.

 

The new ordinance takes effect in seven days.

 

The City of Raleigh has installed 18 public charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles across the city. Additional stations are planned. Users must pay to park at the public charging stations but the electric charge is free. Raleigh is nationally recognized for being prepared for plug-in electric vehicles.