Zero Emission Parking Decal (California)

[brogult]

I just learned that my new FFE needs a "Zero Emission Parking Decal" from the CA DMV in order to park in EV charging spots. There is an application and a $17 fee. Is everyone getting these? Do they just come with the registration or do I need to apply separately? Has anyone been called out for NOT having one?

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/pubs/reg_hdbk/ch25/ch25_14

 

[michael]

Nobody does this. Maybe it's for conversions or other cars that may not look like EV's.

Get the white carpool stickers and you are gold! Even without them, no problem. If you have an EV and it's plugged and charging, you are in business.

 

[WattsUp]

Yeah, you rarely see cars with these stickers. I don't think I've ever noticed one. I don't have one.

Most EV parking spots just say you need to be charging. Plugging the charging handle into your car is usually enough evidence of this (as far as parking enforcement, if any exists, is concerned).

 

[NightHawk]

All the local dealers in my area put the HOV lane stickers on all their FFEs right away while on their lot even before they sold.
They pay the fee and get them in bulk.
When I leased my FFE a month ago one of the papers I signed was to transfer the registration for the HOV stickers to me.

 

[michael]

Santa Monica allows EV's to park at meters without paying, but you need to have a white sticker (green not eligible)

I saw a Tesla get pulled over by the CHP on the freeway. I'm pretty sure it was for using the carpool lane without actually having the stickers.

 

[WattsUp]

All the local dealers in my area put the HOV lane stickers on all their FFEs right away while on their lot even before they sold.

True, but we're talking about EV parking stickers (see link in the first post), not HOV stickers.

 

[NightHawk]

Oh, I've never heard of parking decals required.
I would think its obvious that an FFE is an electric vehicle if it has a charge port plugged in?

 

[brogult]

OK, here is the answer to my own question:

California bill AB 475 amended CVC 25211 and eliminated the requirement for the decal. Good. It also authorized PHEVs to use the EV-dedicated spots (not as good) and allowed for towing of authorized PHEVs and EVs that are not connected for charging (bad--if someone disconnects you...).

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201120120AB475

 

[WattsUp]

I would think its obvious that an FFE is an electric vehicle if it has a charge port plugged in?

You'd think. But, I'm sure parking enforcement types go "by the book". :?