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Bellingham, WA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
BMC 11.37, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Civil penalty
$124.00 (BMC 11.33.230(B))
Must be connected
Vehicle must actively charge while parked
Fee authority
Per-session fee set by council resolution
Appeal window
Contest within 7 days of citation
Late fee
$25.00 added after 30 days unpaid

Summary

Bellingham's public electric vehicle charging stations are open to any driver who pays the posted rate, but a vehicle left in the space without being plugged in and actively charging is a civil infraction under BMC 11.37.030 and BMC 11.33.060(A)(41). The city sets the fine at $124.00 under BMC 11.33.230(B), separate from ordinary parking penalties.

11.37.030: A. Electric vehicle charging stations may be used by any member of the public, subject to the payment of applicable charges and any posted limitations on hours of operation and length of time a vehicle may be parked in a parking space. B. Vehicles parked in electric vehicle parking spaces must be connected to the charging equipment and in the process of charging. Pursuant to BMC 11.33.060, it is a civil infraction to stop, stand or park a vehicle within an electric vehicle parking space if the vehicle is not connected to the charging equipment, unless otherwise authorized by state law. 11.33.230(B): The civil penalty for electric vehicle charging station parking infractions shall be $124.00, or such increased amount as may be required by RCW 46.08.185.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

010). 020). 030, any member of the public may use a station, but must pay the posted per-session fee and follow any posted hours-of-operation or time limits, and the vehicle must be connected to the charging equipment and actively charging while parked there. 040). 050). 060(A)(41), unless the vehicle is authorized by state law to park there without charging. 36 BMC violations.

Violations & Fines

Parking in an EV charging space without being connected and charging is a civil infraction carrying a $124.00 penalty under BMC 11.33.230(B), a rate tied to RCW 46.08.185 and processed under RCW 3.50.100, 35.20.220, 46.16A.120, and 46.20.270(2). A citation may be paid within 15 days at municipal court, an authorized collection box, by mail, or online; contesting it requires notifying the court within seven days under BMC 11.33.220. Unpaid tickets add a $25.00 late fee after 30 days under BMC 11.33.230(E).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park in a Bellingham EV charging space if I'm not charging?
No. BMC 11.33.060(A)(41) makes it a civil infraction to stop, stand or park in a marked electric vehicle space served by publicly available charging equipment unless the vehicle is connected and charging, or otherwise authorized by state law. The city posts signage disclosing this rule and the penalty at each station under BMC 11.37.050.
How much is the fine for blocking an EV charging station in Bellingham?
The civil penalty is $124.00 under BMC 11.33.230(B), tied to the rate the state sets in RCW 46.08.185. That amount applies specifically to EV charging space infractions and is processed through different state statutes than the city's ordinary $60.00 parking fine.
Who can use Bellingham's public EV charging stations, and what does it cost?
Any member of the public may use them under BMC 11.37.030, subject to a per-session fee set by city council resolution. The fee is cost-based and can recover electricity, administration, maintenance, enforcement, and capital costs, and rates and any time limits must be posted at the station under BMC 11.37.050.
Can I contest an EV charging space ticket in Bellingham?
Yes. Under BMC 11.33.220, you must notify Bellingham Municipal Court within seven days of the citation that you want to contest it, and the clerk sets a hearing date. If you miss the 15-day payment window without contesting, the fine becomes final and a $25.00 late fee applies under BMC 11.33.230(E).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bellingham

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All Bellingham rules

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