Australia has entered a new era of stricter parking enforcement with penalties now being heavily applied for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, also known as petrol and diesel cars, that take up spaces reserved for electric vehicle (EV) charging. Commonly called “ICEing,” this behaviour blocks EV owners from accessing charging infrastructure. From 2025, states around Australia have introduced tougher penalties that can reach as much as $3,200 in the Australian Capital Territory, with New South Wales handing out fines of up to $2,200. These changes reflect the government’s commitment to supporting the EV transition and protecting the availability of scarce charging infrastructure.
Why ICEing Is Taken So Seriously
As the number of electric vehicles grows, Australia has been expanding its charging network. However, one major frustration for EV owners has been arriving at a charging bay only to find a petrol or diesel car parked there. Blocking an EV charger means the driver of the EV cannot top up their battery, potentially leaving them stranded or forcing them into long detours to locate another charger.
Officials stress that each EV charging bay is not just another parking spot, it is a piece of essential infrastructure. The logic is simple: if petrol stations cannot be blocked by EVs, then charging stations should not be blocked by petrol vehicles. Tougher fines are seen as the best way to create accountability and prevent misuse.
Penalties Across Australia
The fines vary depending on the state or territory, but all are directed at encouraging responsible behaviour.
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): The toughest penalties in Australia with fines up to AUD $3,200.
- New South Wales (NSW): Heavy fines of up to AUD $2,200.
- Queensland: Penalties rising as high as AUD $2,875.
- Victoria: Fines fixed at around AUD $370.
- South Australia: Maximum fine of AUD $250.
- Western Australia: Fines up to AUD $100.
- Tasmania: Only AUD $63, but increased enforcement encourages drivers to move quickly.
- Northern Territory: Minimum of AUD $63 for ICEing offences.
Although some states appear to be stricter than others, the common aim is consistency in signalling that EV charging bays are not a space for petrol vehicles.
What These Laws Cover
The legislation not only applies to petrol and diesel vehicles parked at charging bays. EV drivers themselves can also be fined if they leave their car in a charging bay without actively charging. This means once your EV is finished charging, you must return to move it so that another driver can use the space.
By creating rules for both EV owners and non-EV owners, the government aims to ensure fair turnover and maximum availability of chargers.
Legislative Backing and Social Awareness
Each state’s road laws have now been updated to reflect EV charging bays as special-use areas. Signage at most charging stations clearly indicates that only EVs actively charging can use the bays. These laws make enforcement more efficient, as authorities can now issue fines based on existing traffic legislation without needing lengthy arguments in court.
Public awareness campaigns have also been rolled out to educate motorists. While many drivers previously claimed they “didn’t know” a bay was for EVs, clear paint markings, new street signs, and stricter enforcement make excuses harder to justify.
Why the Crackdown Matters Now
Australia is aiming for a major uptake in EVs over the next decade. Public chargers are critical for this shift since not all Australians have the option to recharge at home. Without secure and available access to chargers, EV adoption could stall.
The government recognises that transition success relies not just on building new chargers but on ensuring those that already exist are available to the right people. ICEing may appear a small offence, but as more EV drivers hit the roads, blocked chargers are becoming a serious point of nationwide frustration.
Reaction from Drivers
The tougher fines have triggered mixed responses. EV owners widely support the crackdown, describing ICEing as not only frustrating but also unfair. Many EV drivers report finding chargers blocked late at night or in regional towns where there are few alternatives.
On the other hand, some petrol car drivers argue that the penalty amounts, such as $2,200, are excessive compared to other common traffic offences. Critics suggest less punitive fines could achieve the same result. However, state authorities argue that without strong deterrents, ICEing would likely continue unchecked.
Advice for Petrol and EV Drivers
To avoid fines, the advice for petrol vehicle drivers is clear: avoid stopping in EV bays. Even a short stop could result in a heavy fine. For EV owners, the reminder is to vacate spots once charging is finished, as “camping” in bays is also punishable.
Practical tips for motorists include:
- Always read signage in carparks and charging areas.
- Treat EV bays the same as disabled or loading zones, which you would not park in unless authorised.
- For EV drivers, set reminders on your phone to move once charging completes.
- Remember that enforcement cameras and parking attendants increasingly monitor high-demand areas.
Looking Ahead: The Bigger Picture
The penalties are not just about punishing drivers, but about shaping public habits as the country transitions toward low-emission transport. By 2030, EV numbers are expected to rise sharply, and existing charging networks will face growing pressure. Ensuring fairness in how chargers are used protects this infrastructure investment and smooths the path toward a cleaner transport future.
The legislation also highlights how road rules are adapting to modern challenges. Just as mobile phone penalties and seatbelt fines became standard in previous decades, ICEing fines are the next step in aligning laws with evolving transport needs.
Conclusion
Australia’s new fines targeting petrol cars that block EV charging bays make one thing clear: charging infrastructure is now as critical as traditional service stations. With penalties as high as $2,200 in New South Wales and $3,200 in the ACT, motorists will no longer be able to dismiss ICEing as a harmless parking decision. The crackdown protects EV drivers, promotes turnover of bays, and sends a strong signal that the nation is serious about its electric future.
The bottom line for all drivers in 2025 is simple: if you don’t drive an EV, don’t park in an EV charging bay. And if you do, make sure you only stay while charging. Responsible parking means fairer access for everyone and supports the bigger vision of building a greener, safer Australia.