The Maryland anti-ICEing law that passed this year will go into effect on October 1, 2022.
In order to be enforceable the charging space needs to be designated by a certain sign that, among other requirements, must meet design and placement standards established by the State Highway Administration.
Sign Specifications of Maryland Anti-ICEing Law
Specifically, the law states that a publicly accessible plug–in electric drive vehicle charging space as defined under Transportation Article § 21–1003.2, Annotated Code of Maryland shall be designated by a sign that:
- Indicates that the charging space is only for electric vehicle charging;
- Includes any day or time restrictions;
- States the maximum fine that may be incurred for a violation; and
- Is consistent with the design and placement specifications established in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways adopted by the State Highway Administration under § 25–104 of this article.
Guidance Needed to Inform Deployment of Signs
There are guidelines for parking signs at spaces reserved for persons with disabilities under the Maryland Accessibility Code for Buildings and Facilities as established by COMAR 09.12.53.12 PDF link.
For example, ADA parking signs must have the international symbol of access and the words “Reserved Parking”, and conform with the requirements for uniform traffic control devices under Transportation Article, §25-104. Those signs generally must be at least 7 feet above the ground if on a pole.
I hope that the Maryland State Highway Administration will provide similar guidance for signs for electric vehicle charging spaces that will satisfy the requirements of the Maryland anti-ICEing law.
I hope any guidance or standards developed by the state of Maryland will include a suggestion to include text to inform EV drivers that their vehicle must be connected to the charging equipment.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a Policy Statement on June 17, 2013 to address regulatory sign standards for electric vehicle charging and parking facilities. The memo included recommendations for optional plaques to address variations in local regulations. For Maryland that would probably include the “VEHICLE MUST BE PLUGGED IN” plaque depicted below.
This will help communicate to EV drivers that the law requires electric vehicles to be connected. See Maryland to Penalize EV Drivers Who Are Not Plugged In.
Annapolis passed a local anti-ICEing ordinance two years ago. One of the particular places that had been highlighted as having a chronic problem with being blocked by ICE vehicles is the Pip Moyer Center in Annapolis. To date, the City of Annapolis has not posted signs at their charging stations on town property.
I appeared before the Annapolis City Council this week to ask the Mayor and Aldermen to consider placing signs at the city’s charging stations. I even brought an example of a sign to show them what an official sign might look like.
Hopefully official signs that include a warning of the $100 fine for violations will stop the complaints of gas vehicles blocking the BGE charging stations at Pip Moyer Recreation Center.
