Panel advances bill banning non-charging vehicles from EV charging spaces, with retrofit concerns voiced

The Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee considered Assembly Bill 3035, which (as amended) clarifies that only plug-in electric vehicles actively charging may park in designated EV charging spaces, requires visible signage and pavement markings, and sets fines of $55 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $200 for third and subsequent offenses. Towing is left to municipal discretion.

Doug O'Malley of Environment New Jersey testified in support and described the problem of EV chargers being 'iced' — blocked by non-EVs — calling the measure a "no-brainer" for EV drivers and comparing blocking a charger to parking at a gas pump. Supporters submitted slips including Molly Cleary of Clean Water Action.

Multiple committee members applauded the intent but raised practical concerns. Assemblyman McGuckin (first speaking in this topic) and others said the bill does not adequately address retrofit situations where existing businesses have limited parking because variances were granted before EV requirements, risking displacing other customers into nearby streets or neighborhoods. Some members argued municipalities are better positioned to regulate signage and enforcement because they know local land-use contexts; others compared the bill to long-standing handicap parking rules as a statewide standard.

After discussion and a recorded roll-call exchange in which several members registered opposition or abstention on principle (citing local discretion and retrofit equity concerns), the committee voted to release A3035 as amended. The bill will proceed with the amendments passed in committee.