Berkeley, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Restriction applies
- Only after signs/markings are posted
- Eligible vehicles
- Only EVs may park in marked stalls
- Charging requirement
- EV must be actively charging, not just parked
- Time limit
- Overstaying posted limit is a violation
- Enforcing agency
- Berkeley Police Department
- Legal basis
- Cal. Vehicle Code §§ 22511, 22511.1
- Adopted
- Ordinance 7601-NS, 2018
Summary
Berkeley reserves signed and marked on-street parking stalls exclusively for electric vehicles actively plugged in and charging. BMC § 14.46.050 bars gas-powered cars from those stalls, bars EVs from occupying a stall without charging, and bars any vehicle from overstaying the posted time limit, with police empowered to cite or tow violators under state law.
A. In parking stalls designated by the use of markings and/or posting as electric vehicle charging stations, only electric vehicles are allowed to park for charging events during designated hours.
B. It is unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to allow a vehicle to park or stand in a designated electric vehicle charging station longer than the posted time limit.
C. It is unlawful for the operator of an electric vehicle to allow that vehicle to park or stand in a designated electric vehicle charging station unless the vehicle is actively conducting a charging event.
D. The police department is authorized to cite and/or remove or cause the removal of vehicles parked in violation of this section in accordance with California Vehicle Code § 22511.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 8031-NS, passed July 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
040). Before the restriction takes effect, Public Works must install signs or markings that meet Vehicle Code § 22511 and warn that vehicles left in violation may be removed; until those signs go up, the space carries no special restriction. 050 imposes three separate rules: only electric vehicles may occupy the stall during the posted charging hours; no vehicle, electric or not, may remain past the posted time limit; and an electric vehicle itself may not simply sit in the stall unless it is actively conducting a charging event, meaning it must stay plugged in.
The chapter defines an electric vehicle as any vehicle that runs, wholly or partly, on electrical energy stored on board from an off-board source, covering full battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles alike. 020 is to promote sustainable transportation, manage limited on-street parking near high-demand charging locations, and improve overall traffic and parking circulation. 050(D) to cite drivers or have vehicles towed for violations, consistent with the removal procedures set out in Vehicle Code § 22511.
Violations & Fines
Parking a gas-powered vehicle in a marked EV charging stall, leaving an EV in the stall without an active charging session, or overstaying the posted time limit all violate BMC § 14.46.050. Berkeley Police may cite the vehicle or have it towed under California Vehicle Code § 22511's removal authority, in addition to standard parking infraction fines under BMC § 1.20.020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my gas car in a Berkeley EV charging spot if it's empty?
Can I leave my EV in a charging stall after it's done charging?
Who enforces Berkeley's EV parking stalls?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
California rules heatmap·Compare Berkeley to another location·View the California parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
EV Charging in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle ev charging.