Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Signage and Parking Regulations

A public EV charger is defined as a public parking space that is served by charging equipment. Public EV chargers must have vertical signage that identifies the station and indicates that it is only for EV charging. The signage must be consistent with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

All public EV chargers must also display all charges and fees associated with operation. Any person who parks a vehicle in a public EV charging station parking space and does not connect to the equipment is subject to a fine of $124.

By 2023, the Department of Agriculture must adopt rules requiring electric vehicle service providers (EVSP) to meet interoperability standards and offer multiple payment methods at public EV chargers. EVSPs must report inventory and payment information to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory annually. Charging stations installed before January 1, 2024, are exempt from the rules until January 1, 2034.

(Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.08.185 and 19.94)