In Cyprus, fines proposed for drivers occupying electric vehicle charging spots

In Cyprus, fines are being planned for drivers who occupy parking spaces intended for electric vehicle (EV) charging but do not plug in their car, as well as for those who do not use an electric vehicle at all.

The legislative initiative was introduced by MP Stavros Papaduris from the Green Party. According to his proposal, amendments would be made to the current administrative offenses law to introduce out-of-court fines (εξώδικο πρόστιμο) for violators.

The bill was prompted by numerous citizen complaints. According to the MP, internal combustion engine drivers often occupy EV charging spots, or EV owners leave their cars in the spaces without connecting them to chargers, thereby blocking access for other users.

The proposed fines are as follows:

— €50 for EV owners who occupy a charging spot but do not plug in their vehicle;

— €85–100 for drivers of regular vehicles parked in EV charging spots.

The draft law was reviewed by the parliamentary transport committee. Papaduris emphasized that current legislation does not provide adequate penalties for such violations and stressed the need to ensure free access to charging station infrastructure for electric vehicles.

If the bill is approved, it will mark another step in the development of electromobility in Cyprus and help improve the efficiency of existing charging stations, preventing their blockage by non-EV vehicles.